Getting your new home set up with a new electricity connection is simple. All you will need is your unique MPRN. In this guide, we’ll explain all you need to know about getting set up as a new connection.
Before moving into a new residence, one of your main priorities as a homeowner will be making sure you’re connected to the basic utilities.
However, if you’re moving into a newly built, detached house, also known as a ‘new connection’, chances are you’ll need to get connected to the electricity network from scratch.
In this guide, we’ll run you through the basics of getting electricity set up as a new connection, whatever your circumstances.
So, here’s what you need to know.
Setting up electricity for a new connection
If you’re moving into a new-build home it will probably be part of a larger housing or apartment development. If this is the case you won’t need to do much in order to get your lights on.
All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Get your MPRN - To get set up for electricity you will need to get your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN). Either your electrical contractor, builder, and/or developer will be able to provide this for you. Alternatively, you can contact ESB Networks and it will be able to provide you with it.
- Choose an electricity provider - Once you have your MPRN you should sign up to an electricity provider. You can do so on bonkers.ie using our easy-to-use comparison tool that’s specific for new electricity connections.
- Get the connection turned on - The relevant documentation must be filed by your electrical contractor before the connection goes live. However, once you have your MPRN you’ll be able to sign up to a provider straight away. Your new provider will then get in touch with ESB Networks to turn on your electricity. Getting set up usually takes between 5-10 working days, especially if you need a new meter installed. However, if you already have a meter and supply in your residence then it could be much quicker.
Reconnecting power
Less than six months - If you’re moving into a second-hand property that’s been without power for less than six months you should sign up with an energy supplier as they will help you to get your home reconnected and advise you what needs to be done. All you will need is your MPRN which the previous owners or estate agent should be able to provide you.
Between six months and two years - If however it has been less than two years since your property has had electricity, you will still need to sign up with a supplier who will provide you with your MPRN. You are required however to have the wiring checked and certified by a registered electrical contractor who must then submit a completion certificate on your behalf. Reconnection works can then be commenced.
More than two years - If a property has been without electricity for more than two years, homeowners must apply online via ESB Networks’ website to register a new connection.
Customers should bear in mind that oftentimes a valid and up-to-date Electrical Completion Certificate (ECC) must be re-submitted to ensure wiring and connections are safe, but this is generally only required where homes have been disconnected for a long time. This is also true whenever any new electrical work has been completed.
When you move into an apartment development or housing that’s part of a larger development, as mentioned above, it’s likely that you won’t have to pay any new connection charges as this will be covered most of the time by the builder and/or included in the house/apartment price.
If, however, you're building your own home from scratch and require a brand new connection, there are a few more steps involved which we explain below.
Setting up electricity for a self-build
If you’re building a standalone, self build property, a few more steps are involved.
Thankfully the application process has been streamlined in recent years and customers looking to set up a new connection for their new build can do so online via ESB Networks’ (ESBN) New Connections Page. This application process should take between 10-15 minutes to complete.
You will need to provide certain information in your application such as:
- A digital copy of your Site Plan (with the building clearly marked in red)
- A digital copy of an Ordnance Survey Map of your property (with the location clearly marked in red)
- Accurate X/Y or GPS co-ordinates to identify your dwelling's exact location and orientation
- Load and Connection Capacity details (that have been provided by your Electrical Contractor)
After you finish the application process you should receive a quote for your new electricity connection within 15 days.
Once you have accepted the quote and paid ESB Networks for your new connection, it should be completed within 60 business days.
You can also contact ESB Networks by calling them on 1800 372 757 or +353 21 2386555 for more information.
Timeline for receiving a quote
Where a property already has a registered MPRN and is looking to get the electricity turned on, ESB Networks says that most connections are completed within 10 working days. This is because your new supplier will be in contact with ESB and will do this for you.
If you’re setting up electricity for a new build however, new connection applicants usually receive a quote within 15 working days.
Your MPRN will be included in the quote documentation sent to you by ESB Networks which is important for getting set up with an electricity supplier.
Sign up to an electricity deal on bonkers.ie
Once you have a valid MPRN you should sign up with a supplier as soon as possible as they will be able to work with ESB Networks in most instances to get power to your home.
Customers should be aware that if you don’t proactively choose an electricity supplier, Electric Ireland will be assigned by default.
As you’re applying for the first time you won’t have information such as an estimated annual usage, so the sign-up process is slightly different, but still very straightforward.
You can use our tailor-made, new connection comparison tool to compare and sign up to electricity deals across all electricity suppliers in Ireland.
On our site, we offer a range of comparison tools for different household necessities and expenses such as gas, broadband, banking, and insurance products.
Note: You are required to have the wiring checked and certified by a registered electrical contractor who must then submit a completion certificate on your behalf.
By using our free and easy-to-use services, you will have your new home up and running in no time!
Check out our other articles
If you found this guide helpful, why not take a look at our other content on the topic?
- Read our energy Quickstart Guide to discover how to compare and purchase your energy plans on our site.
- Get to grips with the terms you’ll encounter when purchasing a electricity or gas plan.
- Here are 15 ways to lower your electricity usage and save money.
Stay up to date with all our electricity and gas news with our blog and guide pages.
Get in touch with us
If you have any more questions about setting up your electricity supply, reach out to our team today!
