Power grid in a subdivision: ANDE and poles

Electricity is one of the first things a lot buyer asks about. The grid is approved by ANDE, not by the municipality. This guide summarizes what ANDE publishes about how a distribution network is designed and approved, and what remains unpublished. If you are looking for someone to handle the paperwork and build it, see our power grid and poles service.

Who approves and who inspects

According to ANDE's commercial procedures manual, a third-party project goes through these areas:

• Distribution Projects Department (or the regional agency): verifies technical feasibility and approves the design.
• Materials Control and Supply: approves the ANDE-type materials to be used in the works, according to its technical specifications.
• Distribution Works Supervision: inspects the start and end of the works and issues the final report.

Works start only once the design is approved, and the start date is coordinated with ANDE so it can inspect.

What ANDE's technical standard says about poles and spans

ANDE standard No. 01.03.13 Rev. 1 (04/13/2016) defines criteria for distribution line projects. It is written for works contracted by ANDE, so it serves as a reference. Your subdivision's design is defined and approved by ANDE.

• Reinforced concrete poles of 9 meters for low voltage and 12 meters for medium voltage. Poles shorter than 9 meters or made of palm are not allowed.
• The whole low-voltage network uses pre-assembled cable.
• Maximum span between poles: 40 meters for pre-assembled low voltage up to 3x35+1x50 mm² and 35 meters for protected medium voltage.

What paperwork each lot needs

Once the network is built, each lot owner requests their connection with the electricity supply request: authenticated title, ID, electrician's card and sketch, with the form signed by the owner and the electrician. If there is no ANDE line in front of the property, a low-voltage line extension request is filed first. It is the buyer's procedure, and it is worth explaining it when the lot is sold.

What ANDE does not publish

We did not find published the demand criteria per lot, the selection of transformers, or the power and spacing of street luminaires in developments. ANDE defines them in each project. That is why the first step is to consult ANDE with the subdivision plan.

Mistakes that get a design rejected

• Poles shorter than 9 meters or made of palm.
• Materials that are not ANDE-type.
• Starting the works before approval.
• Not providing for street lighting in the original design.

Does the law require installing power?

The subdivision chapter of Law 3966/10 does not list the power grid among the works the owner must do after approval. The municipality's ordinance may require it and, in practice, lots sell worse without electricity. Together with the stone paving and the drinking water, we coordinate the three works in the subdivision infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Who approves the electrical design of a subdivision?

ANDE. The Distribution Projects Department approves the design and Works Supervision inspects the construction.

Can wooden poles be used?

The ANDE standard allows reinforced concrete or steel poles of at least 9 meters. It does not allow palm poles or poles shorter than 9 meters.

How long does ANDE take to approve?

There is no published timeframe we can cite. It depends on the area and the agency's workload.

Does each buyer have to request their connection?

Yes. Each lot needs its own supply request to ANDE, filed by the lot owner with their electrician.

Sources

• ANDE standard No. 01.03.13 Rev. 1 (04/13/2016)
• ANDE, Commercial Procedures Manual PA550
• Law 3966/10 Municipal Organic Law, consolidated text

Notice. Informational content with rules consulted on 09/29/2026. Deadlines and values are indicative and vary by municipality and service provider; always confirm with the municipality or the relevant body. It does not constitute legal, tax or engineering advice, nor a promise of profitability. Last updated: September 30, 2026.