Connecting a Generator

Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2)

On 10th June 2020, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published its decision on the Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2).

The ECP-2.1 application window is now closed. The application window for ECP-2.2 is scheduled to open to all generating and storage technologies (greater than 0.5MW) from  1st September 2021 with a closing date of 30th September 2021. Please refer to the CRU website: Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2) CRU/20/060 for further information.

The current Generator Application Forms NC5 Form | Download PDF 603 KB and NC5A Form | Download PDF 527 KB are available for download from the ESB Networks website for all applications.

Node Assignment Ruleset

EirGrid and ESB Networks (the System Operators or “SOs”) have taken this opportunity to review and publish an updated joint ruleset of how applications are assigned to nodes for offer processing. This update is based on feedback received from industry and the SOs’ own processing work since the original node assignment ruleset was published in 2009. The ruleset will remain under review, particularly as we complete annual batches, and updates will be published as required. Link to the ECP-2 Node Assignment Rules can be found here.

ESB Networks carried out a review of the Generator Standard Charges and made a submission to the CRU who published a consultation on the ESB Networks submission in Q4 2020. See link to CRU Consultation here.

Parallel Generators

For information on Connecting a generator that operates in parallel with the electricity network please see here. This information is 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.

Standby Generators

Information about connecting a standby generator is available here. 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.

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. See here for more information on connecting a  micro-generator

Please see link below to the Batch (Category A) results for ECP-2.1. This is a joint publication with EirGrid

2020 Batch (ECP-2.1) Results - Joint SO Publication (PDF | 364KB)

Please see link below to the Category B (Non-Batch) and Category C (Community-led) results for ECP-2.1.

Download PDF | 411KB

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).

Interactive map in ESB Networks website that shows DSO controlled HV station information including its location and transformer capacity. Check capacity here. 

Our priority is to consistently deliver a high standard of service to our customers. If, however, you feel that we have not performed to your satisfaction relating to a request for a Generator Connection and you wish to make a complaint, please follow the procedures outlined in our Generator Connections - Complaints Procedure (PDF | 40 KB) document so that your complaint may be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.