I bought a cannabis farm

[Santafe2000]

Under WPD unless the network can not cope or handle it, then they provide a 3 phase supply as standard to all new conenctions. future proofing in case of renewables etc and load balancing.
I actually mamaged to get a free 3 phase upgrade recently, was a looped 60a supply, which they will unloop for free. when they excavated the cables and joints outside they discovered some issues with corrosion to the cable. couldnt use it so ran a new one in and jointer said it had to be 3 phase. as per new rules so customer and his neighbour now have 3 phase supplies.
My customer is happy as he currently uses a VFD for his machinery in the garage workshop. so will be back to get him set up for 3 phase in new year

the cutting off of grow houses at the street is standard for wpd and I believe several dnos now. expensive if you are the landlord but you need good insurance.

As others have said this should surely have been picked up on the pre-sell contracts/ info pack? I would be having words with your solicitors

Thanks very much Gavin, interesting reading... As I said earlier, it was never gonna be picked up on searches because the DNO had their meter records mixed up., my meter was listed as belonging to my neighbour and their records showed she had been disconnected rather than me. The DNO won't take any responsibility for that though. Your response pretty much mirrors what the DNO have said and to be honest, if I planned on staying in this property long term, I'd just get it done but if I can just have it re-instated like for like then that's what I'd do; It's why I wondered if this upgrade is mandatory if not required on safety grounds.

 

[Santafe2000]

Wow I didn't realise they went to such an extent to disconnect. Are you sure it's the three phase supply that's costing you? I would have thought it's the planning and digging up the highway.

Yes, so were the WPD team who visited, they said they never do it like that. Yes, I'm sure, I have a full cost breakdown of works but yes, there's some related planning works like a street closure, but its all related to the three phase upgrade.

 

[Santafe2000]

Did they leave any free samples?

Asking for a friend…

I've got some old slightly burned cable and some plastic sheeting from the underside of the roof, you can have those.

 

[Aaron b]

If you Google it there are pdf's stating the in road disconnects are usual practice. It was all western power though so I'm not sure how often other power companies do it.

I doubt there would be much difference just because it's three phase and it doesn't sound like you have a choice.

 

[brianmoooore]

Maybe get a quote for a new connection, as if it was a new house?
I've seen such wildly varying quotes from WPD over the years for what appears to be almost identical work - there appears to be no logic involved whatsoever.
A case in point was at my own property, where I was variously quoted £0, about £1200 and £3500 for exactly the same job.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Now for the embarrassing bit... I'm a Chartered Surveyor. I checked the structure and looked at the consumer unit, which was an old Bakelite unit so I planned on an EICR and board upgrade anyway. I didn't check in the meter cupboard, which was where the tails had been cut. I generally spend 3-4 hours on Pre-purchase surveys, I spent about 45 minutes on my own.

That's typical isn't it Santa. I am meticulous when working in customers houses, but when it comes to mine it generally doesn't even get done!

 

[Vortigern]

I wonder if you could sue yourself for negligence? (petard, hoisted anyone?) Looks very much like you are going to have to bite the bullet on this one and stump up sadly. An action on the vendors is highly unlikely to produce a result considering pre-writ costs amount to 5k. Caveat Emptor applies as probably you well know. Quelle dommage! I feel for you.

 

[brianmoooore]

Did they leave any free samples?

Asking for a friend…

Did a full rewire on one many years ago. Had been the country residence of a moderately successful rock band.
There was a scrap car in a field behind the house, and the boot contained two large plastic bags of dried, but otherwise unprocessed weed.

 

[nicebutdim]

I've got some old slightly burned cable and some plastic sheeting from the underside of the roof, you can have those.

Along with 12" cutouts from ceilings and stud walls.

 

[nicebutdim]

Maybe get a quote for a new connection, as if it was a new house?
I've seen such wildly varying quotes from WPD over the years for what appears to be almost identical work - there appears to be no logic involved whatsoever.
A case in point was at my own property, where I was variously quoted £0, about £1200 and £3500 for exactly the same job.

After due consideration, which option did you go with?