Contractors have been returning completion certificates for counties Kerry and Wexford direct to RECI on a trial basis for the last two years. This arrangement has been found to be satisfactory. A further improvement to the RECI and ESBN computer systems has recently been implemented which we are currently testing.
Correct installation address
The completion certificates which are received at RECI are processed on the same day and the ESB Networks (ESBN) computer system is immediately updated with the necessary information. When the MPRN number of a certificate is entered on the computer at RECI a connection is immediately made via a web services system to the ESBN MPRN website and the address which ESBN have for that MPRN is displayed on the RECI computer. If the address of the installation entered by the contractor on the completion certificate is significantly different from the MPRN website addresswe cannot process the certificate. It must be returned to the contractor who should check with his customer. This should eliminate delays later due to mismatches and add to safety. We strongly recommend that contractors should explain to theircustomer that the addresses must agreeand that if the customer does not inform the contractor of the address which is on the application form to ESBN or on their ESB bill in the case of existing installations, then this could lead to a delay. All other parts of the certificate must also be completed correctly or the certificate will have to be returned to the contractor.
Text message to contractor
When they have connected supply to the installation ESBN will send a text message to the contractors mobile phone advising him of the connection.
Completion certificate check sheet
If it is necessary to return a certificate to the contractor a tick list sheet will accompany the certificate indicating what is wrong. This tick sheet can also act as a useful reminder to make sure that a certificate has been filled out correctly before submitting it to RECI.
The contractor can then make the installation live, carry out the post connection tests and submit the original of the certificate to the customer. This feature should be helpful for registered contractors. The text message will be sent to the contractors mobile phone number which RECI have in their database. If you want the message sent to a different mobile number then this number should be entered on the completion certificate.This
will not alter the mobile number stored on the RECI database.
Go nationwide start date
Subject to satisfactory performance of the computer systems during the trial period, we intend that contractors from all over the country must return certs direct to RECI from Monday, 30th April 2007. We will send out a reminder letter a few days beforehand. As it will no longer be possible to submit completion certificates direct to ESBN offices, contractors should consider using the electronic completion certificate system which is growing in popularity.
This is just one of the informative articles published in RECI's April 2007 newsletter. You can download a copy in 'Downloadable attachment(s)' below.