Researching your connection

Before you submit an application to connect to the electricity transmission system, please consider your connection requirements, such as:
 

  • Connection type 

  • Location

  • Connection size 

  • Planning consents

  • Connection date 

  • Cost of the connection


Our ConnectNow Research Assistant tool was created to help with your connection research. It shows you potential locations that could meet your needs and an estimated cost of the connection.

As of April 2023, all new connection applications should be submitted via the Electricity System Operator portal here. This replaces the previous connection application form process. Please refer to the page linked above for more information.

Customer checklist

  • Do you know the technical scope of your connection e.g. your connection size?

  • Do you know if your project has planning consents requirements?

  • Do you understand the costs of your connection?

  • Have you looked at the ESO Connection Registers to understand existing network connections? 

If you have answered no to any of these questions, please make an enquiry.


Feasibility study

Before you apply for a connection, we offer the opportunity to carry out a detailed assessment of your connection options.

You will receive a technical report for your company that provides detail on the agreed scope, key findings and our recommendations.

The cost of the study varies according to the size of the work required and any engineering services required to carry it out.

To find out more about the process, download our Feasibility Studies leaflet.

Request a study

Stage 2 of the connection process

Go to the next stage, applying to connect.

Supporting information

Frequently asked questions

Have you got a question about this stage?

Go to FAQs

Connections portal

As of April 2023, all new connection applications should be submitted via the Electricity System Operator portal here. This replaces the previous connection application form process.

Visit the connection portal page

Connection application fee guidance

Take a look at this document that explains the costs surrounding your application fee.

Download guide