ESB Networks And A Building Renovation Project

I recently bought a building that was vacant and converted from commercial to residential before the sale closed. I am looking to get the building up and running so I could move my family into it, I am trying for the fastest path.

I have hit up on an issue with ESB Networks that is blocking me. The buildings MPRN was terminated in 2015 but the power remained connected (I thought your MPRN was a constant one with your building but I have a scenario that shows that is wrong or it has changed recently). ESB Networks are saying that I need to get a new MPRN to get power to the new building and cannot register my current MPRN with a supplier.

The new connection fees are pretty hefty as well as some of requested changes to move through meter that would cost the guts of 10k.


I am not sure how to push back against them on it as on their website it says that I should be able to register with a Supplier and start again:


Any one come across this before? All ideas welcomed

If you click on your link above, and select the disconnection time of "More than 2 years"
You will see

If the premises is disconnected more than two years, you will need to apply for a new connection.

A site visit may be required to assess the situation. If no work is required to bring the connection point up to current standards, the premises can be reconnected upon payment of an energisation charge and receipt of a wiring certification.

If the connection point is not up to current standards, it will be treated as a new connection and a new connection charge applies. You will find our Statement of Charges
@https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/esb-networks-dac-statement-of-charges.pdf

Energisation charge is covered in table 5.1 of above document
The new connection cost, if required will be covered under Table 2.1

Thanks @Giggs11 for the information. I suppose my situation seems unique in that the MPRN was terminated but the power connection to the building was never turned off until last month. I would argue with as the connection is off less than 6 months that I should be able to turn it back on and get an account with a new supplier. That is not possible due to the MPRN being deactivated. ESB Networks are maintaining that I need a new connection cost and I also need to move my cabinet as well as other items. What happens here and is there a process to resolve these disputes?

They operate under the direction of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities CRU,
If you have submitted a complaint to ESB Networks and are still not happy, you can go to
@https://www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint/complain-to-the-cru/
Best of luck

Too late now but the state of services should have been confirmed before the sale completed.

Just because the building is getting power from somewhere does not mean the meter number was active. You'll now need a registered electrician to provide certification that the electrical installation is up to current code.

Leo said:

Too late now but the state of services should have been confirmed before the sale completed.

Just because the building is getting power from somewhere does not mean the meter number was active. You'll now need a registered electrician to provide certification that the electrical installation is up to current code.

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I suppose what I am trying to understand is what is the definition of being disconnected? Is it that they terminated the MPRN or is it when the building is no longer getting power? There are two separate actions there and I am not sure which one is the definitive one.

michaelthebrady said:

I suppose what I am trying to understand is what is the definition of being disconnected?

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They would define it as disconnection registered on their system. It is their service and they are permitted define it as suits their purposes. A technical fault that results in the line still being live or someone otherwise bypassing their controls to obtain power would not override what they have recorded.

A friend bought a house handed back to the bank. It was 'newly built' but disconnected from the electricity for 3 years. The ESB quoted the New Connection rate and he had gathered up enough money to pay it. The issue now was the house has to meet current standards and the standards had changed in the few years since being built. An Electrician tested the current electrics and added switches for the under counter kitchen machines and signed off as meeting current standards. Putting the blind eye on other expensive changes to the regulations, such as CU (fuse board) height etc... The ESB reconnected the house and the bill arrived charging the standard reconnection rate. My friend was delighted!

Leo said:

They would define it as disconnection registered on their system. It is their service and they are permitted define it as suits their purposes. A technical fault that results in the line still being live or someone otherwise bypassing their controls to obtain power would not override what they have recorded.

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That makes sense and ESB Networks seem to do whatever they want and get away with it. I am being told now by the ESB that there was a live piece of the network on my property and they disconnected it (second disconnection). All I know is that the engineer told me the building was connected and the Meter had a reading that flashed up every few seconds and now it is dead. Is this something worth taking to the CRU? Has anyone ever heard of it taking cases like this?

michaelthebrady said:

That makes sense and ESB Networks seem to do whatever they want and get away with it.

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No, they don't. For the most part they operate within their terms & conditions and the regulations set down by the regulator.

You seem to be seeking a way around their T&Cs by asserting the presence of a live somewhere on your property somehow overrides the disconnection requested by the previous owners.

You can take it to the CRU if you like, but all ESB Networks need to do to counter your claim is show a record of the disconnection from 2015 and the fact that the previous owner never claimed the disconnection was carried out in error.

Thanks for the input @Leo My understanding is that the previous owner went into bankruptcy very suddenly and the building was vacated. They might have requested disconnection but the building was never actually physically disconnected from the grid. As you say, the ESB T&Cs probably cover them for this but seemed unique so I wanted to check with others on it

michaelthebrady said:

They might have requested disconnection but the building was never actually physically disconnected from the grid.

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Once the former owner requested disconnection, or failed to upkeep payments, a disconnection can be registered without their being a physical disconnection.