Andy,

You can request 3-phase power from your local el provider (here is a link to my local company EDF (http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/networks/pdf/SS_APPLICATION_FORM.pdf). You will see a 3-phase option in the application form. It takes between a month to three months to have it installed in London. It cost me around �600, as I was quite close to the substation + a new 3-phase meter (free).

It does not surprise me that you are not too familiar with it as it is surprisingly still considered "extravagant" in the UK to request such a domestic connection... but so do combined hot/cold mixing taps and double glazing in some parts of the country. (Gordon B. doesn't like extravagant, that's why he is leaving Nr 10 shortly:))

It is quite common in Europe to have houses and sometimes even apartments connected with 3 phase current. The voltage comes in at 460V with timing of the phases peaks time-shifted equally by 120� (there is plenty to read about it on the web).

The main things to know are:

* 3-phase is the original way that electricity travels from energy company to any substation;
* It is the most efficient and stable way to run electricity;
* The quality of the supply is much, much cleaner than stepped down 2-phase circuit.

I hope that helps,

Mirek