AQW 49668/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 25/06/2026
Answered On Date: 01/07/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the indicative date for when house builders in rural areas will be able to avail of fairer grid connection costs, under her Department's new policy.

Answer:

On 26 November 2025, I published a decision to reform electricity grid connection charging, removing unfair up‑front reinforcement costs for homes and businesses and making it easier to connect to the grid, particularly in rural and weaker network areas.

The Utility Regulator has progressed the necessary modifications to NIE Networks’ distribution licence, and NIE Networks published its new Statement of Connection Charges on 1 June 2026. The new charging arrangements will take effect from 1 July 2026.