New development in Manchester gets the right connections

Utility Engineering Solutions Ltd has undertaken the contestable electrical connections work for a new mixed-use development in Sale, Manchester. The company has delivered cost-effective innovative solutions that gives the development and its occupants flexibility and choice of electricity suppliers.

The Need

The Sale Residential/Commercial Development is located in the fourth most sought after postal code in the UK. The development comprises of 34 apartments and retail space at ground floor level.

The power requirements for the development necessitated the establishment of a new 500kVA unit substation and associated HV/LV cable infrastructure supplied from the local high voltage distribution network.

The apartments are electrically heated and the projected electrical capacity necessitated a detailed study of the local network by the local DNO to determine the point of connection. This was verified by the team at UES, with a sense check made on the local network capacities at 6600V.

Benefit

The choice of an Independent Connections Provider (ICP) to make the electrical connections was a strategic decision. The developer, in conjunction with the main construction contractor and utility consultants, believed that this route would be more cost-effective and provide the best solution for the construction programme.

Changes in the connections market has given ICPs like UES the opportunity to offer alternatives to using the host DNO.

Developers, large and small, can take advantage of the reduced capital outlay, favourable contract terms, value engineering and timely delivery that UES has to offer.

Sought after location. Sale is one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.

The Project Details

The UES turnkey solution included the establishment of a new 500kVA substation, comprising of high voltage switchgear, low voltage cabinet and a 500kVA transformer. A total circuit length of 250m of dual circuit HV cable was installed to the point of connection, contained within the public highway.

The on-site infrastructure included LV mains cables, services into the retail units and LV connections to the apartments, metered in a central location at ground floor level.

Each end user has the freedom to choose different energy suppliers.

A Positive Result

UES completed the network design in a timely manner, enabling our construction team to place orders for substation equipment and ancillary components.

The HV/LV installation works were completed in a timely manner, working closely with the main contractor and utility project managers.

UES completed the HV jointing works onto the host DNO’s network, having gained Lloyds NERS accreditation for network connections up to 11kV.

UES subsequently energised the IDNO adopted LV network.