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Electricity & gas · Italy
Checked 2026-09-30

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

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 Italy

Grid connection

For a new low-voltage connection the distributor must send the quote within 15 working days and carry out the work within 10 working days (simple works) or 50 working days (complex works). You usually ask through your supplier.

  • If the distributor is late through its own fault, a household on low voltage gets an automatic indemnity of 40.25 euro, doubled beyond twice and tripled beyond three times the deadline. (arera.it)
  • The supplier has two working days to pass your request to the distributor and two working days to send you the distributor's quote. (arera.it)
Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. 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.
  2. 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 Italy below.
  3. Keep track of deadlinesWrite down the dates. If a deadline is missed, ask why in writing.
  4. Complain if it goes wrongComplain to the grid operator first, then to the body named below.

📇 Who to contact

e-distribuzione — Most of Italy (check your bill for your distributor)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 803.500🔗 www.e-distribuzione.it
ARERA - Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e AmbienteSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 800.166.654🔗 www.arera.it/consumatori
Servizio Conciliazione ARERASettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 conciliazione.arera.it/risoluzione-controversie/servizio-conciliazione-gen

❓ 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.

🔗 Also useful

☀️Solar panels→🔋Charging an EV at home→📣Complaint about a supplier→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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