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Connections FAQs

Cost of Connection or Alteration works

  • For indicative cost of a new connection, please check our budget quote tool and/or our Statement of Charges.

    For a detailed cost proposal of a connection or alteration that you will definitely be proceeding with, then you will need to login to your Connections account and submit an application form.

    The budget quote tool - this can provide you with a provisional cost for a new connection, however it cannot provide a cost for complex work such as housing developments. If your address is not available within this quote tool then please check back again soon as we update the data regularly.

    The Statement of Charges - this provides you with the typical costs for the main items of expenditure (excluding VAT) for a new or modified connection to the network.

  • If you are at an early stage of purchasing a site or planning a development, we can provide you with an estimate of likely connection costs through a feasibility study. You should be aware that a feasibility study does not reserve network capacity for a particular project, and we cannot guarantee that a connection will be available when making a formal application for connection.

    If you have finalised your requirements, obtained DOE Planning Approval and are ready to enter into a contract with us to provide your connection, we can give you a formal quotation. Click here to register for an Generation Connection application pack.

  • We accept three methods of payment:

    • Cheque -  made payable to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
    • Bank transfer or BACs payment - contact us to get our bank details
    • Pay Online - please ensure you have your invoice to hand with your account and invoice numbers. 

  • NIE Networks Statement of Charges sets out the connections process and provides a comprehensive list of indicative costs for all types of connections to the network. If you apply for a connection, your quotation will be based on the costs outlined in our schedules.

Timeline of Connection or Alteration works

  • Every connection is different and timescales will vary depending on the requirements of your connection. Connecting a new home may take between 6-12 weeks. If third party consents are required this can take up to 9 months to complete.

Application Types

Completing your Application

  • These should be available from your local library or request it from the Ordnance Survey.

  • This is a 12 digit grid x and y coordinates to accurately identify your address. You may find these on your approved architectural drawings or online.

  • Initially you will need to pay the cost for your connection application fee only. We will then send you out a quote for the cost of your connection. If you accept the quote (within 90 days) then a 20% deposit must be paid immediately for us to continue to process your application. The final balance will be required before construction commences.

  • The Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is the maximum amount of electricity that you will use in any half hour, in any day. This figure helps us to design a new electricity connection to meet your needs, to make sure you will have enough electrical load to supply your equipment.

  • A meter point reference number (or MPRN) is a unique 11 digit number to identify your address that is used by suppliers to check the incoming supply details for individual premises.You need this number if you are getting a first time electricity connection to new premises.

    If you have an existing supply, your MPRN number can be found on the card left by your meter reader, on your bill from your electricity supplier, or by using our self-serve tool at the link below.

    Find My MPRN

  • Online applications are preferred over a paper application form as these can be faster to process.

    However, if you need to apply on a hard copy paper application form, then these should be sent to our central connections team. The postal address is:

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

    We will acknowledge receipt of your application and advise you from which of our three local depots your application will be handled.

  • If you have not received a letter from us with your job number within 5-10 working days from when your application was sent, please get in touch or contact 03457 643 643.

Getting your new connection switched on

Generation works