Esb networks "8kV supply limit", in reality I have 12

witnessmenow · 18-06-2026 10:17PM #1

I was checking the esb networks site today and apparently our supply limit is 8kV, i definitely have a 12kV supply in reality (was using 12kW last night even).

Our EV charger got installed over 2 years ago and was signed off and grant approved, so am confident the cabling etc is there for it.

Gemini is suggesting it's just a ESB Networks admin thing and I can request to get it upgraded for free. Has anyone gone through this before?

Thanks

...Ghost... · 18-06-2026 10:58PM

Yes. The upgrade to 12kVa is free. I did it in the last 2 years. No physical work on site was done. House is a 70s build, Dublin.

joe1303l · 18-06-2026 11:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058439853/esb-networks-8kv-supply-limit-in-reality-i-have-12

Yes, it’s a free upgrade but in most cases it’s just a paper exercise. Just fill out some forms to ESB Networks to request it. In my case, they came out and upgraded the main fuse but like you, I was already able to pull 12kV. Subsequently they then refused to finalise the upgrade as I didn’t have a smart meter. Had refused this previously as better value to be had on a traditional day/night tarriff.

slave1 · 19-06-2026 08:31AM

Just so you know, you can go on day/night tarriff on a SM, I've had it in play since I had the SM put in few years back (had to in order to get paid for microgen export)

Jim_Hodge · 19-06-2026 08:51AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124561915#Comment_124561915

The number of people that think rates change with a smart meter is ridiculous. You stay on your existing tariff unless you choose to change plans.

zg3409 · 19-06-2026 09:00AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124562465#Comment_124562465

Initial batch of smart meters could not handle day night rates, so those customers did not get the first batch of smart meters, later models could handle it

fafy · 19-06-2026 12:53PM

Does anyone know if you upgrade from say 12kVa to say 20kVa, therefore allowing 11 kw EV charging, does one have to upgrade the cable going from the fuseboard to the EV charger, and would one also have to upgrade to a completely new fuseboard ?

D_D · 19-06-2026 02:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124563200#Comment_124563200

To go to 11kW charging you will need to have a 3-phase supply, which I'm going to assume you don't have otherwise you could have been charging at 11kW already.

zg3409 · 20-06-2026 01:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124563200#Comment_124563200

As mentioned you need to change incoming cable to 3 phases, typically only available in industrial areas or rural areas with pole mounted transformers nearby, then you need a 3 phase fuse board, then a 3 phase charger, although some zappis and other brands come with 3 phase charging feature included. The increased speed from 7-11kW is not that noticeable. If you really needed fast charging (example taxi driver popping home mid shift) you can get a 25kW sigenergy DC charger that can fill the car from home batteries without needing a supply upgrade. It costs about 5k + home batteries.

Esb networks "8kV supply limit", in reality I have 12

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