What is a Looped Service?

A looped service is where two neighbouring properties share a single electricity service cable. While this type of connection is no longer installed today, many older properties, particularly terraced and semi‑detached houses still have looped services.

The electricity cable first enters one property. From there, a second cable runs from the first property’s meter position to the second home’s meter position. If your service cable is underground, it can be difficult to tell if you are on a looped service.

Why would a Looped Service need to be removed?

A looped service may need to be removed if you or your neighbour need more power, for example, when installing new electrical equipment such as an electric car charger or a heat pump or want to move your electricity supply to a new position.

If you or your neighbour are applying for any of the above and you think you might be on a looped service, it’s important to let us know. Because the cable is shared, a looped service may not be able to handle the extra demand for both homes. This can result in there not being enough capacity, which may cause appliances to work poorly or even lead to power cuts.

How much will it cost?

In many cases, we can unloop your supply free of charge so that your property has its own connection; this depends on meeting certain eligibility criteria. Usually it’s free of charge, if you have a typical household electricity supply (up to 100 A per phase with a meter) and you may need to unloop your supply if you’re installing equipment such as an EV charger or a heat pump.

If you request additional work, such as changes to your electricity supply or an increase in load above a standard 100 A household supply, charges may apply. A member of our team will explain what is free, what is chargeable, and any costs involved before any work goes ahead.