How To Set Up a New ESB Connection

By David Tait Reviewed by Cormac Breen

Editorial Manager

Setting up a new ESB connection depends on the type of property you are connecting. For new builds and recently vacated homes, the process simply requires you to sign up with a new energy provider. For new build homes 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 €3,486 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.

Below you will find some of the common new connection types:

1. New Home
   If you are moving into a new build home that is part of a wider housing or apartment 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

In the following chapters, we will go through the application process for each type of connection.

New ESB Connection for a New Home

If you are moving into a brand-new home or apartment 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:

1. 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.
2. Sign up with an electricity supplier - having found your MPRN number, you will now need to sigh up with an electricity supplier. We recommend comparing the market to find the cheapest electricity tariff for your new home.
3. 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 need a new meter installed, connection could take more than a week but for standard, newly built homes, there should already be a meter installed and 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’ (ESBN) 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 €3,486 and for a single enhanced connection (16 KVA) €4,721.

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 as this will dictate how you go about reconnecting to the grid.

There are three time ranges:

1. Less than 6 months.
2. More than 6 months. (up to 2 years)
3. More than 2 years.

Below you will find details on how each reconnection process works:

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.

You can ask the previous tenants or estate agents for a copy of the MPRN number.

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.

This can be done via the online application portal linked above.

Is There an ESB New Connection Login?

Yes, there is an ESB new connection login that you can use to access your account and manage your connection.

You can create an account by visiting the ESB Networks website and following the instructions. Once you have created your account, you can log in and start managing your connection.

You can view and edit your connection details, check your energy usage, and make payments.

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.

Here are some of the prices for domestic and commercial properties for new electricity connections in Ireland:

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.