The National Federation of Builders (NFB) and leading energy supplier npower are working together to help improve the gas and power connection process for new builds.

The two organisations hope to streamline the new connections process by highlighting the importance of good communication channels between contractors and utility companies.

The collaboration follows separate research from both the NFB and npower that highlighted delays in getting newly built or refurbished sites connected to the gas or power network due to a lack of communication between contractors and utility companies. Research released in November 2011 by npower found that nearly a quarter of businesses moving into new properties are facing delays because the connection process had not been factored in early enough.


An NFB report released in January 2012 showed that construction firms feel disconnected from utility companies and nearly three quarters, 73 per cent, of construction sites run by members of the NFB are experiencing problems and delays when seeking new connections to water, gas and electricity networks.

Nick Lewis, new connections manager at npower, said: "We are pleased to be working with the NFB to highlight the importance of good communication and forward planning when it comes to new connections. Given the current economic climate, building contractors and businesses moving into new properties cannot afford to face avoidable delays.

"As such, both npower and the NFB are committed to improving the new connections process. That’s why at npower, we provide a single point of contact so communication is clear throughout the process, ensuring it runs smoothly and on time."

Julia Evans, chief executive of the NFB, added: "It is welcoming to see a key player in the utilities sector address some of the issues raised by the NFB report. Ensuring better communication is a fundamentally important step to improving standards in the industry and we are pleased to be working in partnership with npower when it comes to avoiding delays in new connections - our priority is to ensure better communications and a more reliable service for the construction industry."

(CD)