Building a New Single Commercial / Industrial Unit

This page describes the process for connecting a new stand-alone commercial or industrial premises to the electricity network.

If your premises is not stand-alone, e.g. if it is part of a multi-unit development in a business park, you need to follow the instructions on the page for moving into a premises in a new multi-unit development.

How to get connected

Step 1:
Get an Ordnance Survey map and a site plan		 Obtain an Ordnance Survey map (scale 1:2500-1:10560) that shows the location of your new premises.
Mark the location of your new premises with a red pen.

Obtain a detailed site plan (scale 1:100-1:500) showing your new premises.

You should be able to get both of the above from your builder or architect. Photocopies are acceptable.
Step 2:
Submit an application form		 Complete the ESB Networks Application Form number NC3.
Download the Application Form NC3 (PDF | 754KB)
or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a copy.

Send the application form (along with all the required documentation) to the following address:

ESB Network Services Bureau,
PO Box 29,
Garrycastle,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.
Step 3:
Receive an acknowledgement

After we have received your completed application, your business and site details will be set up on our system.

You will then receive an acknowledgement with a reference number.
Step 4:
Receive a quotation and connection agreement		 Based on the information on your application form, ESB Networks will issue you with a quotation.

We will also issue you with a connection agreement. This agreement includes:

  1. The Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for your new premises. This is an unique reference number that identifies your connection point to the electricity network.
  2. The Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) of your new premises. The MIC equates to the contracted electricity capacity for your premises based on information provided to ESB Networks. Find out more about MIC
Step 5:
Return payment

Post your payment and connection agreement (in the envelope provided) to:

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

Cheque, postal order and bank drafts are acceptable. (No cash.)

Once these have been received, ESB Networks can commence construction work on the electricity infrastructure required for your premises.
Step 6:
Going live

There are some variations in the connection process depending on the size of your MIC.

For MIC less than 30kVA

If your MIC is less than 30 Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA), the registered electrical contractor who is certifying the electrical wiring in your premises must send the ETCI wiring certificate to his/her regulatory body quoting your MPRN and address.
Read about the certification process

For MIC 30kVA or greater

If your MIC is greater than or equal to 30kVA you must first register with an electricity supplier of your choice.
View a list of all electricity suppliers

You will need the following information when contacting a supplier:
  • Your MPRN
  • The address of the new premises
  • Your name and contact details

Please note that the registered electrical contractor who is certifying the electrical wiring in your premises, must send the ETCI wiring certificate to his/her regulatory body quoting your MPRN and address before your connection can be made live.
Read about the certification process

Once the infrastructure work has been completed by ESB Networks and all of the above requirements have been met, your new connection can be energised.

Your electrical contractor is then responsible for making the power live in your new premises.

Application forms and other useful downloads & links

Specifications for duct and trench
These documents outline the duct and trench specifications of low voltage cable for non-domestic connections, how ducts are to be laid to minipillar locations, pole locations and direct-mains cable locations and outlines the specification for standard non-scheme domestic underground services to an outdoor meter cabinet.

ESB Networks requires that ESB Networks Approved Yellow Cable Marker Warning Tape be placed above all of its underground cables-approximately 300 millimetres (mm) beneath the surface or finished ground level.

Duct certificate
In order for the construction programme to proceed, you must confirm that the service duct, meter cabinet and earth trench (where required) have been installed in accordance with ESB specification and are now ready. You can text the word DUCT and your MPRN to 087-7526666 to confirm compliance to this specification.

ESB Networks general conditions for connection (PDF | 141KB)
This document sets out the conditions for connection to the electricity distribution system. These conditions apply to all customers irrespective of their electricity supplier.

Get more useful documents from the 'Downloads' page on this site

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