Costs soar for new housing electricity connections

29/11/2024

The Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has approved a price increase from NIE Networks that will see the fee for a new connection increase from £1,094 per dwelling to £1,974. The charges will increase again in April to at least £2,445, more than double what they currently charge to connect new housing developments to the electricity grid.

Mark Spence, chief executive of the Construction Employers Federation has said the increase had not been given “full and proper consideration”.

NIE Networks have commented that the price increase was necessary due to construction price inflation. This has meant the current charge no longer reflects the actual cost of the work.

A spokesperson added: “This charge applies only to housing developments of 12 properties or more and will not impact single house connections.

“In Northern Ireland there are a number of providers that can connect to the electricity network enabling developers to have a choice of provider.”

Read the full article on BBC’s website here.