Frequently Asked Questions
- What are wayleaves?
- When is planning permission required and how long does it take?
- What do I need to do with the landowner indemnity form?
- When should I arrange to excavate and reinstate the cable trench?
- What is a connection card and what do I need to do with it?
- I am a business customer how do I choose my electricity Supplier?
What are wayleaves?
If NIE needs to install equipment on any third party landowner(s) property to facilitate your work then legal consent in the form of a wayleave agreement is required from the relevant landowner(s). Please note that the timescale to obtain landowner approval will depend on the landowner’s willingness to sign the wayleave agreement. Work cannot commence on site until these voluntary consents have been obtained.
When is planning permission required and how long does it take?
Full planning permission is required if NIE need to construct an overhead line over 100 metres in length. Normal timescales to obtain planning approval are approximately 3-6 months, therefore prompt acceptance of terms is recommended.
What do I need to do with the landowner indemnity form?
If you intend to excavate and reinstate the cable trench on an adjacent landowner’s property a landowner indemnity form must be completed and signed by the adjacent landowner and yourself. You are responsible for approaching the relevant landowner/s to gain their approval. Please note that work cannot commence on site until this signed form has been received by NIE. If more than one landowner is involved then you must complete a separate form for each.
When should I arrange to excavate and reinstate the cable trench?
Only arrange to excavate the cable trench when you have been provided with a firm construction date from NIE. This is to ensure that the trench is only left open for a short period of time.
What is a connection card and what do I need to do with it?
A connection card is a document confirming that your electrician has completed the electrical work within your dwelling to the regulated standard. Your electrician should complete and sign the connection card. Please ensure that you appoint an approved electrician and that the connection card is submitted to NIE only when the dwelling is ready for connection. NIE can not make your electricity supply live until this card has been received.
I am a business customer how do I choose my electricity Supplier?
Business customers in Northern Ireland can now choose an electricity supplier. In line with European Union directives, competition has been introduced to the market and all businesses can now switch between suppliers. More information on choosing an electricity supplier is available from the Consumer Council website www.consumercouncil.org.uk