Not enough power at home? Increasing connection capacity step by step

Symptoms of insufficient power

• the main protective device (pre-meter) trips when several large appliances are running simultaneously;
• when the kettle is switched on, the lights dim, and the induction hob "slows down";
• you are planning a heat pump, induction hob, or wallbox — and calculations show that the current capacity is insufficient.

Two concepts worth distinguishing

• Connection capacity — the maximum for which your connection was built; specified in the connection agreement;
• Contracted capacity — how much you actually order from the energy supplier; monitored by the pre-meter protective device.

This is an important practical distinction: if the contracted capacity is lower than the connection capacity, increasing it can be a formality (application, replacement of the pre-meter protective device). If you need more than the connection provides — the actual procedure with the network operator begins (in our area: Tauron Dystrybucja).

What the procedure looks like

• Power balance — we calculate the real demand of the house: current and planned devices, simultaneity factors (not everything works at once); this is the basis for not ordering power “in reserve” for which you pay;
• Application to the operator for determining the connection conditions for increased power — we help fill it out and complete the attachments;
• Connection conditions — the operator specifies what needs to be changed on their side (e.g., connection, protections) and on the installation side;
• Work on the house side — this is our part: adapting the main power supply line (WLZ), switchboard, and protections, often switching from single-phase to three-phase; finally, measurements and documents for the operator;
• Replacement of the pre-meter protection and contract update — the final stage on the operator's and seller's side.

How long does it take? Honestly: from a few weeks (change within the existing connection) to several months if the operator has to rebuild the connection. Therefore, it is worth addressing the issue before purchasing a pump or charger, not after.

Single-phase or three-phase?

If the house has single-phase power supply, increasing power is usually a good time to switch to three-phase: more even load, smaller cross-sections, readiness for a heat pump and a three-phase wallbox. In older houses, this is often the best single investment in the installation.