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If you're building a new home, converting a property or moving into a building without an electricity supply, one of the first questions you'll have is how much it costs to get connected.

The answer varies considerably from project to project. Some straightforward connections can cost a few hundred pounds, while more complex installations involving roadworks or network upgrades can run into several thousand pounds.

In this guide, we'll explain the average cost of a new electricity supply connection, what affects the price and where you may be able to save money.

What is the average cost of a new electricity supply connection?

The average price of a new electricity supply connection is around £1,790.

However, costs can vary significantly depending on your location, the work required and how close your property is to the existing electricity network.

While the average cost of installing a new electricity supply connection is around £1,790, relatively simple projects can cost much less and larger, rural or self-build projects can cost substantially more.

Get a quote for a new electricity supply connection

A new electricity connection usually involves several different parties, including your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), your electricity supplier and a qualified electrician.

Because every site is different, getting a tailored quote is the best way to understand the likely cost of your project.

Find checked electricians working in your area and request a quote today.

New electricity supply costs

As we've mentioned, there are three main elements involved when arranging a new electricity supply.

1. Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

Your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) owns and maintains the electricity cables in your area.

They are responsible for bringing the electricity supply to your property and carrying out any network work required.

Prices differ between DNOs, so the cost will depend on where your property is located.

2. Electricity supplier

Once the supply is available, you'll need to arrange for an electricity meter to be installed by an electricity supplier.

Meter installation is usually free, although you'll want to compare suppliers and tariffs before making a decision.

3. Qualified electrician

A qualified electrician will connect the new supply to your consumer unit and complete any internal wiring required.

If you're planning wider electrical work at the same time, you may also want to understand how much it costs to rewire a house.

Typical new electricity supply scenarios

The cost of installing a new electricity supply can vary widely. A few real-world examples can help to explain this:

A simple bungalow on an unmade lane, where the electricity pole is already within the plot and you are able to dig your own trench, could cost significantly less than the UK average of £1,790.

At the other end of the scale, a large rural site requiring a 60-metre road excavation could cost around £10,140.

This is why obtaining a site-specific quote is so important.

Getting electricity connected to a new build or self-build

If you're building a new home or converting a property that doesn't yet have a supply, you'll need to arrange a new electricity supply from scratch.

For many self-builders, electricity is one of the most important utility connections for a new build, alongside water, drainage and broadband.

1. The process usually starts with your local DNO, who will assess the site, provide a quote and determine how the electricity supply will reach the property

2. If you're setting up electricity in a new home, once the supply has been installed your electricity supplier can arrange the meter installation

3. Your electrician can then complete the internal wiring and consumer unit connections

One thing many self-builders discover is that timing matters almost as much as cost. Network work can take several weeks to organise, so it's worth starting the process early rather than waiting until the build is nearing completion.

If you're budgeting for a larger project, you may also find our guide to the cost to build a house useful.

What affects the cost of a new electricity supply?

Installing a new electricity connection will always carry several variables, which is why costs can vary so much from one project to another.

Some of the main factors that can influence the final price you'll pay include:

• Distance from the nearest electricity network

• Whether a new transformer is required

• Overhead or underground supply routes

• The amount of trenching needed

• Road crossings and excavation work

• Local DNO charges and policies

• Single-phase or three-phase supply requirements

• Whether work is contestable or non-contestable

Contestable vs non-contestable work

This is one of the most important cost factors to understand when it comes to installing a new electricity supply.

• Contestable work includes elements such as trench digging and some cabling work that can be completed by accredited contractors

• Non-contestable work involves technical network tasks that can only be carried out by your DNO

The more contestable work involved, the greater your opportunity to compare quotes and potentially reduce costs.

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Additional costs to budget for

As highlighted earlier, no two installations are likely to be the same.

Depending on the project, you may also need to budget for:

• Trench excavation

• Road crossings

• New transformer installations

• Meter box installation

• Consumer unit installation or upgrades

• Internal electrical wiring

• Ground reinstatement works

What's included in a quote?

The exact scope will vary between projects, but as a guide...

A new electricity supply quote may include:

• Site assessment

• Supply cable installation

• Network connection work

• Meter installation arrangements

• Internal electrical connections

• Testing and certification

Potential exclusions can include:

• Trench excavation

• Ground reinstatement

• Consumer unit upgrades

• Internal rewiring

• Additional electrical installations

Always check exactly what's included when comparing quotes.

How long does a new electricity connection take?

Most new electricity connections take between 4–12 weeks from application to live supply.

A large part of this timescale is down to the DNO's work, including surveys, approvals and any network upgrades required.

Once the supply has been energised, the electrician's part of the job is usually much quicker and often takes 1–2 days.

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New electricity supply cost calculator

A simple way to estimate your budget when planning for a new electricity supply is:

DNO connection cost + Electrician costs + Additional works = Total project cost

However, every project is different. The best way to get an accurate cost is to search for checked electricians working in your area and get in touch for a quote.

How to save on the cost of installing a new electricity supply

One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is to understand the difference between contestable and non-contestable work. As a reminder:

• Contestable work is the physical construction work that accredited contractors can carry out, such as trenching and certain cabling works

• Non-contestable work is restricted to the DNO

Ask your DNO to break down their quote into these two categories. If you wish, you can then get quotes from other accredited contractors for the contestable elements and compare prices.

It's also worth checking whether your DNO provides online budget estimation tools, as these can help you benchmark quotes before committing to a contractor.

New electricity supply connection checklist

• Identify your local DNO

• Request a connection quotation

• Confirm whether the supply will be overhead or underground

• Understand which works are contestable

• Compare quotes for contestable work

• Arrange an electricity supplier

• Confirm meter installation arrangements

• Hire a qualified electrician

• Check whether a consumer unit upgrade is needed

• Allow enough time for network works

When should you arrange a new electricity supply?

You'll typically need a new electricity supply if:

• You're building a new home

• You're carrying out a self-build project

• You're converting a building without an existing supply

• You're developing land

• You're replacing a disconnected supply

The earlier you start the process, the easier it is to coordinate the various stages of work and avoid delays.

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Find a qualified electrician near you

A new electricity connection is not a job to leave to chance.

Once your DNO and electricity supplier have completed their parts of the process, a qualified electrician will be needed to connect the supply safely and ensure all work complies with current regulations.

Compare quotes from checked electricians working in your area.

FAQs

How much does it cost to connect electricity to a new build in the UK?

A new electricity supply connection typically costs around £1,790. The exact figure depends on factors such as the distance to the existing network, excavation requirements and whether a new transformer is needed.

How long does it take to get a new electricity connection?

Most new electricity connections take 4–12 weeks from application to live supply. Much of this time is spent on DNO network work, with the electrician's installation often taking only 1–2 days once the supply is live.

What is contestable work in an electricity connection?

Contestable work is the part of the project that can be completed by accredited contractors rather than your DNO. This can include trenching and certain construction works, giving you the opportunity to compare quotes and potentially reduce the overall project cost.

Can I install an electricity meter myself?

No. Electricity meters must be installed by authorised professionals. Meter installation is usually arranged through your electricity supplier once the new supply is available.

Do I need a qualified electrician for a new electricity supply?

Yes. A qualified electrician is responsible for connecting the supply to your consumer unit and completing any internal electrical work safely and in accordance with current regulations.

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New electricity supply cost key takeaways

• Most new electricity supply connections cost around £1,790

• Contestable work can often be priced separately, creating opportunities to save money

• A qualified electrician is needed to complete the final connection and internal wiring

• Apply to your DNO early, as network works can take 4–12 weeks to complete

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