Continued engagement on Assessment and Design fees

We will continue to engage with our stakeholders about the Connection Offer Expenses (A&D fees) we charge.

On 6 April 2018, we introduced Connection Offer Expenses (also known as A&D fees) for all new budget estimates, feasibility studies and connection offers we produce, making the process fairer for all involved. 

Previously, and irrespective of the complexity or number of applications made, the costs associated with preparing this work were not charged to the individual making the request, the costs were recovered from customers who accepted the connection offer and proceeded with the work. This led to a high volumes of applications and resulted in DNOs spending significant periods of time on work that did not proceed.

Early indications suggest that the introduction of fees has had the desired effect and we have observed a reduction in the number of applications we receive that do not proceed to connection. We understand however that this was a major change to our process and that further engagement was needed to ensure that all our stakeholders and customers are informed about the fees we charge, including how we apply those charges and  the information that is available to them before making an application.

In response to feedback, we made a commitment at the mid-year point to continue to engage with our stakeholders to understand their views and expectations and keep them informed throughout the remainder of the ICE plan year.  

We held a briefing at our Connections Customer Forum where we set out our position and invited feedback from those attending on our approach. We also held a webinar in February 2019 and asked those taking part to tell us what else we could be doing to engage with them on this topic and if the session had informed their understanding of our approach to A&D fees. 100% of those who responded agreed it had.