Enduring Connection Policy (ECP)

On 10th June 2020, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published its decision on the Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2), the current pathway for generators, storage and other system services technology projects to connect to the electricity system. Please click here for further information on ECP-2 Policy, available on the CRU Website. Please note that a single application with a total MEC equal to or larger than 40 MW is to be submitted to the Transmission System Operator (TSO) for initial assessment.

• The application window for ECP-2.3 application window for all Category A (Batch) closed on 30th September 2022. Successful applicants were prioritised by largest renewable energy generation (first 25), then by planning permission grant date with no more than 10 primarily storage and other system service technology projects. To view the updated Joint System Operator Publication for the ECP-2.3 2022 Batch (Category A), please click here.

• Please click here to view the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Publication ECP-2.3 2022 Batch (Categories B & C).

• To view the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Publication for the ECP-2.2 2021 Batch (Categories A, B & C), please click here.

ECP-2 Categories:

• Category A (Batch): Generation, storage and other system services technology projects (MEC >0.5MW)
• Category B (Non-Batch): Small-scale generation (11kW<MEC ≤0.5MW), autoproducers and DS3 system services trials (MEC ≤0.5MW)

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• Category C (Community-led): Community-led renewable energy projects (MEC  ≥ 0.5MW and  ≤5MW). Please note, a subsequent Clarification Note (CRU/21/069) to the ECP-2 Decision (CRU/20/060) was published by the CRU on 1st July 2021, to change the definition of Community-Led Renewable Energy Projects. In order to be processed under Category C in ECP-2.3 and subsequent ECP batches, Community-Led Projects must be now 100% community-owned.

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Small Scale Generation

Small Scale Generation is the term which applies when an electricity customer installs generation, within the range covered in the definition below, at a demand premises for the purpose of producing electricity. Unlike Mini-Generation, Small Scale Generation includes Synchronous generation such as CHP, as well as Inverter-Connected generation, such as PV. These generators are generally installed to locally produce clean electricity primarily for self-consumption, thus reducing the need and cost of purchasing electricity. Small Scale Generation allows customers to take action to address the issues of climate change, rising electricity prices and reliance on fossil fuels on our journey to a clean electric future together.  

Small Scale Generation is designed to operate in parallel with the electricity network and is defined as a source of connected electrical energy, and all associated electrical equipment where the Installed Generator Capacity is less than or equal to the MIC, in the range as follows: 

• Inverter-connected Installed Capacity greater than Mini-Generation (17kVA Single Phase/50kVA Three Phase) and up to 200kVA, or, 
• Synchronous Installed Capacity greater than micro-generation thresholds and up to 200kVA 

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Mini-Generation

Mini-Generation is the term which applies when an electricity customer installs inverter connected generation up to a maximum of 50kVA, at a premises for the purpose of producing electricity. These generators are generally installed to locally produce clean electricity  primarily for self-consumption, thus reducing the need and cost of purchasing electricity. Mini-Generation allows customers to take action to address the issues of climate change, rising electricity prices and reliance on fossil fuels on our journey to a clean electric future together. The Irish Government has introduced a scheme to enable excess electricity produced by this type of generator to be sold back to electricity suppliers.      
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Micro-Generation

Micro-generation is the term which applies when a private individual (e.g. a householder) installs a small generator on his/her property for the purpose of producing electricity for his/her own use.
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Parallel (Non-Exporting) Generators

Non-Exporting Generators, operate in parallel with the electricity distribution system. These generators are relevant to businesses that want to reduce their electricity import by having their own source of power, or for peak-lopping or peak-shaving schemes. Such generators cannot be used to supply or sell electricity via the national grid.

Interface Protection Guidelines
These slides (PDF | 171 KB) outlining guidelines for costs and applicability of Embedded Generation Interface Protection (EGIP) were presented at the CRU Gate 3 Liaison Group meeting as a clarification and update of the Conditions Governing document in June 2013.

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Standby Generators

Standby generators are used by businesses that require emergency generation. They cannot be used to export or sell electricity onto the electricity network. In addition, they cannot operate in parallel with the electricity network.
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Generator Statistics

• Connections Made
  Statistical information on all Generators currently connected or contracted for connection to the Distribution System may be found in our Connected and Contracted Generators Section.


• Performance Monitoring
  A document, called Windfarm Performance Monitoring Process outlines the process that is adopted by EirGrid and ESB in monitoring the performance of Wind Farm Power Stations (WFPS) in terms of the categorisation of controllability assigned following regulatory decision SEM-062-11 for priority Dispatch. This document is available for download here (PDF | 547 KB).

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