- Electricity boundary metering rules to change -
- Developers to benefit from reduced timescales and costs -
New Ofgem policies, set to benefit developers by reducing timescales and costs, are due to come into force from 1st April 2010. GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new-build market, has been working closely with Ofgem to overcome the issue of electricity boundary metering. On 2nd March 2010, Ofgem announced that if upstream regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) require boundary metering, it will be at their expense.
For the developer, boundary metering has been very unpopular and has meant that expensive, large and unsightly equipment has had to be installed on most new developments. The considerable size of the metering equipment creates land-take issues, which in turn often incurs high legal costs and adversely impacts timescales.
This recent decision overturns Ofgem’s 2005 position that boundary metering equipment should be funded by Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs). Under the 2005 decision DNOs insisted that metering be fitted at all connection boundaries to IDNO networks to measure electricity conveyed. It should be noted that DNOs did not install such metering in respect of developments served by their own network extensions.
GTC has actively contested the 2005 ruling as a barrier to true competition. Ofgem also recognised this disparity in its January Connections Review which stated that nationwide electricity connections to an IDNO network stands at 11% compared with the 77% of independent gas connections.
GTC is delighted with the Ofgem decision and believes that this lead to a dramatic reduction in the need for boundary metering, particularly for low voltage networks. This means that underground point of isolation solutions - such as link boxes in public highways – are a sufficient and entirely appropriate arrangement for connections between the DNO and IDNO network. Recognised industry systems will now be used to record usage. This dramatically scaled-down approach will create savings for all involved both in terms of cost and time.
Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC, says: “This is an important time; Ofgem’s decision will offer results in cost savings for developers and also signals a significant shift towards a fairer electricity market. Previously, disproportionate costs were borne entirely by the IDNO and this greatly restricted competition. We are pleased that our work with Ofgem has come to this very satisfactory conclusion.”
Please click here to see our Boundary Metering Flyer.
GTC has appointed two new Regional Sales Managers. At a time when the housing market is showing signs of recovery, GTC has moved to increase the regional support it provides its customers by appointing Paul Summers in the East Midlands region and Richard Cheeseman in the North.
Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC says: “We feel that now is a good time to support our customers by increasing our regional representation. GTC has continued to thrive throughout the recession and we attribute much of this to the close working relationship we have with our clients. Being able to field a sales team with such a high level of experience is a great asset both to GTC and to our customers.”
Paul Summers (East Midlands region) has worked at GTC for 9 years. He is a trained gas engineer with a foundation degree in civil engineering. During his time at GTC, Paul has worked in various departments within the company including sales, gaining a detailed knowledge of customer needs. Richard Cheeseman (North region) has worked in the industry for 8 years. He is a trained GIRS design complex registered engineer and has worked in both the engineering department and sales. Richard is from the North of England and has over 14 year’s sales experience.
Paul and Richard are looking forward to continuing to build strong relationships between GTC and both existing and prospective customers. Contact details for all GTC’s regional sales managers can be found in Sales Contacts.
GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new-build market, has been awarded the contract for the King’s Reach development in Bedfordshire.
The contract is for GTC to deliver gas and electricity networks to a major new development serving 1,755 dwellings and a Neighbourhood Centre with a variety of retail and leisure facilities. The site will be developed by leading house builders Taylor Wimpey and Martin Grant Homes. GTC has a strong track record of project delivery for Taylor Wimpey – the UK’s largest house builder - and is looking forward to delivering high quality construction over the next few years at Kings Reach. The contract for this high profile project was awarded to GTC based on the company’s ability to work with other key utility partners, its competitive commercial terms, and the overall value for money GTC offered.
The development of infrastructure began in January 2010. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC, says: “While the industry has gone through a very tough period it is great to see that new contracts are now being awarded again. GTC works hard to deliver market leading efficiency and cost-effectiveness and we believe that it is this approach and our reliability that have helped us to remain successful even through these tough times.”
GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new-build market, has appointed Tom Brough as Head of Sales. This key appointment is testament to the fact that GTC is determined to continue to support developers through the recession and has robust plans for the future.
Tom has worked for GTC since November 2007 as Product Manager and Regional Sales Manager for the East Midlands. As Head of Sales, Tom will drive the important task of strengthening and developing GTC’s loyal customer base by ensuring that the company’s products and services consistently match the client’s needs. Whilst managing and supporting GTC’s regional sales managers, Tom will oversee the marketing process, and will directly manage the sales process for strategic projects.
Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC says: “We are delighted to have been able to offer Tom the position of Head of Sales. GTC is committed to providing the highest possible levels of service and we pride ourselves on our strong working relationships with our clients. We feel that Tom’s wide experience and impressive knowledge makes him the ideal person to continue to forge close and successful partnerships with developers and on-site teams alike.”
Prior to joining GTC, Tom gained strong experience in environmental and sustainability issues and the energy industry whilst working for the East of England Development Agency and the Energy Information Centre. Tom’s background is in energy procurement, risk management and business development. Among his interests Tom lists golf, he has a handicap of 12, and the enthusiastic coaching of the Bury St Edmunds under 13s rugby team.
Following our successful water market entry in 2008 based on our partial WIRS (Water Industry Registration Scheme) accreditation for construction, GTC has, in 2009, been awarded full WIRS. This is recognised by all water utilities and Water UK, complements the accreditations for gas and electricity GTC already held, and represents the same high standards for quality and safety. With GIRS, NERS, and WIRS GTC can offer a full Multi Utility provision, and is listed as a Multi Utility provider on the Lloyd’s Register website.
GTC has recently been awarded a dual fuel project by Miller Homes. The regeneration development is on the site of a former electrical equipment manufacturing unit, demolished to make way for the development of 146 properties.
If you are an energy supplier, please visit your section’s updated FAQ page for answers to some frequently asked questions.
GTC has been awarded a full MU project by Persimmon Homes East Midlands. The 35 plot development in Cranwell was awarded to GTC on 15th July 2009 and construction is due to start in September 2009.
In 2007 GTC was awarded the contract to install the gas and electricity networks to a major mixed use development of 3,250 dwellings, two schools, a local shopping centre and fifteen industrial and commercial units in East Anton, Andover.
Most significantly, the East Anton project was the first of its kind in the UK. GTC’s 11kV electrical network is connected directly to the host DNO’s local 33/11kV substation. In addition to extensive offsite complexities the development has fourteen electrical sub stations connected to the GTC 11kV network and two gas pressure reducing stations connected to the medium pressure gas supply network.
The work required careful planning and on-site management including very regular and close working with the developer and the local utility owners. The development progressed smoothly and to schedule thanks to GTC’s on-site and office-based management teams and the clear lines of communication between GTC and the customer - particularly important in the very early stages of this project.
GTC has formed a cross process environmental group to improve awareness and increase the profile of environmental matters throughout the business. Our agreed approach is Cut Carbon – Cut Costs – It’s CO2mmon Sense. We are looking at the major contributors to GTC’s carbon footprint and have established six business improvement teams to look at opportunities from broad business areas such as the Office Environment to specific energy reduction ideas such as capturing and using the heat generated from our IT system servers. Watch this space for a number of Eco policy initiatives.
Every year, GTC sponsors the IGEM/SBGI Gas Industry Awards Lunch. This year, GTC’s Head of Engineering, John Dale, presented the award for Gas Industry Engineer of the Year to Stuart Elliott from Laing O’Rourke Infrastructure. As one of the biggest events in the industry, Dr Paul Golby (Chief Executive of E.ON UK), Gordon Davies (President of IGEM), and Paul Massey (President of SBGI) were also in attendance.
In March 2008, GTC acquired Power On Connections - the UK’s first leading independent electricity connections provider. Power On Connections provides electricity infrastructure for new connections on complex high voltage projects that traditionally could only be undertaken by the host incumbent Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Established in 2003, Power On has an enviable history. In 2005 the company won the ‘Leicestershire New Business of the Year Award’ and three years later was ranked 72nd fastest growing private company in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 List.
Please see the link to Power On’s website for more details of what this remarkable company can offer: Power On Connections.
GTC have made improvements to the Shipper NetHelp and search facility. These are visual only and do not affect the search process in any way. The On-Line Meter Point Search Facility GTC User Guide, as displayed under our Library tab, will be updated to reflect these changes.
In the midst of the current economic downturn, GTC has recently been awarded the provision of infrastructure for a new development at Stanground, Peterborough by Persimmon Homes. The development consists of 1,525 new houses and several industrial and commercial units, including a community centre and a primary school.
The requirements of the development include the installation of a HV sub station, a gas governor; connection to a pumping station, and 1.4 km of onsite HV cables connecting to a 1 MV substation. GTC’s technical site team will be working closely with Persimmon to meet the delivery deadline for the installation and eneregisation of the pumping station in June 2009.
In 2007, GTC won the development at East Anton, requiring over 3,000 new property connections. While the site presented many technical complexities - including 14 electricity substations, 1.8km of offsite mains to the Andover East Primary substation, and the crossing of a main line railway - all challenges were overcome. We are pleased to announce that the first show home had its gas and electricity meters fitted on 3 April 2009, on both the Bryant Homes and Taylor Wimpey developments. We look forward to continuing to build out this development and to making further meter connections.
GTC is heavily involved in supporting and developing the utility industry we operate within. Since 2000 GTC has sponsored the SBGI award for ‘Engineer of the Year’, and will be sponsoring the event again this year. GTC will also attend the Gas Industry award lunch on 12th May 2009 in London to meet the winner.
GTC has been successfully selling electricity and dual fuel (gas & electricity) connections and infrastructure in England since obtaining an IDNO licence in 2006. To build on the success this has brought, GTC are promoting the dual fuel product to developers in Scotland. To discuss any development schemes in Scotland, please contact Regional Sales Manager Glenn Marr on 07834 802018.
Welcome to our new website – designed with your needs in mind and based on feedback received. We hope you will find it to be user friendly. If you have any comments, however, please contact Mhairi Wilson on 01359 243302. We are more than happy to look at ways in which we can improve our service.
To meet the needs of our customers, GTC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Mutli Utility product, initially in the Anglian Water area.
Although the water industry is not fully open to competition in the same way as gas and electricity, GTC is pleased to install the water network under a self-lay agreement with the host water company. This allows GTC to offer a competitive multi-utility quote, providing you with an all-in-one infrastructure solution.
For more information about this product and the regions where we can offer these services, please contact your Regional Sales Manager.
As part of the launch into the water industry GTC has recently been awarded WIRS accreditation (construction). This compliments the accreditations for gas and electricity GTC already holds.
GTC achieved the IEG Gold Health & Safety award which is for 18 months without a 3 day lost time incident.