How to apply for an electrical connection? Waiting time and costs

Table of contents

• What is an electrical connection?
• How to apply for an electrical connection?
  • 1. Determination of the energy operator
  • 2. Filling in the application
  • 3. Attachments to the application
  • 4. Submitting the application
• Electrical connection costs
• Waiting time for electrical connection
• Electrical connection – summary

If you are planning to build a house, you probably know that an electrical connection will be necessary. Importantly, the application for connecting the plot to the grid must be submitted before the start of construction in order to be able to power machinery and equipment. However, how to apply for an electrical connection, and how long do you have to wait for it? We will look at this in the article.

What is an electrical connection?

Let’s start with the basics, i.e. what an electrical connection actually is. In simple words, it is an installation that allows you to supply electricity from the distribution network to a facility, such as a single-family house, residential building or construction site.

The basic types of connections are overhead and cable. Choosing the right one depends on the technical conditions and the investor’s preferences. So it is worth knowing that:

• Overhead connection: It is a cheaper solution, but it is less aesthetic and susceptible to damage caused by weather conditions. They are less and less often used in new buildings.
• Cable connection (ground): More expensive, but more aesthetic and durable. The cables are hidden underground, which increases safety and resistance to external factors.

How to apply for an electrical connection?

An application for an electrical connection should be submitted at an early stage of the investment, preferably before the start of construction. Obtaining an electrical connection can take from several months to even a year, so it is worth planning this process well in advance. How to do it? Here are the most important steps.

1. Determination of the energy operator

Before you submit an application, you need to know who is responsible for the power connection. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which energy operator serves the area where the property is located. In Poland, the operators are, among m.in, PGE, Tauron, Enea, Energa and other local companies. On the websites of these companies you will find application forms and necessary information about connections.

2. Filling in the application

The connection application usually includes basic identification data and information about the facility to be connected, such as its location, expected connection capacity and expected annual energy consumption. This information should be available in the project or you can estimate it yourself based on calculators.

3. Attachments to the application

The application should be accompanied by documents confirming the right to the property (e.g. title deed) and a development plan. In the case of self-employed persons, it may also be necessary to provide a copy of the National Court Register (KRS) or CEIDG (National Business Registry Number) as well as NIP (Tax Identification Number) and REGON (National Business Registry Number).

4. Submitting the application

The completed application with attachments can be submitted in person at the operator’s customer service office, sent by post or sent electronically, if the operator offers such a possibility. After submitting the application, the operator usually has 30 days to present the technical conditions of the connection and the estimated costs.

Electrical connection costs

The costs associated with the electrical connection may vary depending on the type of connection and the connection power. Standard costs for a single-family house usually range from PLN 1,400 to PLN 1,700 for an overhead connection with a capacity of up to 12 kW. On the other hand, when planning an earth connection of the same power, you should take into account the expense of up to PLN 2400.

Be sure to also read the article: How much does construction electricity cost?

Waiting time for electrical connection

The waiting time for a connection depends on many factors, such as the operator’s workload or the technical conditions at a given location. It usually lasts from 1 to 5 months, but in some cases it can last longer, up to 12 months. It is therefore important to start the procedure in advance, especially if the connection is needed for the duration of construction.

In a situation where it is necessary to connect electricity immediately (e.g. for the duration of construction), you can use the so-called temporary connection, which is faster to make. However, in such a case, the investor must bear the costs of the temporary connection himself, and then the permanent connection after the completion of the works.

Electrical connection – summary

Submitting an application for an electrical connection is a process that requires proper preparation, both formally and technically. It is important to provide all the required documents, carefully fill in the application and meet the technical conditions set by the operator. Preparation of appropriate documents, arrangements with the operator and implementation of the work can take from several months to even a year. The costs depend on the connection power and the specifics of the location, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the requirements in advance to avoid unforeseen delays or additional costs.