Connecting electricity to a new build in Ireland: costs and checklist

Think of the project as three budgets. First is the ESB Networks connection offer for bringing a suitable supply to the premises. Second is site preparation required under the connection design, such as the specified duct, cabinet, trench or other customer-side works. Third is the registered electrical contractor's work inside the house and on the customer installation: consumer unit, circuits, wiring, outlets, fixtures, testing and certification. Your builder's contract may cover some of the second and third budgets, but do not assume it does.[1][3]

• Ask the builder who supplies and installs the meter cabinet and ducting to the network specification.
• Ask the electrician which circuits, devices, fittings, data points and external supplies are included.
• Ask whether trenching, reinstatement, road or boundary works and unusual network works are included or separate.
• Check whether prices include VAT and whether provisional allowances can change after the final design.

There is no reliable single national 'all-in connection price' for every new build. The published network charge is a starting point; the wiring design and the physical route can vary dramatically. Obtain the ESB Networks offer and written trade quotes for the same plans before treating a budget as final.[1]

ESB Networks advises applying as soon as possible once planning permission is in place. For a single-site domestic connection, its application asks for a site plan with the building marked, an Ordnance Survey location map, accurate coordinates and load/connection-capacity details. Get your builder or designer to supply the drawings and ask your electrical contractor to help with capacity and heavy loads. Do not guess at the load if the design includes a heat pump, EV charging or other substantial demand.[1][2]

• Planning and site documentation ready, with the proposed building and access clearly shown.
• A decision on heating, hot water, cooking, EV charging and possible future loads.
• The proposed position of the meter cabinet and a feasible route for ducts and cables.
• One named person responsible for the application and for responding to ESB Networks requests.

If you are buying a house in a development rather than building a single home, check with the developer. ESB Networks says the overall connection charge is usually applied to the builder and incorporated in the sale price, though exceptions can arise.[4]

ESB Networks says it aims to issue a quote within 15 business days and, after acceptance and payment, aims to complete a new connection within 60 business days. These are targets, not a promise that every site will be energised on that date. Wayleaves, road-opening permissions, network reinforcement, missing ducts or an outstanding wiring certificate can delay the work.[1][3]

Build the connection into the construction programme early. Ask your builder when the cabinet, duct and any trench will be ready. Ask your electrician when the installation can be tested and certified. Track the application and identify who will respond if ESB Networks puts it on hold. Temporary site power and the permanent domestic connection should be planned as separate needs if your build requires both.[3]

ESB Networks explains that a registered electrical contractor must test and certify a new installation. Where a completion certificate is required, the contractor's regulatory body must send a validated certificate to ESB Networks before connection work can begin. The homeowner should also receive a copy and keep it with the house records.[5]

Before accepting an electrical quote, ask who is responsible for certification, what work is included, and how changes to the agreed design will be priced. A quotation for 'first fix electrics' is not the same as a complete installed, tested and certified system. Coordinate the electrician with the builder so plastering, insulation and final finishes are not completed before cable routes are agreed.

• Floor plans with room uses, socket and lighting positions, appliance list and any outdoor points.
• Heat-pump, immersion, cooker, EV charger and solar-ready requirements, if relevant to this design.
• Consumer-unit specification, protective devices, earthing, testing and certification.
• Meter-cabinet and duct interface: state whether the builder or electrician handles each part.
• Included fittings versus owner-supplied fittings, installation of data/network cabling and smart-home items.
• First-fix and second-fix dates, access requirements, defects process and final documentation.

Give every contractor the same drawings and schedule. Ask for a written list of exclusions and provisional sums, not simply a total. If the electrician recommends a different connection capacity, understand why before the ESB Networks application is submitted or amended. A cheaper electrical quote that omits fittings, outdoor work or certification may not be cheaper in the end.

'We are building a single new home in County Galway and preparing an ESB Networks domestic connection application. The house will have a heat pump, electric cooking and provision for a future EV charger. Planning permission and current floor plans are available. Please quote for the complete electrical installation, including your recommended load/capacity information for the application, consumer unit, specified circuits and fittings, testing and completion certificate. State whether meter-cabinet and duct coordination, outdoor sockets and data cabling are included. The builder will handle groundworks unless agreed otherwise. Please list assumptions, VAT and your likely first-fix availability.'

The homeowner still applies through the proper ESB Networks process. HomePros can help you describe and compare the contractor-side electrical work; it does not replace the network operator or the certifying electrician.