Julia Evans, chief executive at the National Federation of Builders (NFB)
"We're delighted that one of the industry's key regulators has recognised the scale and severity of the problem and decided to take action.
�The NFB has worked closely with Ofgem during its connections review. Our original investigation which revealed that 86 per cent of construction projects in 2006 were delayed through utility firms, and this has played a big role in informing their views.
"We've worked hard to ensure these new rules have teeth. We now need to ensure they�re introduced quickly and are enforced with the manner expected by our members and the industry.
"The job isn't finished however. In addition to moving the issue further up the agenda of other regulators, we�re working closely with other stakeholders. These groups include government, including ministers at the DCLG and DTI to add to the momentum.�
Ends