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. It is measured in kVA and determines the maximum electrical capacity available to your premises. Getting your MIC right is important so that you do not overpay on electricity bills. The key points for businesses are:
- MIC too high: You pay unnecessary network capacity charges and, for meters with an MIC of 30 kVA or above, higher PSO Levy charges.
- MIC too low: You risk expensive excess capacity charges when your electricity demand exceeds your contracted MIC.
- MIC can be adjusted: Businesses can apply to ESB Networks to increase or decrease their MIC based on their electricity requirements.
- MIC should be reviewed regularly: Changes in equipment, operating hours or electricity consumption can mean your existing MIC is no longer suitable.
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What is the Maximum Import Capacity?
Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is agreed with ESB Networks based on the electricity requirements of your premises. It determines how much electrical equipment your business can operate simultaneously without exceeding its agreed capacity.
For example, a factory or restaurant needs sufficient capacity to run its machinery, equipment, refrigeration, heating and lighting at the same time. If its MIC is set too low, running this equipment simultaneously could result in excess capacity charges, which are five to six times higher than normal capacity charges.
MIC is different from electricity consumption. Your electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while MIC is measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) and relates to the maximum electricity demand at any one time.
Why is the Electricity MIC setting important?
Your electricity MIC setting directly affects several charges on your electricity bill, including:
Electricity PSO Levy
For businesses with an MIC of 30 kVA or above, the electricity PSO Levy is calculated based on their MIC. A higher MIC means a higher PSO Levy, regardless of how much electricity the business uses.
Network Capacity Charges
Businesses pay network capacity charges based on their agreed MIC. If your MIC is higher than your business needs, you could be paying unnecessary charges every month.
Excess Capacity Charges
If your electricity demand exceeds your agreed MIC, excess capacity charges apply. These charges are significantly higher than normal capacity charges, making it important not to set your MIC too low.
For current PSO Levy rates and worked examples, read our Electricity PSO Levy guide.
How Is Your Maximum Import Capacity Determined?
Your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is agreed with ESB Networks based on the electricity requirements of your premises. The main factors include:
- Historical Electricity Demand: Your highest recorded electricity demand, particularly when multiple pieces of equipment are operating simultaneously.
- Operating Hours and Usage Patterns: When your business uses the most electricity and how demand changes throughout the day.
- Future Business Requirements: Plans to expand production, install additional machinery, introduce electric heating or add EV chargers.
- Electrical Equipment and Machinery: The combined electricity requirements of your machinery, refrigeration, heating, lighting and other equipment.
How to Check and Optimise Your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC)
Your current Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is shown on your business electricity bill or can be confirmed by your electricity supplier. To check whether your MIC is set correctly and identify opportunities to reduce costs, follow these four steps:
- Review Your Electricity Demand: Obtain at least 12 months of electricity maximum demand data from your supplier or ESB Networks. Compare your highest recorded demand against your current MIC and check for any excess capacity charges.
- Identify the Right MIC: If your MIC is significantly higher than your maximum recorded demand, you could be paying unnecessary charges. Allow sufficient capacity for busy periods, seasonal changes and future business requirements.
- Apply to Change Your MIC: If an adjustment is needed, submit an NC3 application to ESB Networks to request an increase or decrease in your MIC.
- Monitor Your Electricity Demand: Continue reviewing your electricity demand after the adjustment to check that your MIC remains suitable and you're not incurring excess capacity charges.
How Utilityfair Can Help Reduce Business Electricity Costs
Getting your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) right is one way to reduce business electricity costs, but it's equally important to check that you're paying competitive electricity rates. Utilityfair's Energy Advisors provide a free electricity bill analysis to identify opportunities to reduce costs, including:
- MIC Optimisation: Reviewing your existing MIC and electricity demand to identify unnecessary capacity charges and opportunities to reduce your MIC.
- Electricity Price Comparison: Comparing electricity prices from all Irish suppliers side-by-side to secure competitive rates for your business.
- Electricity Bill Analysis: Checking your electricity rates, standing charges and other costs to identify potential savings.
- Contract Review: Reviewing your existing electricity contract and advising on the best available options when it's time to renew.
👉Get Started Today
Find out whether your MIC is costing your business more than necessary. Upload a recent electricity bill using the buttons below, or call 01 547 0999 to speak directly with a Utilityfair Energy Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) is generally shown on your business electricity bill in the network charges section, expressed in kVA. If you cannot find it, contact your electricity supplier and ask them to confirm your current MIC.
Yes. Businesses can apply to ESB Networks to reduce their MIC if their electricity demand is consistently below their existing capacity. Reducing an unnecessarily high MIC can lower network capacity charges and, for meters with an MIC of 30 kVA or above, PSO Levy charges.
If your electricity demand exceeds your agreed MIC, excess capacity charges apply. These are substantially higher than normal capacity charges. Regularly exceeding your MIC is a sign that your contracted capacity needs to be reviewed.
To increase or decrease your MIC, you must submit an NC3 application to ESB Networks. Before applying, review your maximum electricity demand, seasonal requirements and future expansion plans to determine the appropriate capacity.
No. MIC is the electrical capacity agreed with ESB Networks, measured in kVA. Maximum demand is the highest level of electricity demand recorded during a measurement period. Comparing your maximum demand against your MIC helps identify whether your contracted capacity is too high or too low.
