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What is Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure?

Please ensure you have read and understood the process before applying for an Integrated Micro Generation and Storage connection. If your connection is not eligible for Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure you will need to apply under the appropriate process (G98/NI – Microgeneration or G99/NI – Small and Large Scale) before your connection can be progressed.

How the connection process works

The process your application will follow and the length of time taken before completion depends on whether reinforcement work is needed before your connection can be authorised. Whether or not reinforcement work is required shall be determined on a case by case basis once an application has been submitted.

What you need before you start

NIE Networks must study the potential effects of your proposed connection on the network. Please have the information listed below available when completing your application.

Select a generation connection

Please ensure you have all relevant documentation to hand as listed in What you need before you start before beginning an application. You may save your application and return to finish it at any point.


  • What is Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure?

    Step 1

    What is Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure?

    The Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure allows customers to connect an energy storage device to a single property so long as the proposed installation meets certain criteria. Your energy storage scheme must relate to a single connection. NIE Networks foresees this situation arising in two scenarios:

    1. The customer has an existing PV or other distributed energy resource (DER) installation that conforms with G83/1/NI or G98/NI and wishes to install a battery storage device via a separate G98/NI type tested inverter
    2. The customer wishes to install a new PV (or other DER) scheme and a battery storage device via two separate G98/NI type tested inverters

    If your proposed connection does not fall into either of these two categories you should consult our G99 – Small and Large Scale or G98 – Microgeneration processes to determine which application your connection falls under.

    Your connection must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • The application is for connection at a single property
    • The combined installed capacity of the generation and battery storage devices must be between 16 Amps and 32 Amps per phase
    • The individual capacity of the generation and battery storage device must be less than 16 Amps per phase
    • The export capacity of the entire installation must be limited to a maximum of 16 Amps per phase via an export limiting device that is compliant with G100 legislation
    • The generation and battery storage devices must be prevented from operating in island mode when there is no mains supply

    If your proposed connection does not comply with all the criteria listed above you cannot apply under the Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure. If you require advice on whether your connection falls under Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Procedure please get in touch.

    Reinforcement work may be required on the network before your installation can be given authorisation to connect. This reinforcement work may add significant delays to your connection.

    Once NIE Networks have provided authorisation to connect and your installation has been commissioned, your installer must complete and send in a Commissioning Form and Connection Card if appropriate.



  • Submit an application form

    Step 1

    Submit an application form

    Apply online here
    You should consult with a micro generation installer before submitting an application form.

    YOU

  • Receive an acknowledgement and submit application fee

    Step 2

    Receive an acknowledgement and submit application fee

    Once you submit your application online you will receive confirmation via email. Once we review your application you will get your job reference number and a request for the application fee of £250 within 5 working days. Please quote this reference number when contacting us about your application.
  • Network Design and Analysis

    Step 3

    Network Design and Analysis

    Once the fee is received, your application will be passed to our Generation Planning Team to carry out Network Design and Analysis in order to assess if the network is capable of accommodating the connection of your power generating modules or if network upgrade works are required. Please note - If there are multiple applications for micro generation installations planned by the same organisation within a distance of 500m of each other and installed within 28 days of each other, this will require more detailed studies than micro-generation installations at a single domestic site.
  • Reinforcements

    Step 4

    Reinforcements

    If the Design Analysis determines that network reinforcements are necessary, we will provide an estimate of costs to the installer who must confirm within 30 days if they wish to proceed with the connection. If so, we will issue a formal quote, terms and conditions and a connection agreement for the works required. The offer is valid for 90 days and the payment along with signed copies of the Acceptance of Terms and Connection Agreement documents must be submitted within this period before NIE Networks can begin upgrading the network. The power generating modules must not be connected until all reinforcement work is complete and an Authorisation Letter has been provided by us.
  • Authorisation and Connection Agreement issued

    Step 5

    Authorisation and Connection Agreement issued

    Following the design analysis and once any necessary reinforcement works are completed, NIE Networks will issue an Authorisation letter to the installer. This letter will also contain a Connection Agreement, as well as the required commissioning forms for the installation.
  • Commissioning Forms and Connection Agreement returned

    Step 6

    Commissioning Forms and Connection Agreement returned

    Within 90 days of the date of the authorisation letter, the installation must be commissioned and your installer must complete the Commissioning forms for the installation. Please note that individual commissioning forms must be completed for each of the new power generating modules within the building, as well for the Export Limiting Scheme.  They must then sign the Connection Agreement and return this to us

    YOU

  • Complete and return a connection card

    Step 7

    Complete and return a connection card

    If wiring changes that affect your meter have been carried out during commissioning, you must download a connection card and get your electrician/electrical consultant to fill in the details. Submit this online to ConnectionCard@nienetworks.co.uk.

    YOU

  • Changing your meter (if applicable)

    Step 8

    Changing your meter (if applicable)

    If you are installing a new micro generator along with a storage device, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to configure your meter for export.

    NIE NETWORKS

  • Connection Agreement

    Step 9

    Connection Agreement

    NIE Networks will counter-sign the connection agreement and send a copy of this back to the installer.
  • Submit an application form

    Step 1

    Submit an application form

    Apply online here
    You should consult with a micro generation installer before submitting an application form.

    YOU

  • Receive an acknowledgement

    Step 2

    Receive an acknowledgement

    Once you submit your application online you will receive confirmation via email. Once we review your application you will get your job reference number within 5 working days. Please quote this reference number when contacting us about your application.
  • Network Design and Analysis

    Step 3

    Network Design and Analysis

    Your application will be passed to our Connections Design Team for a Network Design and Analysis in order to assess if the network is capable of accommodating the connection of your power generating modules or if network upgrade works are required.
  • Installer notified reinforcement works needed

    Step 4

    Installer notified reinforcement works needed

    If the Network Design and Analysis shows that additional reinforcement work is required before your connection can go ahead, we shall formally inform your designated Installer. This shall include a budget cost for all reinforcement works. This is not a precise quote and should be used as a guide only.
  • Reinforcement work confirmation

    Step 5

    Reinforcement work confirmation

    Your Installer has one month from the official notification that reinforcement works are required to confirm that they wish to receive a formal quotation from us.
  • Quotation

    Step 6

    Quotation

    We shall issue a formal quotation for all reinforcement works to your designated installer within 90 days from the date your Installer confirms they wish to receive a formal quotation for all necessary reinforcement works.

    NIE NETWORKS

  • Accept terms & payment

    Step 7

    Accept terms & payment

    Your installer can accept our terms online if using our online payment system or return a signed copy of our Acceptance of Terms by post to our Channel Wharf address:
    Customer Liaison
    Unit 3 Channel Wharf
    21 Old Channel Road
    Belfast
    BT3 9DE

    YOU

  • Site visit and survey

    Step 8

    Site visit and survey

    Site visits are usually carried out within 7-10 working days. On occasions a full site survey will be required which may take up to 3 months. Depending on the outcome of the survey costs we may need to issue a requote with revised terms.

    NIE NETWORKS

    UP TO 3 MONTHS

  • Legal consents

    Step 9

    Legal consents

    If the reinforcement work requires electricity equipment to be sited on other people’s land, we will need to get permission from the landowner or government bodies before work can proceed. We may need to obtain a lease or easement on your land. All these negotiations ca take up to 9 months or longer. If there is any variation, we may need to issue a requote including revised terms for your job.

    NIE NETWORKS

    UP TO 9 MONTHS

  • On-site construction

    Step 10

    On-site construction

    Once we’ve received full payment (if applicable) and all legalities have been obtained we will contact you and your installer to agree a date to start your work. Please prepare your site according to the design agreed and ensure your electrician’s/electrical consultant’s work is complete.

    NIE NETWORKS

    6-8 WEEKS

  • Authorisation to connect issued

    Step 11

    Authorisation to connect issued

    If there is capacity on the network for your connection, we shall issue your installer an authorisation to connect your proposed assets.
  • Commissioning Forms returned

    Step 12

    Commissioning Forms returned

    Once your installation has been commissioned, your installer must complete and return a Commissioning Form within 30 days of commissioning.

    YOU

  • Complete and return a connection card

    Step 13

    Complete and return a connection card

    If wiring changes that affect your meter have been carried out during commissioning, you must download a connection card and get your electrician/electrical consultant to fill in the details. Submit this online to ConnectionCard@nienetworks.co.uk.

    YOU

  • Changing your meter

    Step 14

    Changing your meter

    Once you’ve submitted a connection card (if appropriate) we will contact you to arrange an appointment to make any changes to your meter setup if required.

    3-5 DAYS

  • Connection Agreement

    Step 15

    Connection Agreement

    We shall issue your installer a Connection Agreement which must be signed and returned to us for countersigning.


  • Application fee

    Step 1

    Application fee

    You will need to pay the appropriate fee before your application will be considered valid. Please see current fees in schedule 2 of our statement of charges and read our guide to application fees.
  • Address & contact details

    Step 2

    Address & contact details

    To complete your application you will need to provide information for the following sections:

    1. Installer details
    2. Site details including site contact details (please specify, if this is different)
    3. Payment details (contact details of the person paying for the connection)
  • MPRN / Meter Serial Number

    Step 3

    MPRN / Meter Serial Number

    A Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) is a unique 11 digit reference used in Northern Ireland to identify electricity supply points. It can be found on the back of your electricity meter or on your electricity bill. Your meter serial number can be found on the front panel of your meter.
  • Electrical Schematic including Export Limitation Scheme

    Step 4

    Electrical Schematic including Export Limitation Scheme

    A circuit diagram of the proposed connection clearly identifying how the connection shall implement an export limited to 16 Amps per phase. Your Installer should provide you with this:

    Compatible file types:
    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)

    The maximum file size is 50MB
  • Details of Export Limiting Scheme

    Step 5

    Details of Export Limiting Scheme

    Your export limiting scheme must be compliant with NIE Networks Policy 21/007: Technical Requirements for Customer Export Limiting Schemes (Based on G100) and EREC G5/4-1. Evidence of this may be shown by providing a G100 type test certificate or the electricity storage manufacturer’s Statement of Compliance Compatible file types:

    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)

    The maximum file size is 50MB
  • Datasheets of Inverter and other installed equipment

    Step 6

    Datasheets of Inverter and other installed equipment

    Your asset manufacturer should provide you with a copy of these. Datasheets must be provided for all existing equipment related to the connection on site (e.g. existing PV panels) and all equipment to be installed.

    Compatible file types:
    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)

    The maximum file size is 50MB
  • Inverter G98/NI Certification

    Step 7

    Inverter G98/NI Certification

    You must provide a certificate demonstrating your inverter’s G98/NI compliance including test results. These can be obtained from the inverter manufacturer.

    Compatible file types:
    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)

    The maximum file size is 50MB
  • Site Layout Plan

    Step 8

    Site Layout Plan

    Please provide a plan at an appropriate scale (our preference is 1:500). Please show the outline of your house on the site, your meter position and the location of any existing generation.

    Compatible file types:
    - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf format)

    The maximum file size is 50MB


  • Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Application

    Step 1

    Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Application

    For customers wishing to apply for a connection of a micro storage device (such as a battery) above 16 Amps per phase and less than 32 Amps per phase
  • Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Commissioning

    Step 2

    Integrated Micro Generation and Storage Commissioning

    Once authorisation to connect has been given, the system must be
    installed and commissioned within 90 days from the date of
    authorisation letter.
    A Connection Agreement and Commissioning forms must be completed for the site and
    submitted to NIE Networks .
    NIE Networks shall check the commissioning documents for compliance
    then arrange to fit an import/export meter at the site if necessary.