Building a detached house is a complex process, and one of the key stages is connecting the building to the power distribution network. An electrical connection is an investment whose cost can catch many developers off guard. In this article, we explain in detail how much an electrical connection costs in 2026, what factors affect the price and what the entire process looks like — from submitting the application to switching on the power supply.
What Is an Electrical Connection?
An electrical connection is the section of the power network linking the distribution network to the consumer installation in the building. For detached houses, this is most commonly a low-voltage (LV) connection, i.e. 230/400V.
A connection comprises:
- A cable line — from the nearest network point to the building
- A connection enclosure — a connection cabinet at the property boundary
- A metering set — the electricity meter
Connection Fee — What Does the Law Say?
Under the Energy Law, the connection fee for the power distribution network is regulated by the Energy Regulatory Office (URE). For connections with a capacity of up to 40 kW (typical for detached houses), a flat-rate charge applies.
Flat-Rate Charges in 2026
Connection fee rates are set out in the tariffs of distribution system operators (DSOs). For the main DSO in Silesia (TAURON Distribution):
| Connection type | Connection fee |
|---|---|
| LV connection up to 40 kW (residential building) | ~PLN 75.66/kW of connected capacity |
| LV connection — renewable sources up to 5 kW | PLN 8.22 per kW |
| MV connection (15 kV) | Individual quotation |
Example: For a detached house with a connected capacity of 14 kW (a typical value):
- Connection fee: 14 kW x PLN 75.66 = approx. PLN 1,060
This fee is paid to the network operator (TAURON) and covers the construction of the connection from the grid to the connection enclosure.
Costs Borne by the Developer
The connection fee itself is only part of the expenditure. The developer must also cover the costs of:
1. Internal Supply Line (WLZ)
This is the section from the connection enclosure (cabinet at the property boundary) to the main distribution board in the building. The cost depends on the distance and ground conditions:
- YKY 5x16 mm² cable (typical): PLN 25–35/m
- Trench and cable laying (60–80 cm depth): PLN 50–120/m
- DVK 110 protective conduit: PLN 10–15/m
- Earthing flat bar: PLN 20–30/m
For a 20 m section: approx. PLN 2,100 – 4,000
2. Main Distribution Board (MSB)
The main distribution board is the heart of the electrical installation:
- Surface/flush-mounted distribution board (24–36 modules): PLN 200 – 600
- Main switch: PLN 100 – 250
- Residual current devices: PLN 150 – 300 each
- Miniature circuit breakers: PLN 20 – 50 each
- Surge protector: PLN 200 – 500
- Installation and wiring: PLN 800 – 1,500
Total: approx. PLN 2,000 – 4,500
3. Electrical Installation Design
The connection and internal installation design is a mandatory element of the building documentation:
- Connection design (simplified): PLN 500 – 1,500
- Building electrical installation design: PLN 2,000 – 5,000
4. Testing and Acceptance
- Acceptance measurements: PLN 400 – 800
- Connection acceptance fee: included in the connection fee
Total Cost — Summary
A breakdown of all costs associated with bringing a power supply to a new detached house:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Connection fee (TAURON, 14 kW) | ~PLN 1,060 |
| Internal supply line (20 m) | PLN 2,100 – 4,000 |
| Main distribution board with equipment | PLN 2,000 – 4,500 |
| Design | PLN 2,500 – 6,500 |
| Acceptance measurements | PLN 400 – 800 |
| Total | PLN 8,060 – 16,860 |
In practice, most developers building a detached house in Silesia spend between PLN 10,000 and PLN 15,000 on the connection and main distribution board.
MV Connection — For Larger Facilities
If the power demand exceeds 40 kW (production plants, large commercial buildings), connection to the medium-voltage (MV, 15 kV) network is necessary. This requires the construction of a transformer substation.
Approximate MV connection costs:
- Connection fee: individual quotation (dependent on the scope of network works)
- Transformer substation (containerised): PLN 80,000 – 200,000
- MV cable line: PLN 200 – 400/m
- Design and approvals: PLN 10,000 – 30,000
- Supervision and acceptance: PLN 5,000 – 15,000
The Connection Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Submit an Application for Connection Conditions
Complete an application for the determination of connection conditions and submit it to the local distribution system operator (in Silesia — TAURON Distribution). Attach:
- A site plan or map for design purposes
- The planned power demand
Processing time: up to 21 days (LV) or up to 60 days (MV)
Step 2: Receive Connection Conditions and Sign the Agreement
The DSO issues connection conditions specifying, among other things, the connected capacity, the point of connection and technical requirements. Based on these conditions, you sign a connection agreement.
Step 3: Construction of the Connection
The DSO builds the connection (from the grid to the connection enclosure). At the same time, you can carry out the internal supply line and internal installation.
Completion time: up to 6 months (LV) — in practice in Silesia: 2–4 months
Step 4: Technical Acceptance
After construction is complete, the DSO carries out a technical acceptance of the connection. You must present:
- A declaration of installation readiness (ZI form)
- A protective measurement report
- A distribution board diagram
Step 5: Sign the Comprehensive Agreement and Commission
After a positive acceptance, you sign a comprehensive agreement (supply + distribution) and the meter is activated.
Connected Capacity — How to Choose
Selecting the right connected capacity is an important decision. Too little capacity will be restrictive, while too much will generate higher costs.
Typical connected capacity values:
- Detached house (standard equipment): 10–14 kW
- House with a heat pump: 14–17 kW
- House with a heat pump + photovoltaics: 17–20 kW
- House with electric heating: 20–25 kW
Remember that increasing the connected capacity after the fact is possible, but requires a new application and additional fees.
How to Save on the Connection
A few practical tips to help reduce costs:
- Locate the enclosure close to the building — a shorter internal supply line = lower cost
- Plan the cable route — avoid crossings with other utilities
- Use a shared trench — if you are running water and gas at the same time
- Select the optimal capacity — do not over-specify unnecessarily
- Compare contractor quotes — installation prices can vary significantly
- Commission comprehensively — design + installation from a single provider is cheaper
Summary
The cost of an electrical connection for a detached house in 2026 in Silesia is approximately PLN 10,000 – 15,000 (including the connection fee, internal supply line, distribution board and design). The process takes 2 to 6 months and requires cooperation with the distribution system operator.
ALTECH-SYSTEM offers comprehensive connection services — from design, through the construction of the internal supply line and main distribution board, to acceptance measurements. We operate throughout the Silesia region and work with TAURON Distribution. Get in touch to discuss the details of your project.