When consent is required
The installation, and keeping installed, of any overhead electric line requires (with certain limited exceptions) the Department for the Economy's consent under Article 40 of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.
This requirement extends to both overhead lines installed by Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) as part of the public electricity network, and direct (or private) lines installed by private operators.
Each Article 40 application is required to be in writing and to be accompanied by a map identifying the land across which the electric line is to be installed and kept installed. The application must also state: (a) the length of the proposed line and its nominal voltage; and (b) whether all wayleaves have been agreed with the owners and occupiers of the land proposed to be crossed by the line. An application fee (currently £60) is payable to the Department, with the application.
Application form (Northern Ireland Electricity Networks)
The article 40 application form for NIEN details the additional information required by the Department to assist it in processing an Article 40 application by NIE Networks.
Application form (private operator)
The article 40 application form for private operators details the additional information required by the Department to assist it in processing an Article 40 application by a private operator.
Consent criteria for overhead direct line
The Department can only grant its consent for the installation, and keeping installed, of an overhead direct electric line if the proposal satisfies certain criteria laid down by it for this purpose. To this end, the Department have issued Article 40 revised criteria.