Get Connected

Please note:

If you would like a new power connection before the end of the year, applications must be received before Friday 1 November. MainPower's office and field operations will be closed from Friday 20 December 2019, re-opening on Monday 6 January 2020. Our 24-Hour Fault line will continue to operate as usual during this time. Call 0800 30 90 80 to report a fault.

Connecting to the MainPower network enables you to purchase electricity from retailers in North Canterbury.

There are three options for connecting to the network, depending on what you want to do:

Note: Please check whether a single phase or three phase supply is required, before applying for a new connection. Some rural sub divisions are required to have a three phase supply.

Note: There will be a charge if your property does not have an existing connection point (ICP). Please call our Network Services Representatives (03 311 8300) for more information.

New Power Supply – my property has no power at the boundary

MainPower needs to check if a suitable power supply is available to your property. Just because a pole or service box is near your boundary, does not mean it is suitable for your installation. If power is not readily available, we will provide a new power design and quotation for your power supply. If you are not sure, please contact us. If you do not have a power supply at your boundary, please complete a new power supply request. 

New Connection – my property has an existing power supply to the boundary

If you have a power supply to your property, you can complete our online connection application to connect to the MainPower network. This can be completed by an electrician, builder or customer. Because electrical information is required, you may not be able to complete the application without expert advice. We suggest you speak with your electrician if you are unsure of exactly what type of electricity supply is needed.

New Distributed Generation – my property will have solar, wind, or hydro generation

For information on connecting distributed generation, click here.

  

Connection Agreement:

Make sure you read our Connection Agreement which outlines our relationship and roles and responsibilities when you connect to our network.
Click to download agreement

Network Connection Standards:

Users of our network must comply with our Network Connection Standards.
Click to download standards

Subdivision Requirements:

Information for developers.
Click to download requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the new connection process take?

  The entire process of connecting to MainPower's network and getting power to your property takes a minimum of 15 working days. At any time, you can contact MainPower to check the progress of your connection.

• What if I don't have a power supply available?

  To get connected to the MainPower network, you need to have a suitable power supply to your site. If you don't have a power supply or you are not sure, you will need to complete a new power supply request. We will provide a new power design and free quotation for your power supply.

• What is an ICP?

  An ICP (Installation Control Point) is where a property physically connects to the electricity distribution network (in this case, MainPower). This is usually the place the electricity meter for the installation is located. Each ICP is assigned a unique identifier which can be found on your electricity bill e.g. 0000xxxxxxMPxxx.

  A new ICP is required for each new metered site, and must be requested before a new metering point can be installed. A new ICP may be allocated to a subdivided Lot or new building site by a developer who installs power to the boundary, but this is not always the case.

  Customers should always check whether they have an ICP before filling out a New Connection application on our website. To check whether you have an ICP allocated, please call (03) 311 8311 to talk to our Network Services team. If your Lot does not have an ICP allocated, you can request one using the New Power Supply form on our website.