Setting up a new ESB connection depends on the type of property you are connecting. For recently vacated homes where the connection has not been removed, the process simply requires you to sign up with a new energy provider. For all brand-new builds and homes that have been unoccupied for more than 2 years, you will have to apply for a new connection to be installed. Standard new connections cost roughly €3,602 including VAT.
What Types of New ESB Connections Are There?
There are several types of new ESB connections, depending on the specific needs of the customer.
- New Home — If you are moving into a new build home that is part of a wider housing or flat development and need to set up a new electricity connection, you will need to contact ESB Networks to arrange for the connection. You will need to provide some basic information about the property, such as the address and the expected date of occupancy.
- New Build — If you are building a new property, you will need to arrange for a new electricity connection to be installed. This will involve working with ESB Networks to determine the best location for the connection and to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place.
- Reconnecting Power — If you are moving into a second-hand property, you will need to determine for how long the property has been without power, as this will determine the type of new connection you need to apply for.
- Farm — If you are a farmer and need a new electricity connection for your farm, you will need to contact ESB Networks to arrange for the connection. You will need to provide some basic information about the property, such as the location and the expected usage.
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New ESB Connection for a New Home
If you are moving into a brand-new home or flat as part of a larger housing development, the application process for a new connection is quite straightforward.
What you'll need to do is the following:
- Find your MPRN number — to connect to the ESB networks grid you'll need your MPRN number which identifies your meter. You will be able to get this from your home's builder, developer, contractor etc.
- Sign up with an electricity supplier — having found your MPRN number, you will now need to sign up with an electricity supplier. We recommend comparing the market to find the cheapest electricity tariff for your new home.
- New connection turned on — Once you sign up with a provider, they will contact the ESB on your behalf to switch on your electricity supply. This usually takes a few days but no longer than a week.
If you require a new meter installed, connection could take more than a week, but for standard, newly built homes, there should already be a meter installed. Connection should only take a day or two from signing up with an electricity supplier.
New ESB Connection for a New Build
If your new home is a standalone property that you have built yourself, there are a few more steps involved in setting up a new connection.
To set up a new connection, you will have to apply online via the ESB Networks' New Connections Page.
As part of the application, you will need to provide the following information:
- A digital copy of your Site Plan with the building clearly marked in red. (Scale 1:100 Rural, 1:500 Urban)
- Ordnance Survey map with the location clearly marked in red. (Scale 1:2500-1:10560)
- Accurate X/Y ITM or GPS co-ordinates to identify your property's exact location and orientation.
- Load and connection capacity details.
Once you finish your application process, it should take about 15 days for you to receive a quote for the cost of your new connection.
Following this, it takes about 60 days for work on the new connection to be completed.
The typical price for a single, standard connection is €3,602 and for a single enhanced connection (16 KVA) €4,877.
Temporary Builders' Connections (TBC)
If you are beginning a construction project, you likely need a Temporary Builders' Connection (TBC) to provide power for tools, site lighting, and welfare facilities before the permanent connection is installed.
In Ireland, ESB Networks does not offer a separate "discounted" temporary tariff.
Instead, you apply for your permanent connection early and request that it be energized to a temporary outdoor meter cabinet (often called a "rabbit hutch") rather than the final house wall.
Requirements for Builders' Power
- Outdoor Meter Cabinet: You must provide a weatherproof, ESB-approved outdoor cabinet mounted on a secure timber or concrete post or the rising wall.
- Safety Certification: Your Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) must submit an Interim Completion Certificate to certify the temporary site board is safe for energisation.
- Standard Fee: You must pay the full connection fee (typically €3,602) before any work begins on-site.
Managing Your Application Timeline
While ESB Networks aims to provide a quote within 15 business days and complete the connection within 60 business days of receiving your payment and signed agreement, these times are estimates only.
- Online Connections Tracker: You can monitor the progress of your application 24/7 by logging into the ESB Networks Online Connections Portal with your account details.
- 'My Action List': The portal will feature a 'My Action List' which clearly outlines any outstanding requirements from you, such as confirming that the service ducting and meter cabinet are installed, or that the electrical wiring certificate has been received.
Common Causes for Connection Delays
- External Permissions: If the connection requires crossing public land, delays can occur while waiting for Wayleaves (permission to cross private land) or a Road Opening License from the local county council.
- Contractor Readiness: The 60-day clock only starts when ESB Networks has all necessary documentation and confirmation that your electrical contractor has completed the preparatory work on-site (ducting, earthing, etc.). Incomplete work here will put the job "on hold."
Getting Power After the Connection Is Complete
Once ESB Networks has completed its work, the status on the tracker will change to 'Service Live'. It is vital to understand that this does not mean the power is turned on; it means the connection to the network is ready.
There are two final steps before you receive electricity:
- Wiring Certificate: Your Registered Electrical Contractor must submit a final Completion Certificate (formerly the ETCI Certificate) to the relevant regulatory body, certifying that the internal wiring is safe and meets all standards.
- Energisation: Once the wiring certificate is verified, and you have registered with a supplier, your supplier will request the final energisation of your property.
The Default Supplier Rule
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Reconnecting Power to a Second-Hand Home
If you have moved in to a second-hand home that already had an existing ESB connection, to reconnect you will need to establish for how long the house has been disconnected. This will dictate how you go about reconnecting to the grid.
There are three time ranges:
Less Than 6 Months
Moving into a home that has been disconnected for less than 6 months is quite straightforward and follows the same process as moving into a brand-new home.
Using your MPRN number, simply sign up with a new electricity provider as the new tenants of the property, and you should have your electricity switched on within a few days.
More Than 6 Months
If the connection has been inactive for between 6 months to 2 years, there are a few more steps that must be taken before you are reconnected.
You must have the wiring and electrical infrastructure of the home checked by a registered electrical contractor who, upon completion of their assessment, will submit a signed certificate on your behalf provided no additional work is necessary.
Following this, you are free to sign up with an electrical supplier using your MPRN number.
More Than 2 Years
If the property has been unoccupied for more than 2 years, you will have to apply for a new connection.
Often times a site visit will be made to assess the condition of the current meter. If it is found to be working correctly, the property can be reconnected upon payment of an energisation charge and receipt of a wiring certification.
If it is necessary for a new meter to be installed, you will have to apply online via the ESB Networks portal.
Escalating a Complaint with ESB Networks
If you experience excessive delays, disputes over costs, or any issues with the service quality of your new ESB connection, you have a regulated path for complaint resolution.
- Contact ESB Networks Directly: Your first step should always be to raise a formal complaint via ESB Networks' dedicated complaints line or email. You must allow them a reasonable amount of time (usually 10 working days) to investigate and respond.
- Escalate to the CRU: If you are dissatisfied with the final response from ESB Networks, you can escalate your issue to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The CRU is Ireland's independent energy and utility regulator and offers a free complaint resolution service.
How Much Does a New ESB Connection Cost?
The cost of a new connection will depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of the property and the expected usage.
However, connection costs are usually expensive, so you should have a budget planned beforehand before you go into it.
ESB New Connection Prices Table
| Connection Type | Max Import Capacity | Connection Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Connection | 12kVA | €3,602 |
| Enhanced Connection (conditions apply) | 16kVA | €4,877 |
| Family Apartment | 12kVA | €333 |
| Non-Dwelling Farm Building | 3kVA | 50% of design costs |
Source: ESB Networks DAC Statement of Charges
How Do I Contact ESB About My New Connection?
The main contact number for ESB Networks is 1800 372 757.
ESB Networks representatives are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The emergency line is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
If possible, we recommend that you have your MPRN on hand when you call.
ESB Networks Contact Details
| Contact Method | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Phone number | 1800 372 757 |
| Phone number from abroad | 00353 21 238 6555 |
| Emergency contact number | 1800 372 999 |
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