Commercial or industrial connection
Looking to connect a non-residential site, such as a business, farm, large development, or other high-capacity facility to the network? Apply for a commercial/industrial connection here.
Before you start your application, please make sure you have:
- Site plans showing your property and connection location
- Load requirements (kVA or demand estimates)
- Your electrician or project contact details
- An electricity retailer arranged (required before your connection can be livened).
Ready to apply?
Complete the form below to get started. Please note that from 1 April 2026, all applications must be submitted through the form below. Email applications are no longer accepted.
Timeframes
Timeframes for commercial/industrial projects depend on the scale and complexity of your project:
- Simple connections (where existing capacity is available)
Generally take around 30 working days once requirements are met - More complex connections (where design and construction is required)
Typically take 4+ months, depending on scope - Design and quoting
Takes, on average, 8 weeks, but can be up to 12 weeks for larger projects.
Note that projects that require network upgrades, easements, or approvals can take longer.
Connection costs and fees
From 1 April 2026, your total connection cost will include:
- Assessment and design costs
- Network infrastructure and construction costs (cost to connect)
- A capacity charge (based on the network capacity that’s needed for your project).
Commercial and industrial connections are generally non-standard, meaning costs vary depending on:
- Load size (kVA)
- Network capacity availablility
- Required upgrades or extensions.
All costs will be outlined in your quote and must be paid up front before work begins.
Network capacity and requirements
Commercial and industrial connections often require:
- A detailed load assessment
- A network capacity assessment
- Potential upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Connections with larger loads (typically 70kVA and above) are treated as non-standard and require tailored design and pricing. Early engagement and accurate load information will help reduce delays.
Before construction starts
Before work can begin:
- Your quote must be accepted
- All required payments must be made
- Any easements or approvals must be in place.
A project manager or network design may work with you to coordinate delivery.
Final steps to get connected
Before your connection can be livened:
- Your electrician must complete and certify your installation
- Your electricity retailer must be set up and arrange metering
- The connection must be approved by Waipā Networks
- All compliance and safety requirements must be met.
Once complete, your connection will be inspected and livened.
Commercial or Industrial Connection FAQs
How much will my new connection cost?
Costs vary depending on load requirements and whether network upgrades are needed. You’ll receive a full quote after assessment.
What do I have to pay upfront?
From 1 April 2026, all connection costs must be paid upfront to provide clearer, more predictable pricing and align with national requirements, unless your application and quoted work were completed prior to 1 April 2026. In this case, the prior pricing structure, with costs paid at both the development and ICP application stages, will apply.
I received a quote before 1 April 2026. Will the pricing of this connection change?
If your quote expires on or after 1 April 2026, it may be reassessed under the new pricing model.
Do I need to provide load information?
Yes. Accurate load requirements (kVA) are essential for assessing network capacity and designing your connection.
What is a capacity charge?
A capacity charge is a contribution towards the cost of providing shared network capacity to support both your connection and future demand.
How long does it take to get connected?
Timeframes depend on the scale and complexity of your project. Simple connections, where existing capacity is available, typically take around 30 working days once all requirements are met. More complex connections that require design and construction generally take four months or more, depending on the scope of work. Design and quoting usually takes around eight weeks, but can extend up to 12 weeks for larger projects.
Projects that require network upgrades, easements, or additional approvals may take longer.
Who manages the project?
For more complex connections, a Waipā Networks designer or project manager will work with you through the process.