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). This is an important policy milestone and ESB Networks has now commenced work on the next steps to implement. Please refer to the CRU website: Enduring Connection Policy Stage 2 (ECP-2) CRU/20/060 for further information. The System Operators will publish a detailed ruleset for ECP-2 based on this decision before the ECP-2 application window opens on Tuesday 1st September 2020. Revised Generator Application Forms (NC5/NC5A) are also currently under review and will be published in advance of this date. The closing date for applications will be 5pm on Wednesday, 30th September 2020.

 

Final Capacity Release

As per section 2.9 of the ECP-2 Decision Paper, all projects contracted pre ECP-1 (but not those that folded into ECP-1) will have a final opportunity for capacity release as per CER/16/284 (e.g. with 80% refund of first stage payment).
Please see link to the Capacity Release Form (PDF | 202KB). 
The window for application of Capacity Release opens on Friday 10th July 2020 and closes at 5pm on Monday 10th August 2020.

 

Node Assignment Ruleset

The System Operators are undertaking a review of the Node Assignment Ruleset that was in place during the Gate 3 and ECP-1 process. The objective of this review is to streamline the rules and enhance the efficiency of batch processing in ECP-2 whilst also providing more clarity to applicants. As part of this review, the System Operators are now offering prospective ECP-2 applicants the opportunity to provide comments on the original Node Assignment Ruleset. Applicants who wish to contribute to this review may email info@eirgrid.com with their comments by Friday 17th July 2020. The System Operators will publish an updated Node Assignment Ruleset once our review is complete.

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

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).

This report contains the final list of applicants that will be processed as part of the 2018 batch and the scheduled quarter for issuance of the ECP-1 connection offers.

2018 Batch (ECP-1) Results - Joint SO Publication_January 2020_Final (PDF | 377KB)

Generator Availability Capacity Map

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

Generator Complaints Procedure

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.