Utility connections strategy for two new railway stations

SLC Property was given the opportunity to support a client with providing new connections for two new railway stations in the West Midlands.

The challenge

Securing new utility connections is a common constraint on infrastructure projects. Traditional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) can be inflexible, costly, and constrained by regional boundaries, often introducing uncertainty around programme, procurement and delivery timescales. For this project, the client required a solution that reduced cost exposure while improving certainty over connection delivery for critical infrastructure.

What we did

Rather than progressing through the conventional DNO route, we developed and implemented an alternative utilities strategy.

Our role included:

Advising the client on the use of an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and Independent Distribution Network Operator (iDNO)
Managing the transition away from geographically restricted DNO procurement
Coordinating all arrangements with the appointed ICP and iDNO to secure the required utility connections
Providing commercial and programme advice to ensure alignment with the wider infrastructure delivery programme

This approach enabled access to a broader provider market, offering greater flexibility, competitive pricing, and improved delivery timelines.

Why it worked

Cost efficiency: The alternative procurement route delivered approximately 20% cost savings on utility connection costs
Greater certainty: Improved control over connection programming reduced risk to critical infrastructure milestones
Flexibility: Access to non-regionally restricted providers enabled a more responsive and client-focused solution
Repeatable approach: The strategy provides a scalable and transferable model for future infrastructure schemes

Results

By challenging conventional procurement routes and applying market-led thinking, we delivered a more efficient, resilient, and client-focused utilities solution.