Budget Estimate Tool FAQs

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.

Anyone interested in obtaining a budget estimate for a new LV connection within NIE Networks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact us on ConnectLite@NIENetworks.co.uk.

Yes, it’s free and open to use by anyone.

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.

The network data is not available for download as this will be regularly updated to reflect the changing state of the network.

Data is updated monthly.

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.

We currently have no plans to remove the tool.

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.

If you wish to proceed with a full quote please follow the application, details of which can be found using the link below.

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

Detail on the competition and contestable works can be found using the link below.