Connecting Synchronised Generators larger than 6kW single phase or 11kW three phase.
This section explains how to connect generators larger than 6kW single phase or 11kW three phase that may be exporting electricity to the Electricity Network for sale or supply.
Note: for connections made after September 2018 some Distribution Code conditions may change, arising from the need to be aligned with European Network Codes. For more information on this see our European Network Codes page.
Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2)
On 10th June 2020, the Commission of Regulation for Utilities (CRU) published its decision on the Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2).
ECP-2.1 application window is open to all generating and storage technologies (greater than 0.5MW) from Tuesday, 1st September 2020. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 30th September 2020. Please refer to the CRU website: Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2) CRU/20/060 for further information.
All generating and storage technologies (less than or equal to 0.5MW) can apply on an ongoing basis, please see section 4.5 of theECP-2 Ruleset | 457 KB.
The current Generator Application Forms New Generator Connection Application (NC5) and New Generator Connection Application (NC5A) are available for download from the ESB Networks website for all applications.
ESB Networks carried out a review of the Generator Standard Charges and made a submission to the CRU who expect to publish a consultation on the ESB Networks submission in Q4 2020. See link to Proposed Generator Standard Charges | 704 KB .
Step 3 - Apply
The application form (NC5 / NC5A) must be submitted in electronic format. Electronic files must be submitted or via email to DSOGenerators@esb.ie (all electronic files should be a cumulative maximum of 5MB or less).
Payment Amounts
Customers applying to connect an embedded generator are required to pay an application fee or a non-refundable deposit for processing the application. The fee amount depends on the proposed Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) or the proposed increase in MEC (where there is an existing connection agreement in place). A full listing of application fees is contained in Section 5.1 of ECP-2 ruleset.
Points to Note:
If an application fee is up to a value of €2,000 (incl. VAT), the full application fee should be submitted with all NC5 or NC5A generator application forms, if applicable.
If an application fee is greater than €2,000 (incl. VAT) then a non-refundable deposit of €2,000 (incl. VAT) should be submitted with all NC5 or NC5A generator application forms, if applicable.
Your application will not be deemed complete until the minimum required payment is received and incomplete applications will not begin to be processed until payment has been received.
Pay a Networks' Invoice Should you wish to pay by EFT please include the project name as a reference. Your application should advise the reference of the EFT payment for receipting purposes.
Once an application has been accepted into the 2020 Batch for ECP-2 and all clarifications have been completed, the balance of the application fee will be invoiced, see the appropriate fees listed below
For any other ECP-2 queries not covered on our website please refer to Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2) CRU/20/060. For all other queries please email DSOgenerators@esb.ie.