Land Rights for new connections

What you need to know

When you request a new connection to our network, there are a few legal and planning steps we need to complete before we can install and switch on your supply. This ensures all work is carried out lawfully, safely and with the right permissions in place. 

Land rights 

Before we can install, use, maintain or upgrade our equipment on privately owned land, we need permission (known as land rights). 

Land rights can mean different things, including: 

• a lease or purchase of land 

• Wayleaves (legal agreement that gives us permission to install and maintain equipment on private land) 

• Easements/Servitude (legal right to place, access and maintain electricity equipment on private land without us owning the land) 

• or other property rights we may need to secure before work can begin 

In some cases, we may also need: 

• planning permission for a substation or overhead lines 

• environmental permits for work near wildlife habitats, water, or heritage sites 

Who pays for land rights?

You are responsible for any costs associated with securing land rights or consents. This may include your own legal or surveyor fees, third-party landowner costs or expenses related to securing leases, wayleaves, or easements/servitudes. These costs are separate from your connection quote.

What does this mean for your project

When planning your project, please remember: 

• Your quote is conditional on all required consents being granted 

• You need to accept your quote before we start the consenting process 

• Once you accept, we’ll assign a Project Manager and a Land Consenting Officer to guide you through the process 

• Timescales depend on how long you/your solicitors/your customer and any third parties take to grant consent, this may affect your project’s delivery date 

• We can’t start any work until all necessary consents are in place 

• If consent is refused, a new design and quote will be required 

Delays caused by legal negotiations

Our land rights agreements are standard legal documents designed to protect both you as the customer and us as the Distribution Network Operator. If your solicitor requests changes, this can cause significant delays to your project. Please note: 

• We are unable to amend our standard contracts in most cases 

• If amendments are requested, this will extend project timelines and may increase your costs 

• You can help avoid delays by ensuring your solicitor is aware of our standard documentation before the process begins 

Statutory consents 

Sometimes, additional permissions are needed from public bodies or regulators. These may include (but are not limited to): 

• Local planning authorities – for overhead lines or substations sites where permitted development rights are not appropriate 

• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – for overhead line approval under the Electricity Act 1989  

• Natural England – if work is near protected species or sites 

• Nature Scot – if work is near protected species or sites 

• Historic England/Scotland – if work is near protected archaeological areas 

• Environment Agency – if work is near rivers, streams, or other watercourses 

• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – if work is near rivers, streams, or other watercourses 

We work closely with these organisations to secure permissions as quickly as possible.