New Connection

Our online applications service is currently in beta version. We would welcome any feedback on how we can improve this service for our customers.

Please get in touch

Budget Estimate Tool

Are you considering applying for a new domestic or commercial connection up to 69KVA? Why not try our Budget Estimate Tool before you make an application.

Get A Budget Estimate

The Connection Process

When you apply for a new connection you shall receive a dual offer with two options.
Option 1 : NIE Networks performs the full works for your connection.
Option 2 : NIE Networks complete the non-contestable works only.

The process your application will follow depends on which option you select when accepting your connection offer. For more information see Competition in Connections.

What you need

The following is a list of things you will need in order to successfully complete your application.

Note: You will be able to save your application and return to complete it when it suits you.

New Business Connection

Option 1 - NIE Networks completes the full connection works

Option 2 - NIE Networks completes the non-contestable works only

Submit an application form

Step 1

Submit an application form

Apply Online

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
Accept terms & payment

Step 4

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
Site visit & survey

Step 5

Site visit & survey

Site visits are usually carried out within 7-10 working days. On occasions a full site survey will be required which may take up to 3 months. Depending on the outcome of the survey costs we may have to issue you a re-quote with revised terms.
Play Video

NIE Networks
UP TO 3 MONTHS
Legal consents

Step 6

Legal consents

If your connection requires electricity equipment to be sited on other people’s land, we will need to get permission from the landowner or government bodies before work can proceed. Depending on your connection we may need to obtain a lease or an easement on your land and all these negotiations can take up to 9 months or longer. If there is any variation, we may need to issue you with a requote including revised terms for your job.

Learn more about the wayleaves process by viewing the short video below.

Play Video

NIE Networks
UP TO 9 MONTHS
Register with a supplier

Step 7

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
On-site construction

Step 8

On-site construction

Once we’ve received full payment (if applicable) and all legalities have been obtained we will contact you to agree a date to start your work. Please prepare your site according to the design agreed and ensure your electrical consultant's work is complete. If your supply requires NIE Networks to carry out the excavation we will normally do so 1-2 days prior to connecting your meter.

Watch our short Construction video for advice on preparing your site

Play Video

NIE Networks
6-8 WEEKS
Complete and return a connection card

Step 9

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 10

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

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

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:

Correspondence details

Site details, including site contact details (please specify, if this is different)

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

What service do you need?

Step 1

What service do you need?

We have developed guide prices and timescales to assist you with your connections application. The cost of your job will increase as the complexity of your requirements increases and the prices listed should be used as a guide only. Your full quotation will be based on the costs outlined in our Statement of Charges.
New electricity connection for a small commercial property

Step 2

New electricity connection for a small commercial property

A new electricity supply to a commercial premises where the meter position is less than 30m from the nearest mains cable and the load is less than 70kVA*.

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15 days

6-8 weeks

* Commercial sites in rural area are likely to need significantly more work.

** You may be required to provide a contractor to carry out additional work such as the excavation of a cable track.
New electricity supply for a large commercial development

Step 3

New electricity supply for a large commercial development

A new electricity supply to a commercial premises with a load between 70kVA and 1000kVA*.

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15 days

6-8 weeks

* Commercial sites in rural area are likely to need significantly more work.
New electricity supply for a large commercial development

Step 4

New electricity supply for a large commercial development

A new electricity supply to commercial premises with a load over 1000kVA. Please contact us at the earliest possible opportunity and we can advise you of indicative costs and timescales.

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15 - 60 days

20 - 25 weeks
New electricity supply for a large commercial development

Step 5

New electricity supply for a large commercial development

A new electricity supply to commercial premises with a load over 2000kVA. Please contact us at the earliest possible opportunity even if you are not ready to make a formal application.

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Up to 90 days

Provided during design
Unmetered connections

Step 6

Unmetered connections

If you represent a body that we have agreed unmetered supplies with (such as local Councils, Transport NI and Northern Ireland Water) we will work with you to provide your connection for a new unmetered electricity supply***.

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7 days

4 weeks

** You may be required to provide a contractor to carry out additional work such as the excavation of a cable track.

*** You will need a separate application for each intake.