30-Second Overview
The Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) of an electricity meter is the upper limit for how much electricity your meter can draw from the national grid at any given time. The setting itself is measured in kVA, which is close to kWh if your electrical circuits (power factor) are efficient. Getting your MIC right is important so that you do not overpay on electricity bills.
- Too high → You overpay on electricity PSO Levy, and capacity charges
- Too low → You face penalties called excess capacity charges for exceeding your MIC.
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What is the Maximum Import Capacity?
Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is the upper limit of how much electricity your meter is permitted to draw from the national grid at any time. MIC is measured in kVA and is agreed with ESB Networks based on the site's historical usage patterns (or expected usage for a new electricity connection).
Why is the Electricity MIC setting important?
The MIC setting for your electricity meter determines certain charges, such as:
Electricity PSO Levy
A mandatory government charge on all Irish electricity bills used to subsidise renewable energy projects and support sustainable power generation in Ireland. It is considered necessary to meet carbon reduction targets.
Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Charges
These are charges for using the ESB Networks' local distribution system to deliver electricity from the national grid to your premises. It covers infrastructure maintenance and network upgrades.
Transmission Use of System (TUoS) Charges
These are charges for accessing EirGrid’s high-voltage transmission network, which transports electricity across the country. It funds system operation, development, and national grid reliability.
How are MIC settings and the electricity PSO levy connected?
Your electricity PSO Levy charge is connected to your MIC setting - larger energy users are expected to pay more for using the electricity grid than small electricity users.
- If your commercial meter’s MIC is below 30 kVA, you will pay a flat charge of €5.65 per month.
- If your commercial meter’s MIC is equal to or above 30 kVA, you will pay €0.70 per kVA per month.
How is MIC Determined?
MIC is calculated based on:
- Historical maximum demand.
- Load profile and operating hours.
- Future expansion plans.
- Equipment ratings.
Why is it Important to Have the Right MIC Setting?
If your electricity MIC is not set correctly, you will pay higher charges on bills and could also suffer from supply interruptions.
- An overestimated MIC will result in higher electricity PSO Levy and capacity charges than necessary.
- An underestimated MIC will result in excess capacity charges on your bill and can cause instability in the electricity supply.
MIC is not automatically adjusted. Businesses must proactively review their MIC and, if required, request changes from ESB Networks.
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Optimising your MIC (Step-by-Step)
- Review your load profile: If you have a large quarter-hour meter, you can get your quarter-hourly meter usage data for the last 12 months from your supplier or directly from ESB Networks (MRSO).
- Consult a specialist: Utilityfair's energy experts can help you interpret the data and recommend an MIC range.
- Submit a request to ESB Networks: If an MIC adjustment is needed, an NC3 form has to be submitted to ESB Networks.
- Track Ongoing load: After any change, monitor your electricity bills to ensure the actual demand aligns with the new MIC.
How Utilityfair Can Help Reduce Business Energy Bills?
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- Our experts can ensure your MIC is correctly set to prevent you from overpaying on your PSO levy.
- We can compare all Irish suppliers in minutes, guaranteeing you are on the best possible electricity deal.
- If you choose to switch to a cheaper energy deal, we can set it up for you hassle-free, saving you time and money.
- We will keep track of your contract end date, preventing you from being automatically rolled into expensive rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The electricity Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is the maximum electricity demand your business has requested from ESB Networks. The MIC is measured in kVA and is agreed with ESB Networks based on your requirements.
The electricity MIC setting is important so that you do not overpay on electricity bills. If the MIC is set too high, your business will be paying higher capacity charges than needed and a higher PSO levy. On the other hand, if the MIC is set too low, your business will incur ‘Excess Capacity’ charges and could also experience interruption in electricity supply.
Yes, your MIC setting is an agreement with ESB Networks, and adjustments are made by submitting an NC3 form to ESB directly. The process of changing your electricity MIC requires approval from ESB Networks and usually takes several months.
Your electricity MIC requirement should be reviewed annually. It is not a difficult process and can generally be done by reviewing electricity bills if you know what to look for. If you are unsure how to review your electricity MIC, reach out to Utilityfair's energy experts, and we will tell you how to go about it.
You may be liable for excess capacity charges, which can significantly increase your bill. Excess capacity charges are penalties and are five to six times higher than the normal capacity charges, if your MIC was set correctly.
There is generally no charge for reducing your electricity MIC as you are handing capacity back to ESB Networks, which they can deploy elsewhere. If you need to increase your electricity MIC, there will be charges from ESB Networks to cover the cost of any infrastructure required to facilitate your request.
Excess capacity charges are penalties to stop users trying to game the system by setting their electricity MIC too low. They are a penalty charge and are five to six times higher than the capacity charge that you would have paid had you set the electricity MIC correctly.
Yes, as long as your revised MIC is based on historical peak demand. A 5% safety margin is standard.
