New connections and alterations
We're here to help you and your customers with electricity connections
Here’s where you’ll find details about how to organise a connection to Northpower’s electricity network for your own or a client’s project in the Whangārei or Kaipara area.
Let us know ahead of time about your plans so we can help you make any changes as smooth as possible. Our first job is to check there is capacity on the network for your new or altered connection, and also to ensure legal access.
We’ll then work with you to ensure the connection is made to the correct supply point, the correct phasing is used and network fusing is available. Below is a step by step guide so you know what’s required.
1- Join an energy retailer
You or your customer need to contact an energy retailer to set up an account if not already a customer. You can find a list of retailers at Powerswitch.
If you or your customer are already an existing or recent customer of an energy retailer, they’ll need to be advised of the new address to be connected.
2 - Apply for a new electricity connection
You can apply for a new electricity connection here. If you need help, your electrician can complete the form on your behalf. Before you get started you’ll need:
- bill payer contact details – if there is a cost associated with this work then the quote and invoice will be issued to this person
- electrician contact details
- electricity retailer name, account holder contact details and consumer number (found on your electricity bill)
- If power to boundary is required, a Northpower approved contractor will need to undertake the work.
3 - We'll process your application within 10 working days
We’ll assess the connection requirements, and get back to you within 10 working days of the application, to let you know if:
- there’s a suitable connection available and you can proceed, or
- further work is required to make a connection available, or
- further network design and construction work is required on Northpower’s network to enable your connection
Once you’re able to proceed, we’ll issue an ICP number. You or your customer’s retailer can arrange metering and quote this ICP number. We’ll also supply this ICP number to the retailer.
When the connection is ready to liven, please make an appointment time with the chosen metering and livening contractor to arrange the meter and liven the connection.
If power is available at the boundary this service takes around 10 working days. If the request is urgent please contact us.
4 - Additional network design or works needed?
If your connection is more complex for any reason, and further network design/works are required, we’ll provide you with a quote that outlines these works, and also what you’ll need to contribute to the costs of these works.
Some developments have much more complicated needs than a standard home, which means sometimes extra work is required. While Northpower is responsible for maintaining the network, it is the responsibility of landowners to cover the costs of any new network infrastructure that is specific only to their property. Work can commence once our quote is accepted and payment made.
5 - Network connection and livening
Construction of your service main (private cable/line) can be done by your electrician. When your connection is ready to proceed, you’ll need to organise a service request with your chosen energy retailer for metering to be installed by their metering contractors.
Some meter installers are also Northpower approved contractors and are able to inspect, connect and liven to the network. Your electrician will certify your service main and also organise for the connection to be inspected and livened to the network. This can only be done by a Northpower approved contractor. Your electrician and the Northpower approved contractor will schedule an inspection of the work, connect and liven. At this point your energy retailer will begin billing you for your electricity.
Keen for more information or to talk to someone?
We suggest you download our handy customer guide to getting connected, which includes some handy FAQs. Or, if you’d prefer to chat with one of our friendly customer services team in the Whangārei office, you can contact us.