NIE Networks: Electricity connection cost soars for new housing

As NIE Networks is a monopoly, the price increase had to be approved by the regulator.

The regulator was convinced by NIE’s evidence of the increased cost of the connection work.

A spokesperson said: “In 2022, NIE Networks provided evidence to the Utility Regulator and the Construction Employers Federation to show that the costs of these works had increased beyond the level of inflation.

“As a consequence, there was a significant shortfall between the actual costs incurred by NIE Networks and the Standard Connection Charge. This meant that the additional cost of the site works were being paid for by all electricity consumers.

“In November 2024, NIE Networks submitted an updated Statement of Charges, which includes a phased approach to increasing the charge to a fair and cost-reflective level, and we have approved this.”