What is the procedure when work is done on the gas or electricity network in my street?

To ensure the quality of the energy supply, work is sometimes needed on the gas or electricity network. Work like this is not always pleasant for local residents, but three measures help limit the disruption.

1.  Working with the other utility companies
In the preparatory phase before starting work, the distribution system operator Sibelga contacts all those who also have installations on or beneath the roads of Brussels (MIVB/STIB public transport company, Vivaqua water company, telecommunications companies, etc.). They decide whether or not to carry out work at the same time. If they decide not to, then for the following two years – except in emergencies – they are not permitted to do any work in the same place.
2.  Subsequent phases
All the partners (commune, Region, contractors, etc.) do their best to ensure that the work proceeds smoothly. During each phase, care is taken to ensure access to buildings and garages and provide parking facilities.
3. Clear communication
Sibelga informs all local residents in good time and provides the contact details of the works supervisor. The supervisor is always available to supply additional information.

Work being carried out? Sibelga limits the disruption and keeps you informed

The existing distribution network (gas, electricity) is regularly renewed, extended or improved. How is work like this carried out and what measures are taken to limit the inconvenience?

Thorough preparation

• To limit the disruption in your street, the law requires all companies with installations in or beneath the roads of Brussels (MIVB/STIB public transport company, Vivaqua water company, telecommunications companies, etc.) to consult one another when carrying out work. So if Sibelga is planning works, it asks the other parties if they would like to do likewise. What happens if they don’t take part in the work? In that case, for the following two years they are not permitted to do any work in the same place (except in emergencies).
• Sibelga contacts the municipal and regional authorities to obtain the required permits and make practical arrangements about storage areas, traffic, road diversions, etc.

Subsequent stages

Once all the partners have brought their schedules into line with one another, the first workers appear in the street. The schedule and timescale announced for the work are observed, although this does, of course, depend on the weather conditions and/or unforeseen technical difficulties.
A Sibelga supervisor is often present while the work is being carried out, to ensure that everything stays on track and keep local residents informed.

Standard electricity and gas works involve the following phases:

Phase 1

• The site is marked out and signs are put up.
• A trench is dug in the footpath and/or the road.
• Gangplanks are provided leading to the buildings and garages.
• New cables and pipelines are laid.
• The trench is filled in and the footpath and/or the road are repaired temporarily. At this stage your building is still connected to the old network.

Phase 2

• New networks come into operation.
• A narrow groove is made in the front facade of your building.
• Your building is connected to the new networks (Sibelga makes an appointment to gain access to the building beforehand).
• The groove made in the facade is filled in and – a few days later – the permanent footpath is relaid. Leave the sand and gravel for a few days (do not sweep up).

Phase 3

• The old networks are taken out of use.
• The works are handed over in conjunction with the municipal authorities.

Open communication

Sibelga strives to communicate clearly in all phases of the project.

• Before the work starts, local residents receive a message in their letterbox. This gives the direct telephone number of the works supervisor and the general number for questions about gas and electricity works: 0800 117 46.
• If a power cut is scheduled while the work is being carried out, or if the technicians wish to gain access to a particular meter or meters, then the coordinator contacts those concerned in person.