Metered disconnections pilot

We said we would We will design and run a metered disconnections pilot for ICPs.

“We welcomed the opportunity to work with Northern Powergrid on the metered disconnecton pilot through which we successfully delivered a scheme and now look forward to this activity becoming business as usual should the need arise.”
Neil Fitzsimons, Power On Connections. 

We are always keen to assist ICPs to be able to compete more effectvely in the connections market. The scope of market activites is important to ICPs if they are to increase  market share.

Metered disconnections are currently a non-contestable activity and therefore not open to competition. We were asked if we would be willing to allow ICPs to undertake metered disconnections, which led us to include two actions in our 2016/17 work plan; to run a pilot with an ICP to carry out metered disconnections and then to consider implementing an enduring business process to allow ICPs to carry out this work when required.

We worked with Independent Connections Provider Power On Connections, to develop all the necessary business processes; identify appropriate projects and carry out pilot disconnections works. The pilot was a success with Power On Connections undertaking a three phase metered service disconnection. As a result of this pilot, we have been able to prove that suitably accredited ICPs are capable of carrying out this work and therefore we see no reason why this activity should not be opened up to competition.

Following on from the initial pilot we now have the business as usual processes in place that allows us to process an enquiry from a suitably accredited ICP to undertake a single or three phase whole current metered disconnection. However, interest from ICPs since the pilot remains limited at this time. Having gained valuable experience from the pilot and accordingly, should ICPs want to extend their activities into metered disconnections then we are now able to service their future needs.