Guidelines for builder/developers to connect unmetered public lighting less than 2 kVA

Obtain an Ordnance Survey map (scale 1:2500-1:10560) that shows the location of the new unmetered load. Mark the location of the unmetered load with a red pen.

Obtain a detailed site plan (scale 1:100-1:500) showing the unmetered load.

Complete the ESB Networks Application Form number NC4.

Download the Application Form NC4 (PDF | 711KB)
or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a copy.

Send the application form (along with all the required documentation specifying your existing GMPRN if applicable) to the following address:

UnMetered Registrar (UMR),
ESB Networks,
Abbeyleix Road,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois.

Note: GMPRN or Group Meter Point Reference Number represents a group of unmetered connections that are on a single account.

Once UMR has received all the required documentation, you will be sent the following details:

• An acknowledgement
• A reference number
• Contact details for the local ESB Networks design office that will prepare a quotation
• GMPRN agreement (if applicable)

If you did not submit an existing GMPRN in Step 1 above, a GMPRN connection agreement will be sent to you upon receipt of your application. This must be signed and returned before your application can be processed any further.

The GMPRN connection agreement outlines specific responsibilities in relation to unmetered connections, as per the rules of the unmetered electricity supply market.

It also provides details of the GMPRN that has been created for all the public lighting connections within the relevant development.

Applications in the name of a Local Authority
Where an application is made in the name of a Local Authority, the application must indicate the existing Group Meter Point Reference Number (GMPRN) under which it wants the new connections to be grouped.

Applications in the name of a Builder/Developer
If a builder/developer applies for an unmetered public lighting connection in his/her own name (rather than in the name of a Local Authority) the builder/developer will be given a new GMPRN. He/she will also be required to complete and return a GMPRN connection agreement before a quotation can be issued.

If a Local Authority subsequently wishes to take on responsibility for this public lighting, it must first contact its electricity supplier and advise it of the GMPRN number.

The Local Authority must then complete a GMPRN connection agreement in order to complete the transfer.

Once UMR has received all the required documentation (including a GMPRN connection agreement where appropriate), you will be sent the following details:

• An acknowledgement
• A reference number
• Contact details for the local ESB Networks design office that will prepare a quotation.

Your local ESB Networks design office will issue you with the following information:

• A quotation for the cost of the connection
• Terms for connection
• A supplementary agreement

A supplementary agreement is additional to the GMPRN connection agreement already completed by you. It provides details of each Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) that has been created for each new connection point.

An MPRN is a unique reference number that identifies connection points to the electricity network.

Learn more about MPRN

The connection point address and details of the loads to be connected to the same (as advised by you) are also outlined in the supplementary agreement for each MPRN.

Return your payment to:

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

This payment must be accompanied by a signed Supplementary Agreement.

The job will then be released for authorisation and construction.

Once you have fulfilled the above requirements ESB Networks is required to publish details of the new connections (except for existing GMPRN) on a website to which all electricity suppliers have access.

These details include:

• GMPRN
• MPRN
• Address
• MIC
• Load Details

Note: After a quotation has been accepted, any subsequent changes made to address or load details will require a requotation with resultant delays to provision of connection. All changes to addresses and load details have to be published by ESB Networks on the web site for Electricity Suppliers.

If you have been issued with a new GMPRN, it must then approach an electricity supplier of its choice to obtain a quotation for electricity supply.
View a list of all electricity suppliers

New GMPRN
All customers who want an unmetered connection must have a contract with an Electricity Supplier. The new GMPRN must then be registered by the supplier with ESB Networks before ESB Networks is permitted to make a connection.

Existing GMPRN
Where the new connection is being associated with a customer's existing GMPRN, this will already have been registered by a supplier and accordingly the customer does not need to register this GMPRN again for any new connections.

Complete the ETCI Wiring Completion Certificate, stating the MPRN and name & address that appeared on the Supplementary Agreement.

he certificate should be returned by the electrical contractor to his/her regulating body who in turn will notify ESB Networks when the certificate has been validated.
Read about the certification process

Note, notification to ESB Networks of the validated ETCI Wiring Completion Certificate from the regulatory body is taken as confirmation that Customer Interface requirements (as outlined in the National Code of Practice) have been completed.

Download the National Code of Practice (PDF | 1.17MB)

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.

The electricity connection will then be completed and energised.