New connection

Need power but don't have any metering or lines? Here's what you need to know to get started.

What's a new connection?

A new connection is needed when electricity has never been supplied to a property before, or the previous supply was permanently removed, and you now need power at the site.

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. 

Please be aware that some networks may invoice you directly for any work they carry out. These networks and additional charges may not be listed here, so we recommend requesting a quote from the network if you are unsure. 

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 6 digit Salesforce case 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.

Additional network-specific charge: $314 (single phase) or $554 (two/three phase), including GST, billed by Meridian.
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
  • Wellington Electricity Lines: additional $314, or $554 fee (incl. GST), billed by Meridian
  • Fees: see our fees page

Note: The fees above are those charged by Meridian. Additional charges may apply from your network provider or other contractors - they will discuss these with you directly.

Ready to get connected?

Once your site is ready and you’ve checked and completed the network requirements above:

Head to our business contact us page to get things started.
For residential customers, contact our residential support hub.