Builders Temporary Supply

Often building sites require a limited power supply to undertake construction works - a “Builders Temporary Supply” (BTS). Once the work at the site is finished, the temporary supply must be either disconnected or upgraded to a permanent supply.

If you are ready for your BTS to become permanent, please complete our alter your connection online application form.

Note that BTS connections require recertification by a warranted person every six months. MLL requires that BTS are either permanently disconnected (or made into permanent connections) 12 months after initial livening.

Standard versus Complex connections

Standard

If our network is already running alongside the property where you want to connect, the connection type will most likely be processed as standard (simple). Normally, it will take us around six weeks from your application until when livening can be undertaken, but this may vary depending on specific connection requirements.

If service mains are being installed by your electrician, these must be constructed in accordance with our network connection standard, and copies of as-built information will be required by MLL that meet our Network As-built Standard prior to any connection livening. While MLL will not typically own service mains, records of their type and location are required as they connect to MLL’s network.

Our Network Standards are available upon request and prescribe requirements of equipment (e.g. service mains) that will be connected to our network. MLL will require evidence (including as-built documentation) to confirm that equipment installed meets MLL’s Network Standards.

Non-standard (Complex)

If your connection requires a network extension to reach your connection point, or it triggers a requirement to upgrade the capacity, or alter the network, then it will likely be deemed a non-standard (complex) connection.

Other factors may result in the connection application being deemed complex, such as the need for obtaining easements prior to connection livening. For complex connection applications, it can take several months from the time of application until the works are constructed and the connection is made to our network.

Complex connections includes subdivisions.

Capacity Upgrades / Downgrades

Capacity upgrades may either be simple or complex depending on whether changes to MLL’s network is required to facilitate the upgrade to the connection’s capacity. Simple capacity upgrades will generally only involve an upgrade to the installed fuses at the connection.

Additional capacity might be required when you bring in new (or change existing) electrical equipment for instance, an/or your premises expands. You should discuss any potential additional capacity required with your electrician, they will be able to assess the amount of electrical load required. If no network upgrades are required, you will still be required to pay a development contribution with a capacity upgrade, plus the cost of the work being undertaken.

In other situations, a consumer may wish to reduce their connection’s capacity if, for example, electrical appliances and/or machinery are removed, or more electrically efficient alternatives are installed. There will be no development contribution (nor would there be any refund for any previously paid development contribution associated with the connection), but there will be an assessment fee plus a charge for work associated with the physical undertaking of the capacity downgrade.

Prior to connection livening, a valid Certificate of Compliance must be provided (in accordance with Part 5 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 to the authorised person undertaking the inspection, otherwise, livening of the connection will be prohibited. Other pre-livening conditions may apply, such as registering an electricity easement, and provision of appropriate as-built documentation for example, these will be notified to the applicant during the application process.

You will need to engage with an electricity retailer who will invoice you for your monthly electricity charges. MLL has contracts with electricity retailers for the use of MLL’s network to supply electricity to consumers premises.

Controlling your electricity supply: for those that install controllable appliances (such as hot water cylinders, and potentially electric vehicle chargers) and meet the requirements to be on a controllable lower price tariff, MLL may control the load (send a signal to turn off supply temporarily) at times when network demand is very high - typically winter mornings and evenings but occasionally in summer and at other times too. The authorised contractor installing metering will need to provide metering information to MLL, including the ripple relay information for any controlled load meters.

Contact us, or your local electrician, if you want further information about your connection, and what’s required to go on the lower price controllable tariffs for hot water cylinders, and electric vehicles for example.

Typically, you will own and be responsible for the underground and/or overhead low voltage service lines within your property beyond any MLL owned service fusing. Service line ownership and responsibility can vary depending on the type of property, the electrical equipment and where the equipment is located. In most situations, if you have a low voltage service line (including pole(s), if applicable) within your property and supplying only your connection, it is likely that you own that service line.

Old and/or poor condition service lines are more likely to be damaged causing a loss of supply and potentially posing a safety hazard. We recommend that you arrange for your service lines to be inspected and maintained by qualified electrical workers. Never attempt to do any work yourself.

If service mains are being installed by your electrician, we will require copies of as-built information in accordance with our network standards prior to any connection being livened. While MLL will not typically own service lines, records of their type and location are required as they connect to our network.

If MLL’s electrical equipment (for example poles, their conductors, and distribution transformers) are to be installed on land you own or land owned by a third party, a legal easement in gross to MLL must be created and legally registered on the property title.

Low voltage services or distribution mains on your property supplying only your connection are generally owned by the property owner, and generally do not require an easement in gross to MLL. Please be aware that MLL is not responsible for maintaining, repairing or replacing these service or distribution mains.