How long does an electrical connection take, from file to power in the socket
The question almost every client asks is simple: how long does it actually take to have power? The realistic answer is that a single-phase electrical connection (bransament) is usually completed in 1-3 months, while a three-phase, underground or one for a larger house takes 2-4 months. The difference is made not so much by the labour (which is a matter of days), but by the administrative lead times of the distribution operator Retele Electrice Romania S.A. (formerly E-Distributie/Enel) and by obtaining permits. Below you will find each stage explained, with indicative durations and what you can do to speed up the process.
The 7 stages of a connection, in brief
The process from “I want power” to “I have a live socket” goes through a few mandatory steps. Some depend on you (paperwork, payments), others on the operator (permits, grid execution, energisation). Here is the natural order:
- Preparing and submitting the connection file to the operator.
- Issuing the ATR (Technical Connection Approval / aviz tehnic de racordare) - this is where you find out the solution and the final cost.
- Signing the connection contract and paying the tariff.
- Designing the connection and obtaining the necessary permits.
- The actual execution (cabinet installation, route, cable, meter).
- Energisation (punere sub tensiune / PIF) and meter installation by the operator.
- Signing the supply contract with an energy supplier.
Table of stages and indicative durations
The deadlines below are indicative and depend on the operator’s workload, on the area within Bucharest, Ilfov or Giurgiu, and on the complexity of the work (overhead vs. underground, single- vs. three-phase).
| Stage | Who is responsible | Indicative duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and submitting the connection file | You / the certified company | 2-7 days |
| Issuing the ATR (Technical Connection Approval) | Retele Electrice Romania | up to 30 days |
| Signing the connection contract + paying the tariff | You + operator | 5-15 days |
| Connection design + permits | ANRE-certified company | 1-2 weeks |
| Connection execution (cabinet, route, cable) | ANRE-certified company | 1-5 days |
| Energisation (PIF) + meter installation | Retele Electrice Romania | 10-30 days |
| Energy supply contract | You + supplier | 1-5 days |
| Estimated total | — | 1-4 months |
Why does the total timeline vary so much?
The sum of the durations above gives, at best, a few weeks, while in complicated cases it exceeds 3 months. The variation comes from:
- The type of connection: single-phase overhead is the fastest; underground requires digging, excavation permits and sometimes pavement reinstatement.
- Special permits: if the route crosses other networks (gas, water, telecom) or public land, additional permits arise that add weeks.
- The season and the operator’s workload: in spring and summer, demand rises and energisation lead times lengthen.
- The quality of the file: an incomplete file is returned for additions and practically resets the clock.
The stages explained in detail
1. The connection file (2-7 days)
This is where the paperwork is gathered: connection application, title deed, town planning certificate, site plan, copy of ID and, where applicable, building plans. If you work with an ANRE-certified company, the file is prepared correctly from the start and you avoid delays from additions. See what preparing a connection file involves and the indicative costs on our prices page.
2. ATR - the Technical Connection Approval (up to 30 days)
The ATR is the document in which the operator establishes the technical solution and the connection tariff. The legal deadline is usually up to 30 days from the complete file. Only after the ATR do you know the final price of the connection - the estimates on the site (single-phase from 1,800 lei, three-phase from 2,900 lei, underground from 3,500 lei) are indicative precisely because the exact amount results from the ATR.
3. The connection contract (5-15 days)
After the ATR, you sign the connection contract with the operator and pay the tariff. The step is administrative but important: without a signed contract, the distributor does not move on to executing the work.
4. The design (1-2 weeks)
The connection design is carried out by a certified designer and includes the route, cable sizing, the connection cabinet (firida de bransament) and the protection measures. Where necessary, permits are obtained from the owners of other networks. SUN WATT SRL is ANRE-certified both for design and for execution, so you can resolve both with a single partner.
5. The execution (1-5 days)
The actual installation is, paradoxically, the shortest part: fitting the cabinet, laying the cable (overhead or underground), making the connections and preparing for the meter. A simple single-phase overhead connection can be executed in a single day; an underground one with digging takes longer. Details about the grid connection to electricity work.
6. Energisation - PIF (10-30 days)
PIF means checking the installation, fitting the meter and energising the system by Retele Electrice Romania. This is the stage you do not control directly and which, during busy periods, can add a few weeks.
7. The supply contract (1-5 days)
The final step: you choose an energy supplier and sign the supply contract. With the meter fitted and the contract active, you finally have power in the socket.
Special cases and specific deadlines
Temporary site connection
If you need power during construction, the temporary site connection (from 2,200 lei) follows the same stages, but the solution is simplified and temporary. It can be a good option to avoid holding up the works while you wait for the permanent connection.
DIU - the Utilisation Installation Dossier
DIU (Utilisation Installation Dossier / proof of internal installation, from 1,200 lei, documentation only, no labour) is required for the internal installation part and is a distinct item from the connection. SUN WATT carries out DIU nationwide. Preparing it in parallel with the connection file saves you time at the end.
How to shorten the waiting time
- Submit a complete file from the start - the most frequent cause of delay is missing paperwork.
- Work with an ANRE-certified company that does design + execution, so you do not lose time between different suppliers.
- Prepare the DIU in parallel, not after you have the connection.
- Respond quickly to the operator’s requests (additions, payments, energisation scheduling).
Quickly estimate the cost and timeline
Want a personalised estimate for your situation? Use the connection cost calculator for an indicative price or request a specific quote via the contact page. You can call us directly on 0733 097 440 - we will tell you realistically how long it takes in your area of Bucharest, Ilfov or Giurgiu and what paperwork is needed.
Worth remembering: the total duration is largely determined by the operator’s lead times (ATR and PIF). The part we control - file, design and execution - can be completed in 1-3 weeks, with a well-prepared file.