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Load Change

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

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Changing your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC)?

See further information to help you complete your online application.
Find Out More

The Load Change Process

If you require an upgraded supply which warrants 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 before you start

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.

Load Change

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 our help video below or select 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
  • 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 sometimes 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

  • On-site Construction

    Step 7

    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

    UP TO 9 MONTHS

  • Complete and return a connection card

    Step 8

    Complete and return a connection card

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

    YOU

  • Installing or moving your meter

    Step 9

    Installing or moving your meter

    Once you've submitted a connection card, we'll contact you to arrage an appointment to make any changes to your meter setup.

    3–5 DAYS

  • Submit an application form

    Step 1

    Submit an application form

    Apply Online


    To help you complete your application please refer to our help video below or select 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.

  • Contestable Legal Consents & Construction Works

    Step 8

    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 9

    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 10

    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 11

    Complete and return a connection card

    Download a connection card, get your electrician to complete it, and submit to us by email (ConnectionCard@nienetworks.co.uk).

    YOU

  • Installing or moving your meter

    Step 12

    Installing or moving your meter

    Once you have submitted your connection card to us, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to make any changes to your meter setup.

    3–5 DAYS



  • Safety message

    Step 1

    Safety message

    The safety of the general public, employees and environment is our priority. Construction or demolition work carried out near the electricity network can put you at risk from injury and cause inconvenience to customers in surrounding areas.

    You should exercise extreme caution when working in the vicinity of underground cables and overhead power lines by following the practical guidelines:

    1. Contact NIE Networks at the planning stage, by applying online or by downloading an application form and sending it in by post.
    2. Do not attempt to connect/disconnect electricity services yourself.
    3. Always treat electricity services as live unless it is confirmed dead by NIE Networks.
    4. If you have any queries you can contact us or call our customer helpline on 03457 643643.

    Site safety should be in accordance with HSE Guidance Note GS6 (Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Lines) and HSE Booklet HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) [links open in a new window].

  • Site location plan

    Step 2

    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.

    Compatible file types:

    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)
    - AutoCAD (.dwg format, 2010 or later)
    - Image files (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff)

    The maximum file size is 50 MB.

  • Site layout plan

    Step 3

    Site layout 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.

    Compatible file types:

    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)
    - AutoCAD (.dwg format, 2010 or later)
    - Image files (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff)

    The maximum file size is 50 MB.

  • Address & contact details

    Step 4

    Address & contact details

    To complete your application you will need to provide information for 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 disconnection)
  • Employ an electrical contractor or electrician

    Step 5

    Employ an electrical contractor or electrician

    You may need to employ a qualified representative (such as an electrical consultant or electrician) to complete the load details section of your application with the technical requirements of your connection.

    If you apply online you can share a link to this section in order for your representative to complete it on your behalf.

    You can also print this section and ask your representative to complete this information manually and add it into your saved application.

  • MPRN or meter serial number for the site address

    Step 6

    MPRN or meter serial number for the site address

    In order to process a disconnection, please provide either your:

    1. MPRN (this is an 11 digit number that begins with 8 and can be found on your electricity bill) or;
    2. Meter serial number (this can be found on the front panel of the meter, e.g. YH0124).
  • Additional requirements

    Step 7

    Additional requirements

    1. 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 appropriate legal consents. Please specify your choice in the additional information section.

    2. 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 3 months to complete.



  • 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.

    Note: These prices are for guidance only. Depending on the complexity of your requirements, the cost of your connection may increase. Your full quotation will be based on the costs outlined in the Schedules listed in our Statement of Charges.

  • Reducing your electricity supply

    Step 2

    Reducing your electricity supply

    If you want to reduce the load at your premise irrespective of the size of your existing connection please apply using this option.*

    Apply Now

    15 days

    6 – 8 weeks

  • Upgrade the electricity supply for one home or farm

    Step 3

    Upgrade the electricity supply for one home or farm

    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.*

    Show More
    Apply Now

    15 days

    6 – 8 weeks

    *NIE Networks will organise the installation of the CTs and your electricity supplier will arrange for their metering agents to fit a new meter. This needs to happen on the same day to ensure you are not without power.

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

     

  • Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (<70 kVA)

    Step 4

    Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (<70 kVA)

    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 one.*

    Show More
    Apply Now

    15 days

    6 – 8 weeks

    *NIE Networks will organise the installation of the CTs and your electricity supplier will arrange for their metering agents to fit a new meter. This needs to happen on the same day to ensure you are not without power.

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

     

  • Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (70 kVA – 1,000 kVA)

    Step 5

    Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (70 kVA – 1,000 kVA)

    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 one.*

    Show More
    Apply Now

    15 days

    6 – 8 weeks

    *NIE Networks will organise the installation of the CTs and your electricity supplier will arrange for their metering agents to fit a new meter. This needs to happen on the same day to ensure you are not without power.

     

  • Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (>1,000 kVA)

    Step 6

    Upgrade the electricity supply for a business property (>1,000 kVA)

    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 one.*

    Show More
    Apply Now

    15 days

    6 – 8 weeks

    *NIE Networks will organise the installation of the CTs and your electricity supplier will arrange for their metering agents to fit a new meter. This needs to happen on the same day to ensure you are not without power.