FAQ
TL;DR: Upgrading to 3‑phase 16 kW with PGE can be 3,100 PLN while a new 11 kW build was 800 PLN; “you have to pay your own costs” for reconstructions. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
Quick Facts
- New connection: flat fee per ordered power; upgrade: you co-fund replacing the existing link. [Elektroda, tom_bart1, post #16896143]
- Asking for a buried cable/box can move costs onto you, increasing the quote. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16896005]
- Real example: 39 m overhead reconstruction billed at 1,500 PLN net. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
- Timeline risk: applicants reported being without power for ~6 months if they cancel and reapply. [Elektroda, maciacho, post #16895819]
- Regional practice varies: one user notes Tauron included ~200 m of line in connection price. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16896005]
Why is my upgrade to 3‑phase more expensive than my neighbor’s new connection?
A new connection is priced by a flat fee per ordered power. An upgrade is a reconstruction of your existing link, so you co‑finance the replacement and any requested changes. That makes upgrades look pricier than brand‑new builds at the same kW. “New connection” and “increase in power” are billed differently. [Elektroda, tom_bart1, post #16896143]
Does asking for an underground (cable) connection raise the price?
Yes, when you request a buried cable and a fence‑mounted box, the distributor can charge you for that scope as a reconstruction. Users report this request as the main cost driver compared with leaving an overhead span in place. Keep the scope minimal if cost is your priority. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16896005]
Can canceling my contract and reapplying as a new connection make it cheaper?
It might change pricing logic, but expect a long outage window. One applicant anticipated being without electricity for at least six months after canceling to reapply. Savings can be offset by downtime risk and seasonal delays. Assess continuity needs before choosing this path. [Elektroda, maciacho, post #16895819]
What real costs have people paid for similar reconstructions?
One user paid 1,500 PLN net for 39 m of overhead reconstruction, including AsXSn 4×25 mm², RL fi37 tubes, and clamps. The line was live, so transformer shutdown costs did not apply. Use such cases to benchmark quotes for comparable spans and materials. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
How do regional practices differ (PGE vs Tauron)?
Reports suggest Tauron sometimes includes up to ~200 m of line within the connection price, while PGE may bill reconstruction extras separately. This variance explains why neighbors under different DSOs or scopes see very different totals. Compare offers and scope definitions before deciding. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16896005]
What is “connection power” and why does it matter for pricing?
Connection power is the kW you contract. New connections are priced by that ordered power. When you increase power on an existing link, you also pay toward replacing or modifying the connection hardware, which changes the bill beyond the kW fee. [Elektroda, tom_bart1, post #16896143]
What is AsXSn cable mentioned in overhead connections?
AsXSn is a self‑supporting, insulated aluminum overhead cable used for service drops. One case used 39 m of AsXSn 4×25 mm² during reconstruction. It enables compact spans without separate messenger wires and is common for low‑voltage links. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
Could copper overhead conductors be used for my service drop?
Forum electricians clarified that the discussed hardware was for ASXSn, which uses aluminum conductors. Self‑supporting copper service drops are atypical due to weight, so expect aluminum in such systems. Confirm materials in your scope to avoid surprises. [Elektroda, Pan.Kropa, post #16899712]
How long could I wait for a reconnection if I change plans mid‑process?
One applicant feared reconnection might slip to “next winter,” estimating about six months without power after canceling. Scheduling, redesign, and crew availability can extend timelines. Consider temporary supply or keep the existing service until the new one is ready. [Elektroda, maciacho, post #16898968]
Who pays for what during modernization without changing power?
A user reported free modernization by the distributor when power stayed the same, with the user covering only their own equipment like the switchboard and mast hook. Quoted full costs dropped after clarifying legal responsibilities. [Elektroda, pikarel, post #16898881]
How can I cut my upgrade cost today?
Minimize scope. Avoid requesting a buried cable or moving the box if not essential, since that triggers reconstruction charges. Keep the existing overhead route when safe. Ask for pricing with and without the underground option to compare. [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16896005]
Is transformer shutdown a hidden cost during reconstruction?
It can be. One user avoided extra charges because the connection was performed under voltage. If a shutdown is needed, switching costs may appear. Ask your operator whether live work is planned to manage this risk. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
What does a fence‑mounted meter box change in my quote?
Moving or adding a fence‑mounted box is part of altering the connection layout. That counts as reconstruction, which the operator can bill to you. Keep existing placement if code‑compliant to limit scope and expense. [Elektroda, zbich70, post #16895698]
Why do quotes vary so widely between neighbors?
Each case is scoped individually by distance, materials, overhead vs buried, and whether it’s a new build or reconstruction. Neighbors on modernization programs may pay far less than someone requesting bespoke changes and a power increase. [Elektroda, stacho60, post #16895970]
What’s an example of pricing for cable vs overhead in one case?
The original poster cited quotes of 3,800 PLN for cable versus 2,500 PLN for an overhead solution. This illustrates how underground routing adds cost compared with an aerial span for the same premises. [Elektroda, maciacho, post #16898968]
Quick how‑to: get a leaner, faster upgrade scope
- Ask for pricing that keeps your existing overhead route and box location.
- Request a separate variant with underground cable to see the delta.
- Choose the minimal compliant option and confirm live‑work to avoid shutdown charges. [Elektroda, emigrant, post #16895438]
