New connection
Need power but don't have any metering or lines? Here's what you need to know to get started.
Is it the right job for you?
A new connection is the right job if you need power and:
- Your property has never had electricity before (e.g., a new build or undeveloped site)
- The previous power setup has been completely removed (decommissioned)
Note: If you need to decommission your supply or want to learn about what a decommission is, visit our decommission page.
Do you need CTs (Current Transformers)?
If your supply is going to be 101 amps (A) or more, you’ll need Category 2 (CAT2) metering, which uses CTs. These safely reduce high current so the meter can measure it accurately.
Meridian supplies CTs with a 5/500 ratio - for every 5 kWh shown on the meter, 500 kWh have actually passed through the CTs and been used.
If CTs are needed, we’ll ask for:
- CT bore size
- CT Mounting type (base or bar mounted)
- Switchboard manufacturer details
- Delivery address for the CTs
Note: The delivery address for the CTs must be able to receive courier post. This means PO Boxes cannot be used.
What’s involved in the process?
- Check your network's requirements below to start the process
- The network will need your Meridian account number. If you don't have one, contact us and we will help with this
- Once things are ready at the network's end, they will usually send a request for metering to be installed through to us
- We will raise a job for metering to be installed
- If required, CTs will be dispatched
- Once metering is installed, the site can usually be livened
Note: Our service order covers meter installation only. In some cases, the metering contractor may also be authorised by the network to carry out inspection and livening - but this is a separate service initiated by the network. Our fees cover the installation of the metering.
Network requirements
To find out which network area you are in, check out this handy network map on the Commerce Commission website.
Network |
What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| Embedded Networks | You'll need to speak to the embedded network and be issued an ICP, then contact Meridian. |
| ALPE - Alpine Energy | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| DUNE - Aurora Energy | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| BUEL - Buller Electricity | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| CHBP - Centralines | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| COUP - Counties Power Limited |
Fill out the form on the network’s website. If you have already been issued with an ICP, contact Meridian. |
| EAST - Firstlight Network Limited | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| ELEC - Electralines Limited | Confirm your asset number (usually the nearest pole number) with your electrician or network, then contact Meridian. |
| EASH - Electricity Ashburton | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| ELIN - Electricity Invercargill Limited | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| HEDL - Horizon Energy Distribution | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| MPOW - Mainpower | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| MARL - Marlborough Lines | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| NELS - Nelson Electricity | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| TASM - Network Tasman | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| NPOW - Northpower Limited |
Fill out the form on the network’s website. If you’re unsure which supply type to select, check with your electrician. |
| ORON - Orion | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| POCO - Powerco Limited |
Fill out the form on the network’s website. If you already have a CIWR number from Powerco, contact Meridian. |
| SCAN - Scanpower |
Apply for an ICP with the network. Once you have the ICP, contact Meridian to complete the form. Scanpower do not provide us with the ICP. |
| LINE - The Lines Company | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| TPCO - The Power Company | Fill out the form on PowerNet's website. |
| TOPE - Top Energy Limited |
Fill out the form on the network’s website. Once you have the ICP number, contact Meridian. |
| HAWK - Unison (Hawkes Bay & Rotorua/Taupo) | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| VECT - Vector Limited | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| WAIP - Waipa Networks Limited | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| WATA - Waitaki Power | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| WAIK - WEL Networks Limited | Fill out the form on the network’s website. |
| CKHK - Wellington Electricity Lines Limited |
Contact Meridian. You will need to provide your electrician’s full name, business name, and email address. |
| WPOW - Westpower |
Fill out the form on the network’s website. Once you have the ICP number, contact Meridian. |
Timeframes and fees
New connections can take 30 days or longer from the initial application to the network. The network will quote directly for their work.
Once the site is ready and the metering job at our end is raised:
- Standard turnaround: within 10 business days
- CTs dispatched: within 5 business days
- Fees: see our fees page
Ready to get connected?
If your site is ready and you’ve checked and completed the network requirements above, head to our contact us page to get things started.