New grid connection in Ireland: deadlines, complaints

The short answer

A new home, a heat pump, a charging point or solar panels can need a new or bigger connection. The grid operator does this work, and many countries set deadlines and rules on costs.

📜 The rules in Ireland

Grid connection

Apply to ESB Networks for a new home connection. Its Customer Charter guarantees a quote within 7 working days, or 15 if a site visit is needed; if it misses this, domestic customers get €65.

If you apply and pay at least 10 weeks before your electrical installation is finished, ESB Networks guarantees to connect within two weeks of receiving the Completion Certificate, or pays €65 (conditions apply). (media.esbnetworks.ie)
Where supply already exists and a valid Completion Certificate is received, your meter must be installed within three working days, or ESB Networks pays €50. (media.esbnetworks.ie)
ESB Networks aims to connect within 60 business days of payment but warns of delays. Typical charge: €3,602 for a single standard connection, €4,877 for an enhanced (16 kVA) one. (esbnetworks.ie)

ESB Networks – new domestic connectionsApply online for a new connection; complaints to esbnetworks.complaints@esb.ie before going to the CRU.🔗 esbnetworks.ie

Official source: media.esbnetworks.ie · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

Apply to the grid operatorApply to the grid operator for your address, not your supplier. Say what you want to connect and the capacity you need.
Ask for a quote and a dateThe grid operator should tell you the cost and when the work will be done. See the rules for Ireland below.
Keep track of deadlinesWrite down the dates. If a deadline is missed, ask why in writing.
Complain if it goes wrongComplain to the grid operator first, then to the body named below.

📇 Who to contact

ESB Networks – new domestic connectionsApply online for a new connection; complaints to esbnetworks.complaints@esb.ie before going to the CRU.🔗 www.esbnetworks.ie/services/get-connected/domestic-connection

ESB Networks — Republic of Ireland (electricity)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 372 999 🔗 www.esbnetworks.ie

Gas Networks Ireland — Republic of Ireland (gas)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 1800 20 50 50 🔗 www.gasnetworks.ie

Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 1800 404 404 🔗 www.cru.ie

CRU Customer Care Team (complaint resolution service)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 1800 404 404 🔗 www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint

❓ Questions

Who pays for the connection?

Usually the customer pays a connection charge set by the grid operator or the regulator.

Why does my grid operator refuse or delay?

Sometimes the local grid is full. Ask for the reason and the expected date in writing.

Do I need a new connection for solar panels?

Often not for small systems, but you usually have to register them with the grid operator.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🔗 New or bigger grid connection in Ireland: how long may it take and who do I complain to?