Unmetered supply specialists

Unmetered Supply Connections

Unmetered connections for street lighting, traffic signs, and public realm infrastructure. We coordinate the DNO, supplier, and certificate agent as one service.

Three-party coordination Street lighting EV charging
The Process
1
Prepare unmetered certificate
2
DNO physical connection
3
Supplier registration
4
Highways adoption
From Certificate to Energisation

The Process Step by Step

Every unmetered supply follows a clear, coordinated sequence. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.

1

What Is an Unmetered Supply

An unmetered supply is an electricity connection where consumption is settled on a deemed basis rather than by physical meter. Consumption is calculated from the rated wattage of each connected item and its estimated annual burning hours. This approach is standard for street lighting, traffic management signals, and other public realm infrastructure. Unmetered supplies require a three-party coordination process involving the DNO, the electricity supplier, and an accredited metering agent to issue the Unmetered Supplies Certificate.

2

Application Process

The Unmetered Supplies Certificate is the key document that enables the supply to be registered. It is produced by an accredited metering agent based on a schedule of all connected equipment, including lamp wattage, control gear, and operating schedule. USP coordinates all three parties: the DNO for the physical connection, the electricity supplier for billing registration, and the metering agent for the certificate. The three-party process is managed as a single coordinated service.

3

Street Lighting for New Developments

On new residential and commercial developments, the developer installs the street lighting columns, lanterns, and underground cabling as part of the highway adoption package. USP installs the electricity supply infrastructure to serve the lighting, coordinating with the lighting contractor on the connection point and switch positions. The supply is registered as unmetered before energisation, with the certificate and supplier registration in place for handover to the highway authority.

4

Combined Metered and Unmetered

Many public realm EV charging sites require both a metered supply for the charge point operator and an unmetered supply for the site lighting and ancillary infrastructure. USP delivers both connections under one contract, designing the metered and unmetered infrastructure together to minimise civil works and ensure the two supplies are correctly separated for billing and adoption purposes.

Key Technical Considerations

Technical Specifications

The critical parameters that govern every unmetered electricity supply.

Consumption method
Deemed based on rated wattage and annual burning hours. No physical meter installed.
Common uses
Street lighting, traffic signs and signals, EV charging point ancillary lighting, car park barriers, public realm infrastructure.
Certificate
Unmetered Supplies Certificate required from an accredited metering agent before supplier registration.
Settlement
Half-hourly settlement using a deemed consumption profile. Supplier bills based on certificate wattage and burning hours.
Street lighting adoption
Highway authority adopts the columns, cabling, and supply contract on completion. Supply registration must be in the correct name.
Combined supply
EV charging sites may require metered supply for charge points and unmetered supply for lighting. USP delivers both.
Why Choose USP

What USP Can Do For You

Complete unmetered supply delivery as part of your development's electricity package.

We deliver unmetered supply connections as a standard part of our ICP service, not as an afterthought managed by a third party.
We coordinate the DNO, electricity supplier, and metering certificate agent as a single managed service, removing the three-party coordination burden from the developer.
We install street lighting electricity supply infrastructure as part of our multi-utility programme, coordinated with the lighting contractor.
We are familiar with local authority adoption requirements and ensure supply registrations and certificates are in the correct name before adoption.
We design and deliver both metered and unmetered supplies on EV charging and mixed-use public realm sites under one contract.
Certified Provider

Fully Accredited & Committed to Safety

Every electricity connection we deliver meets the highest industry standards. Worker safety, public safety, environmental responsibility, and project compliance from planning to sign-off.

WaterSafe accredited
WIAPS accredited
LRQA WIRS certified
LRQA NERS certified
LRQA GIRS certified
ISO 9001 certified
Achilles UVDB Silver Plus
Constructionline member
SSIP accredited
Acclaim accredited
What Our Clients Say About Us

Rated 5.0 ★★★★★

50 Google Reviews

Unmetered Supplies FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

An unmetered supply is an electricity connection where consumption is not measured by a physical meter. Instead, it is calculated on the basis of deemed consumption, which is the rated wattage of the connected equipment multiplied by its estimated burning hours. Unmetered supplies are standard for street lighting, traffic signs, and other public realm infrastructure where individual metering is impractical.
The registered supplier for the unmetered supply sends the electricity bill to whoever holds the supply contract, typically the highway authority or site owner after adoption. Before adoption, the developer is responsible. USP coordinates supplier registration as part of the unmetered supply package so that billing is set up correctly from the outset.
Yes. An Unmetered Supplies Certificate must be obtained from an accredited metering agent before the supply can be registered with a supplier. The certificate records the rated wattage and burning hours for each piece of connected equipment and forms the basis for the deemed consumption settlement. USP coordinates the certificate agent as part of the three-party application process.
No. EV charging points must be metered so that the charge point operator can bill drivers for the electricity they use. However, the street lighting in a car park or public realm EV charging site can be connected as an unmetered supply, while the charge points themselves have a separate metered supply. USP routinely delivers both metered and unmetered connections on the same site under one contract.
When the highway authority adopts the street lighting columns and cabling, they also take on responsibility for the electricity supply contract. The unmetered supply registration transfers to the adopting authority. USP is familiar with local authority adoption requirements and ensures that the supply registration and certificate are in the correct name before adoption takes place.
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