Use Line Search Before You Dig (LSBUD) to check for any existing utility assets at your location. It’s free, covers most major utilities across Great Britain, and helps you understand what may need diverting before you apply.

You can request SSEN asset maps from our Mapping Services / Asset Data team. Simply email asset.data@sse.com with details of your site, and the team will provide maps showing the location of our underground and overhead equipment in a range of formats.

You can apply for access to Electric Office (EO) GIS, SSEN’s network mapping system, directly through our website.

EO GIS provides detailed maps of our underground and overhead network and is mainly used by consultants, developers and Independent Connection Providers who carry out frequent or complex searches.

This option is ideal if you’re confident completing your own checks before submitting a diversion application.

Electric Office/GIS Web

The best way to apply is to complete our online application form through our online portal. Register your details and you'll have full access to submit, view, amend and make payments online. It takes 5 minutes to register and is completely free.

On average our customers complete their applications in 15 minutes.

Before you start your application, go through the checklist below. Having the relevant information and documents will make sure your application journey is as smooth as possible.

Site Plan

Showing site location and your proposed work

Digging Depths

If known, please provide the depth of excavation for works being carried out.

Letter of Authority (LOA)

If you are applying as a consultant, you will need a valid LOA or Section 278 (S278) agreement confirming that you are authorised and contracted to act on the customer’s behalf.

Project Details:

• When do you need your Diversion?
• Who will be managing the project and paying for the work, including their contact information?
• Whether you want us to include digging works in your quote or will arrange your own?
• Contact details for any third parties involved in your project, such as landowners, landlords, developers or local authorities.

Once submitted, we’ll use this information to begin designing your diversion and prepare your quote. You can track the progress of your application online by logging in to our online portal.

Your quoter will get in touch within 10 working days to talk through your design, understand your requirements, explore options with you, and answer any questions you might have.

Quotes are usually issued within 20–25 working days, depending on the complexity of your project. After your initial conversation, your quoter will be able to give you a clearer idea of when you can expect your quote.

Take a look through your design and quote. If you've changed your mind and need a new quote, no worries contact your quoter and they'll be able to get you back on track and issue you with a new quote that better suits your needs.

Your quote will be valid for 90 days. If your quote has expired give us a call and we can arrange for a new quote to be issued.

Review your quote and design carefully to make sure everything meets your project requirements before you accept and make payment. If you need any changes, just let us know, we’ll update the design and send you an amended quote.

The quickest way to accept and pay is online through our online portal. Other ways to pay can be found in your quote letter.

We’re committed to completing your works as quickly and efficiently as possible. Every project is different, and delivery times can vary depending on what’s involved. This may include obtaining legal permissions, arranging plant and equipment, contractor availability, or securing the required NRSWA permits.

No matter what the project requires, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way so you always know what to expect and when.

Your Project Manager will contact you within 7 days of payment to discuss next steps. We recommend speaking with your Project Manager before you start to get your site ready to ensure you have all of the information you need specific to your site.

Each site has different requirements, some of the responsibilities we are responsible for may include, however you project manager will explain what applies to you and your site:

• Obtaining land rights
• Obtaining permits
• Site visits
• Digging onsite/offsite (if you have request and paid for SSEN to complete these works)
• Booking dates to complete the work
• Moving our equipment

We recommend not completing onsite work until you have spoken with your project manager. They will outline what you need to do in order to be site ready this may include:

• Agreeing on a date for us to move our equipment
• Buying materials (ducting, sand/fine fill)
• Laying ducting
• Digging onsite/offsite (if you have chosen to complete these works)
• Settle any additional land right/traffic management payments

When a project relies on things like legal permissions, arranging plant and equipment, contractor availability, or securing NRSWA permits, there are a few practical steps you can take to help avoid delays and keep everything on track:

1. Provide information and approvals promptly

Responding quickly to requests for documents, signatures, or clarifications helps prevent bottlenecks, especially when legal permissions or permits are involved.

2. Share accurate contact details for all relevant third parties

If we need to speak with landowners, landlords, developers, local authorities, or other stakeholders, having their correct contact information early allows us to begin discussions without delay.

3. Keep third parties informed about your project

A quick conversation with any party whose permission is required can speed things up considerably. It prepares them for our contact, helps set expectations, and can reduce the back‑and‑forth needed to secure their approval.

4. Make sure access to the site is arranged and confirmed

Ensuring we (and any contractors) can safely and easily access the site means plant and equipment can be booked with confidence, reducing the risk of rescheduling.

5. Be available for questions or decisions

Sometimes small queries need quick answers to keep things progressing. Being reachable or nominating someone who can act on your behalf keeps momentum going.

6. Let us know about any changes as early as possible

If plans, locations, or your requirements change, early visibility helps us adjust timelines, resources and review required legal permissions before they impact delivery.

7. Prepare for NRSWA requirements

If the work affects highways, pavements, or public spaces, NRSWA permits may be needed. Being ready to share site details, traffic management constraints, or local authority contacts can help the permitting process run more smoothly.

If you’re not ready for the work to start, please let your Project Manager know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to rearrange the schedule. To avoid any potential abortive fees, make sure you notify us at least 72 hours before the planned start date.

If you requested onsite digging from us, we will complete the digging as part of the Diversion. Once our equipment has been diverted, we will return within 10 working days to refill any digging we completed onsite.

To maintain site safety, remove any obstacles such as vehicles, stored materials, or equipment that could block access or create hazards.

Any required trenches, ducting, or foundations that fall under your responsibility must be fully completed to the specification outlined in G81 / TG‑NET‑CAB‑001 and ready before our teams arrive.

If we need to turn off the power supply during the work, please ensure an alternative power source is available onsite. This ensures our teams can access the site safely, set up efficiently, and carry out the work without interruption.

Make sure on‑site staff, security teams, or facilities managers know when we’re due to arrive.

Having the right people available either on‑site or easily reachable ensures any questions, access needs, or last‑minute clarifications can be dealt with quickly, helping avoid delays.

Keeping any relevant permits, such as building access permits, local authority permissions, or site-specific safety documentation, easily accessible.