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Farm connections

Farm connections

What you need

Depending on your type of connection, the following is a guide of what you may need to successfully complete your application.

Note: You can save your application and return to complete it when it suits you.

The Connection Process



  • What service do you need?

    Step 1

    What service do you need?

    Before selecting an application form, you will need to consider is if there an existing connection to your farm.  

    Your quotation will be based on the costs outlined in our Statement of Charges.

  • New electricity connection for a new farm

    Step 2

    New electricity connection for a new farm

    If you are building a completely new farm with a new house and farming equipment for livestock, crop or milking, you will need to complete an application form for a new commercial property.

    If there is an existing house or connection on the site, you will need to let us know on your application as this may change the type of connection required.

    Apply Now

    Average Price £2,100**

    £550
    range
    £9,500
  • Splitting your farm buildings and house into separate supplies

    Step 3

    Splitting your farm buildings and house into separate supplies

    If you need separate electricity meters for the farm buildings and the farm house due to a change of ownership, you will require a new connection.

    You will need to make it clear on your application that you have an existing connection as this may change the type of connection required. 

    Apply Now

    Average Price £110,000

    £46,000
    range
    £360,000
  • Upgrading the electricity supply for your farm

    Step 4

    Upgrading the electricity supply for your farm

    Growing your business by increasing the size of your milking parlour. Adding new equipment (installing new lights, building extensions) or changing from livestock to milking you will need to upgrade your supply.

    If you have a load of over 100 Amps that supplies one meter, it will mean you need Current Transformer Metering (CTs) installed if you do not already have it.

    Click here to view other types of upgrades >

    Apply Now

    Our price is from £4,800**

    2,000
    range
    10,000
  • Adding a generation connection to your farm

    Step 5

    Adding a generation connection to your farm

    Most types of connections require a G98/NI Microgeneration connection: 

    A three phase solar, hydro or wind technologies which generate up to a maximum of 11.04 kilowatts of electricity will typically be connected to a farm or small commercial premises. An existing electricity connection must already be available. 

    A single phase solar, hydro or wind technologies which generate up to a maximum of 3.68 kilowatts of electricity will typically be connected to domestic premises. An existing single phase connection must already be available.

    Both of these types of connections require a G98/NI Microgeneration connection. Find out more about larger generation connections (G99/NI) > 

    Apply now
  • Move electrical equipment with an overhead power supply

    Step 6

    Move electrical equipment with an overhead power supply

    Usually you need this service if you are completing renovation work to your property and need the overhead wires or your meter moved. Click here to view other types of alterations >

    For more information on meter replacement enquiries, read our meter services FAQs or request a call back 

    Apply Now

    Average Price: £1,100

    range
  • A farm disconnection

    Step 7

    A farm disconnection

    If you need to disconnect an overhead or underground service cable and remove the meter* on your farm premises, complete a business disconnection form. Click here to view other types of disconnections >

    * You need to have the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for the meter that you want to be disconnected.

    ** You may be required to pay a builder to carry out additional work such as the excavation of a joint hole.

     

    Apply Now


  • Site Location Plan

    Step 1

    Site Location Plan

    It is important that you show us where your site is located so we can plan and quote the appropriate connection to the existing electricity network.

    Please provide a scaled map at 1:2500, and mark your site in red.

    Permitted file types:
    Adobe Acrobat (preferred option) (.pdf)
    AutoCAD (2010 or later) (.dwg)
    Image files (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff)

    The maximum file size allowed is 50 MB.

  • Site Layout Plan

    Step 2

    Site Layout Plan

    Please provide a plan at an appropriate scale (our preference is 1:500).  Please show the outline of your building on the site and your proposed meter position.

    Note: the external meter position on new constructions must be on the front elevation or within 2 metres of the front elevation on a side elevation.

    Permitted file types:
    AutoCAD (2010 or later, preferred option) (.dwg)
    Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

    The maximum file size allowed is 50 MB.

  • Address & Contact details

    Step 3

    Address & Contact details

    To successfully complete your application you will need to provide name and address information in order to populate the following sections:

    1. Correspondence details
    2. Site details, including site contact details (please specify, if this is different)
    3. Payment details (contact details of the person paying for the connection)
  • Employ an electrical consultant/electrician

    Step 4

    Employ an electrical consultant/electrician

    In order to complete some of the more technical elements of your application (i.e. the Load Details section) you may need to employ a qualified representitive (such as an electrical consultant or electrician).  If you apply online you can share a link to the load details section (only) in order for your representitive to complete it on your behalf.  If needed, you can print this section and ask your representitive to complete this information manually and you can add it into your saved application.

  • Additional Requirements

    Step 5

    Additional Requirements

    1. Planning permission

      Please provide your planning permission reference number, if known, this will help with application assessment in conjunction with other utilities and government bodies.

    2. Dig a trench

      You will have the option to dig a trench from your meter position to the boundary of your property. If applicable you may dig on third party land to facilitate your connection subject to obtaining the appropriate legal consents. Please specify your choice in the additional information section.

    3. Date work complete

      If possible, indicate when you would like your connection work complete.When considering your date of completion, please refer to the connections process timeline as your connections work may take up to 9 months to complete.

    4. Renewable generation

      If you are thinking about fitting renewable generation you will also need to submit a separate application. Speak to a renewable generation installer.



  • Submit an application form

    Step 1

    Submit an application form

    Apply Online here.

    To help you complete your application please refer to the 'What you need before you start' option above.

    Play Video

    YOU

  • Receive an Acknowledgement

    Step 2

    Receive an Acknowledgement

    If you submit your application online you will receive confirmation via email.

    Once we review your application, you will receive a confirmation email with your job reference number. One of our advisors will then contact you if needs be to discuss your application.

  • Quotation

    Step 3

    Quotation

    We will provide you with a dual quotation with 2 options within 15 days provided we have all relevant information (What You Need Before You Start). Option 1 - NIE Networks undertakes the full connection works, Option 2 - NIE Networks completes the non-contestable works only. Your quotation will be valid for 90 days, after which time the quote will expire. If we need to re-issue a quote the costs may increase.   

    Play video

    NIE Networks

    15 DAYS

  • Choose your ICP

    Step 4

    Choose your ICP

    When you select Option 2, you should choose your accredited ICP who will complete the contestable works associated with your connection. Send us their details as soon as possible by submitting your ICP Nomination Form along with your Acceptance of Terms.

  • Accept terms & payment

    Step 5

    Accept terms & payment

    You can accept our terms online if using our online payment system or return your signed Acceptance of Terms by post to our Danesfort address listed below.

    Connections Customer Liaison
    NIE Networks
    Danesfort
    120 Malone Road
    Belfast
    BT9 5HT

    You can pay in multiple ways:

    • Online payments (Debit/Credit)
    • Online Banking (Bank Transfer / BACS)
    • Cheque

    YOU

  • Submit a Connection Design

    Step 6

    Submit a Connection Design

    Submit a connection design for the contestable works to us for review.

  • Review Connection Design

    Step 7

    Review Connection Design

    Verify your ICP’s accreditation and review their connection design to confirm it complies with our policies and specifications.

  • Register with a supplier

    Step 8

    Register with a supplier

    To ensure we can complete the job, you need to register with an electricity supplier. Get a list of suppliers.

    YOU

  • Contestable Legal Consents & Construction Works

    Step 9

    Contestable Legal Consents & Construction Works

    Develop a pre-construction and construction programme and undertake pre-construction, construction and pre-commissioning activities for the contestable works. This will include obtaining any legal consents required before undertaking the contestable construction work.

  • Non-Contestable Construction Works & Inspections

    Step 10

    Non-Contestable Construction Works & Inspections

    Engage with you and/or your ICP to undertake pre-construction for the non-contestable works. Undertake construction and pre-commissioning of the non-contestable works and complete quality assurance inspections of your ICP.

  • Commissioning & Adoption

    Step 11

    Commissioning & Adoption

    Your ICP will submit a signed Completion Certificate to NIE Networks once all of the contestable works are complete. NIE Networks will then undertake commissioning activities. Upon successful energisation, NIE Networks will accept and transfer ownership and operational responsibilities of contestable works from your ICP.

  • Complete and return a connection card

    Step 12

    Complete and return a connection card

    Download a connection card, get your electrician/electrical consultant to fill in the details, and submit to us by email (ConnectionCard@nienetworks.co.uk).

    YOU

  • Connecting your meter

    Step 13

    Connecting your meter

    Once you have registered with an electricity supplier and submitted your connection card to us, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to complete the installation of your meter.

    NIE Networks

    3-5 days