Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When do I need to contact ESB Networks?

A.You should contact ESB Networks directly for the following:

For all other queries, you should contact your electricity supplier. For example:

  • Bill queries
  • Tariff changes
  • Change of metering
  • Disconnection of supply

Q. I have followed all your procedures for a new connection, but I am still not connected to the electricity network. What could the problem be?

A. The top 2 problems with electricity connections are as follows:

  1. The service may not yet be live

    Check with your builder or developer to see if your service is live.

    Alternatively, contact us at 1850 372 757 and we can advise you if any requirements are still outstanding.

    Please ensure you have the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for your premises to hand. The MPRN is a unique reference number that identifies your connection point on the electricity network.

  2. You are not registered with a supplier

    If the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) of your premises is greater than or equal to 30 Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA) you must be registered with a supplier. You cannot be connected to the electricity network until you are registered.

    View a list of all electricity suppliers on the CER website.

    (MIC is the contracted electricity capacity for your premises based on information your developer has provided to us. Find out more about MIC)

    If the MIC of your premises is 30 kVA or greater, you must sign and return a Networks Connection Agreement. If we have not received this document, then you cannot be connected.

    Read more about the connection process for MIC greater than 30 kVA

Q. I am buying or leasing a new commercial/industrial unit. What do I need to consider in relation to the electricity supply?

A. Every building now has a registered supply capacity called a Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). MIC is the contracted electricity capacity for your premises based on information your developer has provided to us. Find out more about MIC

Your MIC may be too high or too low for your needs - either way it will cost you money.

You should discuss your present and future electricity requirements with an electrical contractor and/or engineer. This should take into account all business equipment, as well as the building's heating and cooling needs.

Please note the following:

  1. It is vitally important to establish the level of supply capacity (MIC) which is available in the premises you plan to acquire. If this does not meet your needs, you should ask your electrical contractor /engineer to contact ESB Networks and advise you, as you may incur significant additional costs to obtain your required level of supply. Also, there may be difficulties in acquiring a site for a substation if one is required.
  2. To minimise costs, your MIC should reflect your actual requirements (for all cases greater than 49 Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA)). If your MIC level is higher than you need, you will incur unnecessary charges.

Q. I am ready to move into a new premises. What do I need to do?

A. To find out what to do, visit one of the following pages:

Q. I am about to vacate my current premises. What do I need to do?

A. To find out what to do, visit the page 'Moving out' on this site.

Q. I am doing some renovations to my business premises. How do I get the power disconnected temporarily?

A. To find out how to get power disconnected temporarily, visit the page 'Disconnecting supply on this site.