How Much Does It Cost To Install Three-Phase Power in the UK?

As energy needs grow with the installation of more heat pumps, EV chargers, and other modern equipment, many UK homeowners are considering three-phase power for its greater efficiency and reliability. However, the process involves more than just a simple upgrade. Furthermore, installation costs vary widely depending on location, property, and energy demands. Knowing what to expect can help you budget accordingly, allowing you to maximise your investment in higher-capacity electricity for your home. Let’s take a look!

As more UK residents install heat pumps, EV chargers, and other modern appliances to make life easier and more efficient or reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, electricity consumption is increasing. More residents are now considering installing three-phase electricity for its greater efficiency, reliability, and higher power output. However, it’s not yet available in all locations, and it comes with a bigger price tag due to the differences in installation, equipment, and expertise required. 

The cost can vary significantly depending on your power needs and whether the cables are buried under roads or sidewalks, which would require additional council permits and result in extra costs. However, in general, the price of a 3-phase upgrade could vary from £3,500 for simple installations to about £15,000 for larger homes requiring extensive groundwork. 

Still, the benefits of your installation mean long-term cost savings since your system can handle greater loads more efficiently with less wire. Once your system is installed, you can maximise your savings with the EcoFlow PowerOcean Plus (Three-Phase), a high-efficiency solar battery storage system designed specifically for three-phase power. Even if your DNO cannot yet accommodate three-phase in your area, you can still maximise your efficiency and energy savings using a solar array and an EcoFlow Power Ocean (Single-Phase) battery storage solution. This allows you to store your solar energy to use during peak tariffs, at night, or when the grid goes down, offering convenience and savings.

The following are the main factors that affect the cost of installing a 3-phase system at your property.

Your supply cable will need to be upgraded unless there’s an existing three-phase connection that you’re not using. This means your DNO will need to come in and excavate your front garden and/or driveway to expose and replace your existing single-phase cable. Sometimes, cables are shared with neighbouring properties, adding complexity, especially if buried underneath one or more driveways.

Additional costs will also be incurred if a public footpath must be dug up. In that case, the DNO must apply for a council permit and pay a fee. Sometimes, a main road must be dug up, with additional council charges. This often incurs additional fees if two-way traffic lights or diversions are required when digging main roads.

Larger homes with high energy needs and those with EV chargers or other speciality hookups will require more complex wiring, resulting in additional costs. Your electrician should include all those costs in your quote. 

If you’re also upgrading your solar array with an EcoFlow Home Battery, consider using the EcoFlow PowerOcean DC Fit to help keep installation costs down. It allows you to install batteries without changing anything in your current system. 

Parking can add relatively minor additional fees when the engineers cannot park in your driveway, and no public bays are available. In that case, they must pay extra costs to park in council bays or apply for a temporary traffic regulation order.

Here is a simplified overview of the installation process, which your electrician and DNO will handle for you.

Contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to ensure you can get 3-phase power at your location. You must also fill out an application with them, which your electrician will handle. 

Next, contact a certified electrician capable of performing the upgrade and ask for a quote. They will detail any complexities your property may need, such as trenching and excavation requirements, additional wiring for EV chargers, etc.

Your electrician cannot change the power supply to your home, so they will obtain the permits and schedule work with your DNO, who will then change the supply. Before the DNO arrives, ensure you prepare your outside space by moving any structures out of the way of the excavation.

At this stage, you should also contact your electricity supplier to schedule the installation of a new three-phase meter.

Once the DNO arrives, they will excavate and install three-phase power supply cables.

Your electricity supplier will come and install a new 3-phase meter. Your electrician will connect the moulded-case circuit breaker as the main switch for the phases, connect the outgoing phases from the circuit breaker to the double-pole switches, connect the neutral wires to the RCDs for ground fault protection, and finally link the neutrals and connect them to the loads.

You must also reconnect your existing solar array and EcoFlow PowerOcean battery storage system to your new household power system. If you already have a single-phase battery storage system, upgrade to an EcoFlow Power Ocean (Three-Phase).

Once everything is connected, the DNO will test the system to ensure it works safely. Then, you can use your new system!

The cost to install a 3-phase connection in the UK varies depending on complexity. It can range from £3,500 for simple installations to about £15,000 for larger homes requiring extensive groundwork and additional council permits.

Yes, you can install 3-phase power at home in the UK, but it requires approval from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). It's typically used for properties with high energy demands, like workshops or EV chargers. Installation can be costly and may involve upgrading your existing electrical infrastructure.

3-phase power can be a great investment if you have high energy demands, offering smoother, more efficient electricity for things like EV chargers, workshops, or large appliances. It supports future-proofing your home and reducing strain on circuits. While installation costs more, the long-term benefits can outweigh the initial expense.

Installing three-phase power in the UK can cost anywhere from £3,500 to £15,000, depending on your home, how much digging is required, and whether public lands must be excavated. While the upfront costs can be significant, three-phase power can future-proof your home, support growing energy demands, and improve system efficiency. To make the most of your new setup, pairing your system with the EcoFlow Power Ocean (Three-Phase) battery storage will allow you to maximise your savings and energy independence.