Pre-installation visits

We're upgrading the grid to decarbonise the island and will shortly be working in your area. 

Why have I been asked to book a pre-installation visit?

We’ll shortly be working with our contractors to upgrade the electricity grid infrastructure in your area, which means we’ll need to dig up some of the space around your property to access the underground electricity cable network.

To help make sure you get the maximum benefit from the ‘delivery phase’ of our upgrade project, we’d like to visit you to talk about potential cable upgrades that could benefit you and your property.

By upgrading your property's electricity supply cables during this phase of our wider project, we can minimise future disruption and road closures around your property, and help further prepare and secure our grid as islander’s demand for electricity grows.

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Will I be charged for the installation?

The pre-installation visit is free of charge, however any installation cost will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In most cases, there will be no cost to the customer, however this is easier to discuss and explain in person, which is why we’d like to meet you for a pre-installation visit. 

Potential installation charges will depend on the scope of the project and the route of the existing cables, finish of garden, the driveway, etc.

How can I prepare for the visit?

We may be able to offer you a full or partial ‘supply upgrade’ while we’re working on delivering the electricity network upgrades outside your property. 

A supply upgrade means increasing the amount of electricity that can supply your property by installing larger cables that connect you with the wider network.

This means we’ll likely need to make a small excavation on your private property, however doing this now will substantially reduce the cost and lead time of future upgrades that you may want if ever you wish to install electric heating, electric car chargers, or other power-hungry tech.

Important: if you have any essential equipment that relies on electricity, for example a stair lift or breathing support apparatus, please notify us during the pre-installation visit.

I’ve already applied for ‘additional load’ – what do I need to do?

If your installer has already applied to Guernsey Electricity for additional load, please let us know this at, or before, your appointment with us.

Find out more about 'Additional Load' applications 

What happens during a pre-installation visit?

One of our project delivery technicians will meet you at the property in question to explain how the project may impact your current electricity supply and run through the extent and expected timing of the work.

• They’ll need to see the existing ‘service position’, which is usually in the same location as your electricity meter(s)
• They may also need to do some non-intrusive testing to verify the location of your existing underground electricity cable.

They’ll then discuss any options available to you regarding your electricity supply upgrade which we may be able to do during this stage.

We’ll then ask you to sign a consent form to record the outcome of the visit and grant any permissions needed for GEL to complete the work discussed.

How long will the pre-installation visit take?

We usually only need around 10-15 minutes per visit and will be free-of-charge. 

Book your pre-installation visit 

Who needs to be at the meeting?

Ideally, the property owner so they can agree any works and sign the necessary consent form.

If that isn’t possible, we can accept consent from someone with delegated responsibility from the property owner to authorise such works.

If you’re a tenant, we kindly ask that your landlord also attend the meeting.

Will my electricity supply be affected?

We won’t need to isolate your electricity supply during the pre-installation visit, but we may need to switch off your supply during the delivery phase of the project. 

If we do, a member of our team will contact you to let you know a time and date for the scheduled changeover.

It’s likely you’ll be out of power for around three hours, but probably considerably less.

Please don’t worry about your fridge or freezer during this time as food should keep between four to six hours in the fridge, and 15-24 hours in the freezer if the doors aren't opened. 

I am not available on the appointment dates provided, is there an alternative?

If you’re unable to make any of the dates available in the specified schedule, please call us on 01481 241931 and let us know you’re calling about the pre-installation visits.

One of our team will be happy to help with alternative arrangements where possible.

Book your pre-installation visit