AQW 49668/22-27 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
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.
Asked by Andrew McMurray MLA on 25 June 2026
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 25 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 30 June 2026
- Answered
- 1 July 20266 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- Yes
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.