Increase or Decrease your Supply

Each connection point on the electricity network has a Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) associated with it. The MIC is the number of Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA) (or kilowatts of electrical load) allocated to that particular connection and is the maximum capacity for the connection point.

We design our network to provide you with an electricity supply that is in accordance with a specified MIC.

How to recognise when you need to increase your level of supply

Over time some customers may begin to exceed the MIC that is allowed for their connection. This may happen if:

  • you add a significant new extension to your premises
  • you begin to use new equipment that requires significant extra power

If this happens, you may begin to notice problems such as the following:

  • You find that your main fuse is blowing.
  • Lights dim when many electrical devices are in operation at the same time.
  • You notice that electrical motors fail to start first time.

Note: These problems may also arise for customers who have not exceeded their MIC. For example, they may arise due to voltage problems in your premises or on our network. If you do not believe you have exceeded your MIC, and you have identified that the problems are not within your own premises, find out how to get a voltage problem rectified.

Contact us

If your load has increased and now exceeds the MIC for your connection, you need to increase the MIC to cater for the increased load. To do so, follow these steps:

Step: 1 Download the Application Form NC3 (PDF | 754KB)
or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a copy.
Step: 2

Complete the form.

Important! Make sure to tick the box "Increased Supply" and quote the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for your connection.

The MPRN number is a unique reference number that tells us exactly where you are on the electricity network.
Step: 3

Send the completed Application Form NC3 to the following address:

ESB Network Services Bureau,
PO Box 29,
Garrycastle,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.
Step: 4

When we receive the Application Form we will prepare a written quotation for increasing your MIC.

See a list of all ESB Networks' charges
Step: 5

When increasing your MIC, you may also have to upgrade your main switch board so it can carry the increased load. ESB Networks recommends that you consult a registered electrical contractor or consultant engineer to evaluate this.

A larger network transformer may also be required and this may oblige you to construct a new substation building. In this scenario, you will also be required to provide the site for the new substation.
Read the design specifications for substation buildings

If alterations are required and subsequently carried out, an E.T.C.I. Certificate will be provided by your electrical contractor on completion of the work.

A notification of this validated wiring certificate must then be received electronically by ESB Networks from your contractor's regulatory body.
Learn more about the certification process

Once payment has been received by us and any construction work has been finished , we will arrange for your MIC to be increased.
Step: 6

Once payment has been received by us and any construction work has been finished (in accordance with the terms of our quotation), we will arrange for your MIC to be increased.

Note: In some circumstances increasing your MIC may require the local electricity network to be upgraded. If so, you will be required to make a capital contribution to that work as part of the payment you make to us. This contribution will be detailed in your quotation.

See a list of all ESB Networks' charges

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