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Contestable vs Non-Contestable Works

Your dual offer contains two types of work:]

  1. Contestable Works: Connection works that can be carried out by NIE Networks or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP). You have a choice when deciding who shall complete these elements of your connection.
  2. Non-Contestable Works: Connection works that can only be carried out by NIE Networks for the safety and security of the distribution network. You cannot choose who completes these elements of your connection - it must be NIE Networks.

See a list of connection works that have been classified as contestable works or non-contestable works below. All work that needs to be carried out on the existing distribution network, such as system reinforcement and the determination of the point of connection to the network, is non-contestable.

Non-Contestable WorksContestable Works
Determining the point of connection to the existing distribution systemDetailed design
Designing upstream reinforcement worksRoute and site selection
Determination of ownership boundaryProcuring materials for contestable works
Designing diversionary worksLand rights negotiations with third party land owners including site acquisition
Reviewing the design for the contestable worksAttaining planning permission, wayleaves and easements on behalf of NIE Networks
Plant and materials specificationsTrench excavation and duct installation
Producing wayleave/easement documentationConstruction of substation buildings
Protection and control systems which relate exclusively to the existing transmission or distribution systemCable laying and jointing for contestable works
Design and installation of communications systemsSubstation plant installation for contestable works
Jointing to existing distribution systemExcavation for joint bay
Reinforcement/diversionary work on the existing distribution systemPreparation and provision of contestable works 'as built' records
Quality assurance inspectionsPre-commissioning on contestable works
Commissioning and connection of contestable works to the distribution system
Metering requirements
Operation, repairs, maintenance
  • NIE-Works-01.png

    • Making the final connection to the existing underground cable is non-contestable
    • Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
    • The installation of the proposed service cable is contestable work
    • Trenching on public property is contestable work
  • NIE-Works-02.png

    • New work on existing assets (installing a new transformer and transformer earths on the exisiting pole) is non-contestable
    • Making the final connection to the existing network is non-contestable
    • Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
    • The installation of the proposed service cable is contestable work
    • Trenching on public property is contestable work
  • NIE-Works-03.png

    • New work on existing assets (installing a new cross arm and stays on the existing pole) is non-contestable
    • Constructing the first span of overhead line from the existing pole to the first new pole is non-contestable
    • Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
    • Installing the new line (excluding the first span), new transformer and the proposed service cable is contestable work
    • Trenching on public property is contestable work
  • NIE-Works-04.png

    • Making the final connection to the existing underground high voltage cable and all cable testing is non-contestable work
    • Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
    • The installation of the proposed high voltage cables is contestable work
    • Trenching on public property is contestable work