Connecting a Generator

Enduring Connection Policy Stage 1 - (ECP-1)

On 27 March 2018, the Commission of Regulation for Utilities (CRU) published its decision on Enduring Connection Policy Stage 1 (ECP-1). ECP-1 is the new process for grid connections open to all generating and/or storage technologies. Please refer to the CRU website: Enduring Connection Policy Stage 1 (ECP-1) for further information on this including the CRU direction and rulesets.

The revised Generator Application Forms (NC5) PDF | 574 KB and (NC5A) PDF | 515 KB are available for download from the ESB Networks website for the ECP-1 2018 batch of applications which opens on Friday, April 27th 2018. Applications received using the previous application form will be returned as incomplete.

The closing date for applications will be close of business on Monday, May 28th 2018. Please note that all ECP applications received complete by close of business Monday April 30th will be considered to be received as of Friday April 28th. For details on how to apply to be considered as part of the ECP-1 2018 batch please see here.

Enduring Connection Policy Stage 1 - (ECP-1) Capacity Relocations

In line with the CRU Decision Paper – Enduring Connection Policy Stage 1 (ECP-1) CRU/18/058 existing contracted generation customers are eligible to submit a request to ESB Networks to relocate capacity to a site with planning permission, further information on how to apply for this may be found here

Guide to the Process after Acceptance of Offer

A document called Generator Developers Information Pack issued by ESB Networks as a guide to Developers of generation projects to give an understanding of the connection process for both Non-contestable and Contestable Generator projects. This document is intended as guidance only to help give an understanding of the process and is available for download here (PDF | 306 KB).

Generation for Export and Sale

If you wish to connect a generator that is used to supply or sell electricity which includes Wind Farm, Landfill Gas, Solar Power and Combined heat & Power (CHP) facilities, please see here. Such generators may be used to supply or sell electricity via the national grid.

Parallel Connected 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.

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.

Interface Protection Guidelines

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

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.

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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).