One of the things that I missed when budgeting was the cost of moving some of the utilities. While none of the amounts are showstoppers, they do start to add up. And the fact that they haven’t been showstoppers is more down to luck than judgement.
So first electricity…….
There were two electric meters on the property. One in each of the properties. The meters belong to the electricity supplier (e.g. EDF, E.on, British Gas) and it is usually free to get a meter removed. We removed the meter from number 8 and continue to use the meter in number 10 to power the cement mixer etc.
There was third – there was a meter in one of the outbuildings, but we have never had a bill for this one and we had it removed before knocking down the building. I talked to the electricity board and no one seems to know who owns it. So now it languishes in the long grass in the back field.
The existing meter in number 10 needs to move to the new utility room, but unfortunately that will have to wait as it isn’t built yet. I reckon we can move it around October/November time. When it does move, we would like the cables put underground rather than being attached to the front of the property (which they are at the moment).
In addition to the changes to the single phase supply above, we also need to install a 3 phase supply. This is to power the ground source heat pump. We are fortunate that there is a three-phase supply on the pole right outside the property. Again this needs to go to the new utility room (still not built) with a three-phase meter. This should go in the same trench as single phase supply.
On the basis that we dig the trench and laying the duct to the utility room, the cost is £2,600 plus 5% VAT. All of the work that relates to the change of supply is completed by Northern Power Grid. Plus, of course, there is the cost of digging the trench. Once the order has been accepted, you are given an MPAN number that can then be given to the electricity provider of your choice who will install the meters (one for the single phase supply and one for the three-phase supply). I am currently shopping around for the best electricity provider. More updates on this later.
The existing electricity supply comes in via overhead cables. The cables are then attached to the front of the house. The plan is that there will be put underground and brought round into the new extension. The yellow sheaths are to protect the guys working on the scaffolding.