Connect a new multi-unit housing or commercial/industrial development

• Obtain an Ordnance Survey map (scale 1:2500-1:10560) that shows the location of the development.
• Mark the location of the new development with a red pen.
• Obtain a detailed site plan (scale 1:100-1:500) showing the new units.

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

We will also add the street names of your proposed development to our address database.

• An acknowledgement
• A reference number

Your documentation will be sent to a designer in your local ESB Networks office. Based on the information on your application form, ESB Networks will issue you with a cost quotation and a development agreement.
See a list of all ESB Networks' charges

Development Agreement

• State the terms under which ESB Networks will provide your development with an electricity connection to each house/apartment/unit
• Provide a quotation for connection charges
• Incorporate the substation site acquisition documentation
• Include a schedule of Meter Point Reference Numbers (MPRN) and associated details for each unit in the development.

Meter Point Reference Numbers (MPRN)

An MPRN is an unique reference number that identifies connection points to the electricity network. Individual MPRNs for each connection point are now a feature of the electricity market.

It is not possible for ESB Networks to quote or connect developments without the allocation of a unique MPRN to each unit/house/apartment.

Maximum Import Capacity (MIC)

Each MPRN within your proposed development will also be assigned a Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) in kVA (Kilovolt-Amperes)). An MIC equates to the contracted electricity capacity for your premises based.
Find out more about MIC

Distribution Use of System (DuoS)

Finally, each MPRN will be assigned a DUoS (Distribution Use of System) group. This group is one of the factors used to calculate the ongoing use of system charges which ESB Networks levies on electricity suppliers for that connection.

Post your payment for the connection cost plus the signed copy of the Development Agreement (in a single envelope) to:

ESB Network Services Bureau,
Garrycastle,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.

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

The job will then be released for authorisation. This will allow us to commence construction on the electricity infrastructure.

Penalty charge for changes

Details cannot be changed until after the connection has been made. As such, you must ensure that all information in relation to numbers, addresses and load requirements is as accurate as possible.

Changing any of these details after the Development Agreement has been signed will result in an extra charge.

ESB Networks will require you to undertake preparatory work on your own site, e.g. installation of ducting, provision of substation plinth or building, etc. Once that work has been completed to a satisfactory standard, we will commence installation of the electricity cabling /lines and any other necessary equipment.

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.

Read more about substation construction

The information given to you as part of the Development Agreement forms the basis upon which the new owner/occupier of each dwelling or commercial unit will be connected to the electricity network.

• Their own MPRN
• Their own MIC (in kVA)
• Their new address

They will need this information in order to notify ESB Networks of their intention to move into the premises and in order to sign up with an electricity supplier of their choice.

Owners/occupiers should also refer to "How to get connected" on the page 'Customer moving into a premises in a new multi-unit development'