Get an electricity connection in your home in 4 easy steps.

You may want to connect your new home to the electrical grid if you are moving into it. The good news is that the procedure is the same whether your network operator is ORES, RESA, Sibelga, or Fluvius. You must perform these steps to make a quick and easy electrical connection

If you're buying a new home, you probably want power in it (unless you want to build a rural home without modern conveniences, which isn't very common). Consequently, you must connect your new home to the electrical grid. To accomplish this you need to follow several actions. Checking which Distribution Network Operator (DNO) serves your city is the first step in the preparation process. This organization has the ability to link you to the grid The following actions are required:

What is electrical connection?

Let us first understand what is meant by an electrical connection. This is an important stage in the home building process. Without electricity, you would have no lights or functional home appliances.

In practice, supplying power to your home involves connecting it to your DNO's distribution network and installing a new electricity meter.

Your home location may require an extension of the network, for example if it is remote or otherwise isolated. In such situations, the cost of the work is generally your responsibility, unless the extension includes "one or more dwellings constructed along a public highway in a residential area, a rural dwelling, or a home extension, and is outside the subdivision or is considered such." CWaPE ( According to the Walloon Energy Commission).

How can I establish an electricity connection in Belgium?

At first glance, a simple connection to the electrical grid may seem difficult. But if you approach it properly and step by step, it can be just a formality.

1. Requesting a new power grid connection

The first step is to request a new connection from your network operator You have a few options for doing this: by phone, by mail, or online. For example, the ORES connection form (in French) and the Sibelga form are both easily accessible (Brussels). Remember that visiting your DNO's website can save you time.

You must include the following details when submitting your connection request:

• desired number of meters;
• preferred type of electricity meter (night-only, dual-rate, or single-rate);
• Type of connection to be made: A regular connection (power up to 10 kVA) or a special connection (power above 10 kVA).
• Intended use of electrical connections, such as general use, electric heating, a water heater, air conditioner, etc.;
• Do you have solar panels?

Ask your electrician for advice if you are unsure of the power level that will work best for your electrical connection. Depending on your needs, they will decide what type of installation and power connection you need.

Did you understand?

You also need to know exactly where your DNO is located and what level it is on if you live in an apartment. If your building already has electricity supply you must ask for an additional meter to be installed. In such situations you will not need additional power connection. You still have to offer the same data.

2. Performing tasks necessary to prepare electrical connections

Have you contacted your DNO with a request for a new electrical connection? Great! They will now provide you with a quote. Your next task is to complete the preparatory tasks outlined in the technical files provided by your DNO, assuming it is acceptable and you accept their price proposal.

After that, you must have the electrical installation inspected by a group that has been approved by the Minister of Energy. You must now provide the EAN code that uniquely identifies your connection, the single-line diagram of the installation and the location of each component. You should already have this code from your DNO 

Does your installation comply with the most recent regulations? The regulatory body will then issue you with a certificate of compliance. When your DNO inspects your property, you should present it.

Once everything is fine, contact your network provider so they can install your power meter and make the connection. You should be aware that certain DNOs demand a quotation before starting the connection process.

3. Signing a contract with an energy provider for energy

After construction is completed you will now need to establish an electricity contract with a supplier such as ENGIE, Eneco or Mega. Without this document it will be impossible to exercise any power.

You should first consider your options for an energy provider. Do you want to patronize a business that supports green energy, offers attractive discounts or has a reputation for providing excellent customer service? If you are unsure of the characteristics of a source please give us a free call on 0800 37 456. Our advisors will be happy to go over the pros and cons of each option.

Do you just want to see the cost of electricity and find the best deal? If so, check out our electricity price comparison site, which was first approved by CREG (Federal Regulator) in Belgium. Our tool will tell you which pricing option is the most affordable based on your electricity usage.

But it's very likely that you won't be aware of your costs in a new build. Please read the average electricity costs in Belgium in that scenario.

Then, after your contract starts, read your meter once a month for a specified period. Once you know how many actual kilowatt-hours are used, you can change the monthly payment you make to your energy provider.

4. Setting up your electricity meter for use

Your DNO will activate your electricity meter, but only if your electrical installation complies with the rules and you have an energy contract in place.

Is that right? If so, schedule a meeting with your network operator. The commissioning process usually takes three working days.

Did you understand?

If your DNO comes to your premises for connection, you may be able to commission it immediately if you already have a supply contract and a certificate of compliance.