NIE Networks launched the Big Network Rebuild in April 2025, a six-year investment programme worth about £250m to rebuild and future-proof the electricity distribution network in Northern Ireland1. The work covers all six counties and is being carried out by NIE Networks teams alongside contracting partners2.
The programme involves rebuilding approximately 1,500km per year of 11kV overhead lines, constructing new overhead lines and increasing the capacity and resilience of the low voltage and 33kV networks1. In total it will involve rebuilding and refurbishing approximately 14,000km of the distribution network over the six-year period, including replacing poles, conductors and transformers and restringing overhead lines1.
"This investment will help homes and businesses across Northern Ireland transition to cleaner energy by supporting the electrification of heating, transport and business operations."
NIE Networks says the rebuilt network will make it easier for customers to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, whether by switching to an electric vehicle, installing a heat pump or connecting renewable generation such as solar panels2. It describes the work as a once in a generation reform of the electricity network2.
Planned power outages will be required to allow the work to be carried out safely, and NIE Networks says homes, farms and businesses may experience supply interruptions, with some repeat outages on certain sections of network2. The company says it will coordinate other work on the same circuits, such as vegetation management and new connections, to avoid further disruption later, and is exploring methods including live line working and high and low voltage generation to reduce outages2.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme value | c.£250m |
| Duration | Six years, launched April 2025 |
| 11kV overhead lines rebuilt | Approximately 1,500km per year |
| Network rebuilt or refurbished in total | Approximately 14,000km |
| Equipment replaced | Poles, conductors, transformers; overhead lines restringed |
Why it matters for households
The distribution network is the part of the system that carries electricity from the transmission network to homes and businesses, and it is operated in Northern Ireland by NIE Networks. A network with more capacity and quicker access is what allows a household to add load such as a heat pump or an electric vehicle charger, or to connect solar panels, without waiting for reinforcement2. NIE Networks states that the rebuild is focused on facilitating projected growth in low carbon technologies such as heat pumps and EV chargers, and on making the network more robust in the face of climate change impacts2.
The trade-off reported is disruption during construction. Planned interruptions are notified in advance by card through the post, and NIE Networks says customers on its Customer Care Register will also receive a text message three days before, with its customer service team making contact to discuss concerns2. In extreme cases it says it may provide small generators for vulnerable customers facing particular challenges2. Access to farm land and customers' premises will be required, agreed and communicated in advance through its wayleave team2.
What happens next
The work will take place throughout Northern Ireland over the next six years2. NIE Networks says it is not possible to give a general timeframe for works at each location, as duration depends on the type of work, the level required and the landscape; some 11kV rebuild circuits may take up to one to one and a half years to complete, and land access can be restricted during the silage season2. Dates and schedules may change because of storm response, land access not being granted, delays in material deliveries or weather preventing the use of heavy machinery2. Circuits have been prioritised based on current condition and performance, when work was last carried out, and other work required at the same time2.