Below are a list of commonly questions related to the Budget Estimate Tool, should you have any further questions please contact us at ConnectLite@NIENetworks.co.uk.
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What is the purpose of the Budget Estimate tool?
To help customers assess the options and cost of a connection, instantly.
If a customer has a number of potential sites to choose from or to prioritise for new connections the tool will help them to identify the optimum locations.
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Who is the Budget Estimate tool intended for?
Anyone interested in obtaining a budget estimate for a new LV connection within NIE Networks.
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How do I use the tool to get an estimate?
Once you have completed the short questionnaire related to your proposed connection, please follow the four steps listed on the left of the map. On the right of the screen there is a Tool Tip feature which will show an animation of each required step.
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What area does the Budget Estimate tool cover?
The tool covers the whole of Northern Ireland, however, coverage in some areas may be limited. We currently have 60% of the network represented within the tool this will improve over time as we continue to develop the tool.
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I can’t see any network near the address I’m searching for, why? What can I do?
Although the majority of the network is populated, there could be some missing data, if this affects you unfortunately you will not be able to receive an estimate from the Budget Estimate tool at this time.
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How accurate is the electricity network data? How has it been validated?
The data is currently taken from our GIS Mapping system and is validated by the Data Management Team within NIE Networks before being extracted into the Budget Estimate tool. The data will be refreshed on a regular basis to keep the network data up to date as the electricity network is constantly changing.
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Where does the network capacity data come from?
The data comes from NIE Networks’ databases about the network (the assets, running arrangements and loading or demand). This data is then processed using load flow tools to calculate the ‘capacity to connect’ which is displayed as a Red/Amber/Green status on each network asset.
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I’m having trouble with the tool, how can I report my issue?
Contact us on ConnectLite@NIENetworks.co.uk.
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Can anyone access the Budget Estimate tool?
Yes, it’s free and open to use by anyone.
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Does it require any pre-existing knowledge to use it?
Whilst it would be helpful to have basic knowledge of electrical networks (what is a transformer/conductor, what does capacity mean, etc.) the tool is auto explanatory and provides step-by-step animations to guide you through the process.
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Can data be exported/shared from the tool?
The network data is not available for download as this will be regularly updated to reflect the changing state of the network.
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How often is the data updated?
Data is updated monthly.
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Who owns the data? Who is responsible for updating it?
NIE Networks own the data and are responsible for updating the source data about the network assets and their connectivity. NIE Networks is also responsible for sharing this data with EA Technology who are in turn responsible for processing and displaying that data in the Budget Estimate tool.
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How long will the Budget Estimate tool be available for?
We currently have no plans to remove the tool.
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Will NIE Networks stand over the budget quote given by the tool for my connection?
The estimate provided by the tool is for budgetary use only and should not be considered a connection offer from NIE Networks. It is designed to give you a rough guide of the cost of the proposed connection given a limited set of requirements. A actual connection offer can be obtained via the application process, details of which can be found using the link below.
Connections -
Once I have a budget quote what do I do with it?
If you wish to proceed with a full quote please follow the application, details of which can be found using the link below.
Connections
Please attach the PDF of your budget estimate to your application.If you do not wish to proceed with the quote there is no further action
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The budget quote sets out charges for the total, non contestable and contestable. What are these cha
Detail on the competition and contestable works can be found using the link below.
Contestable vs Non-Contestable
Try our budget estimate tool
Try our Budget Estimate Tool for new connections.
Budget Estimate Tool