Enduring Connection Policy (ECP)
The ECP process for grid connection applications is the current pathway for generators, storage, and other system services technology projects to connect to the electricity system. On 10th June 2020, the Commission of Regulation for Utilities (CRU) published its decision on ECP-2, which set policy for three annual batches of connection offers (ECP 2.1, ECP-2.2, and ECP-2.3). For further information, please refer to the ECP-2 Decision Paper (CRU/20/060) and ECP-2 Ruleset.
On 4th April 2023, the CRU published the ECP-2.4 decision (CRU202326), a policy update to ECP-2, to address the volume of grid connection applications in a way that promotes optimal use of the existing network considering the system needs, national policy, and consumer interest. Changes from ECP-2 are detailed in the Decision Paper.
For Category A applicants, the ECP-2.4 application window will open from 1st October 2023 to 30th November 2023. Categories B and C applicants may apply at any time.
ECP-2.4 Decision Paper (CRU202326)
Under ECP-2.4, grid connection applications are categorised as follows:
Category | Definition | Offer Target | Prioritisation |
A | Generation, storage, and other system services technology projects (MEC>0.5MW) | 70 | First 25 on largest renewable energy generators; remainder on earliest planning permission grant date; no more than 10 storage (where 100% of the MEC is storage) and other system service technology projects |
B | Small projects (MEC>0.2MW and ≤0.5MW), DS3 system services trial projects (MEC≤0.5MW) and Autoproducers | 15 | Earliest application received complete date |
C | 100% community-owned renewable energy projects (MEC≥0.5MW and ≤5MW) | 15 | Planning permission grant date and then by application form received complete date |
ECP-2.4 Application Process FAQs
Offer Processing
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 at the link below:
Related Publications
2022 Batch (ECP-2.3) Category A Results - Joint System Operator Publication
2022 Batch (ECP-2.3) Results - Category B & C
2022 Batch (ECP-2.3) Category A Results - Joint System Operator Publication
2022 Batch (ECP-2.3) Results - Category B & C
2022 Batch (ECP-2.3) Results - Category B & C