Generation FAQs

It is possible to connect up to 17kW maximum to a single phase supply.  Above this capacity a three phase supply is required.

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural sources like the sun, wind or flowing water and is naturally replenished as it is used. Micro renewable generation is classed as 3.68kW or less single phase or up to 11.04kW three phase.

Small scale renewable generation is classed as greater than 3.68kW and up to 17kW single phase and greater than 11.04kW and up to 2MW three phase. Typically the majority of applications are up to 50kW for Solar PV, up to 250kW for wind generation and up to 500kW for anaerobic digestion. 

Large scale generation is generally classed as generation greater than 2MW.

The voltages include 230V, 400V, 11kV, 33kV, 110kV and 275kV.

he voltages include 230V, 400V, 11kV, 33kV, 110kV and 275kV.

The cost will reflect the work we have to carry out to meet your requirements. We have to take a number of factors into account including the generation export capacity requested, the position of the generator on our network and whether or not we have to reinforce our network to provide your connection.

All works and costs are specific to your site requirements. Our charging methodology will give details of how this will affect your application.

We will continue to seek approvals where appropriate for installation of equipment to facilitate reverse power at network substations which are already heavily loaded with generation. These installations will provide further limited capacity for generation in these areas.

Some areas require substantial network reinforcement to facilitate additional generation. Options for development of these projects are being considered by the relevant authorities.

We are also exploring new Active Network Management solutions and how these could potentially increase the ability to connect to the network and continues to update stakeholders on progress.

For more information on NIE Networks’ innovation strategy and programmes to help facilitate more low carbon technologies please see the below link:

https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/future-networks

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a system which acquires data from your generator.  This provides information back to us on the operation and output of the generator and allows us to issue commands to the generator when necessary.

SCADA facilities are mandatory on all generation connections above 200kW in capacity however they may also be required for connections between 100-200kW in certain circumstances.

Please get in touch if you have any further queries.

We cannot provide more than one point of supply onto any site due to safety concerns. Each application will be reviewed on a site specific basis.

For a microgenerator the limits are 3.68kW single phase and 11.04kW three phase. The equipment must comply with the requirements of the G98/NI recommendations. If your generation is greater than these limits please use the G99/NI application process.

Find out which application applies to your generator.

The stage 1 application process is for single G98/NI installations. The vast majority of microgeneration is installed at single sites and the installer should complete a G98/NI stage 1 commissioning pack.

The Stage 2 application process covers the connection of multiple micro-generators at domestic or business premises (other than within a single Customer’s Installation) in a ‘Close Geographic Region’, within a 28 day period. In the case of projects where the proposal is to install multiple micro-generators  in a number of Customers Installations in a ‘Close Geographic Region' within a 28 day period, the Installer shall discuss the installation project with NIE Networks at the earliest opportunity. NIE Networks will need to assess the impact that these connections may have on the network and specify conditions for connection.

Using the “Fit and Inform” principles of Engineering Recommendation G98/NI/1, the installer should fit and commission the generator and register the connection online to inform us that this has been done.

The installer should also submit their application pack and relevant documentation within 30 days for approval. We will check this information and will arrange for the installation of an import/export electricity meter.

Close geographic region/area is the area within which the premises where more than one Microgeneration installation planned by the same organisation (i.e. installer) are within 500m of each other.

Once we receive an application for a renewable connection, a connection offer is issued within 90 days, provided all the necessary information has been received. The applicant has a further 90 days to accept the connection offer.

We will offer a feasibility study as an alternative to the full application process. Applicants may consider undertaking a feasibility study prior to submitting an application to the planning department for the renewable site, however full planning permission is no longer required to submit a generation connection application .

Your application must contain the following documents:

1. Completed generation questionnaire
2. Cheque for your Connection Application fee made out to NIE Networks Ltd
3. Details of the location of the proposed generator(s) including a site map. If planning permission has been submitted or approved for your generator(s), please also send details of this including the planning reference number. (Please note full planning approval is no longer required to submit a generation connection application)
4. Copy of generator technical specification which should include:

• Single line diagram (schematic of your installation)
• Flicker co-efficient
• Starting currents and type of starter for each generator installed.
• 1:2500 and 1:500 scale site location plan

Please note that if you have an inverter connected generator then you will also need to include a copy of the harmonics report up to the 50th harmonic. Detailed requirements will be set out in your application form.

Initially you will need to pay the cost for your connection application fee only. We will then send you out a quote for the cost of your connection. If you accept the quote (within 90 days) then a deposit must be paid (within 90 days) for us to continue to process your application. The final balance will be required before construction commences.

Provided all the information received is in order, we will register your application and will send a letter advising you of your unique job reference number. We will place your application in our generation queue where we assess each application in turn to determine the extent of work required to facilitate your connection.

Once the network analysis is complete, we will contact the nominated person specified in your application to arrange a site visit and subsequently issue your connection offer.

We will process all applications and provide a quote, which will outline the work required to connect you, within 90 days of receiving your application and all supporting documentation and fee.

If you don't accept our quotation within the 90 day acceptance period, the quotation is no longer valid and will drop out of the generation connection queue. The 90 day acceptance period is strictly enforced to ensure fairness to all applicants.

We will always endeavour to achieve ‘wayleave’ permission from third party land owners in the first instance. On occasions, we do encounter landowners who do not permit the installation of additional equipment on their land in which case we may propose an alternative route, however this can often result in additional charges being incurred.

No, we are obliged to ensure fairness to all applicants. We provide connection offers on a 'first come, first served' basis and operate a strict queuing process to achieve this.