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Microgeneration (G98/NI)

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Important Notice

Important Notice

Customers and Installers of Micro-generators up to 16A per phase should note that installations commissioned on or after 27 April 2019 must meet all of the requirements set out in the new Engineering Recommendation EREC G98/NI. After this date commissioning of new Micro-generators type tested to the existing EREC G83 standard will NOT be permitted. Further details can be found at the following link

How the connection process works

Which process the connection shall follow will depend whether the installation falls under G98/NI Stage 1 or G98/NI Stage 2. G98/NI Stage 1 is for single installations at a single site in an area. G98/NI Stage 2 is for multiple installations at multiple sites within a close geographical area (sites within 500m of one another having microgeneraiton installed by the same organisation and within 28 days).

What you need before you start

Please consult the informaiton below before completing any of the G98/NI forms. You will not be able to  submit your form without all the relevant documentation.

Select your Microgeneration (G98/NI) option

Please ensure that you submit the form applicable to the process your connection falls under i.e. G98/NI Stage 1 or G98/NI Stage 2. If you are unsure which process your connection falls under you can Contact Us.
G98/NI stage 1 - Single installation in an area
G98/NI stage 2 - Multiple installations in close proximity
  • Install generator

    Install generator

    The G98/NI Stage 1 process is for single installations within a close geographical area. The Installer shall fit the microgeneration at the customer's site and commission the installation.

  • Register generator connection

    Register generator connection

    The Installer shall register the connection as soon as the site is commissioned. This allows us to initially register the site.

    Register Now
  • Submit commissioning documentation

    Submit commissioning documentation

    The Installer has 30 days from the date the site is commissioned to submit the completed commissioning documentation to NIE Networks.

    This information verifies that each microgenerator installation complies with Engineering Recommendation G98/NI and is suitable to be connected to the electricity grid.

    Submit Now
  • Changing your electricity meter

    Changing your electricity meter

    NIE Networks shall arrange to have an import/export meter fitted at the site (if required). An import/export meter records the electricity units being exported to the grid. This process can take up to four weeks.

  • Choosing a supplier

    Choosing a supplier

    You will need to agree a purchase contract with an export supplier to sell the electricity units being exported to the grid. Please note: you may have two electricity suppliers – you may buy electricity from one supplier and sell or export electricity to another supplier.

    NIE Networks has no involvement in the purchase contract agreement – your chosen export electricity supplier will provide this information. It will be your responsibility to provide export meter readings to your export supplier.

    For more information on electricity suppliers operating in Northern Ireland, you may wish to consult the Utility Regulator or the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

    The purchase agreement with your chosen electricity supplier will only come into effect after the import/export meter has been installed.

  • Submit a G98/NI Stage 2 application

    Submit a G98/NI Stage 2 application

    The Installer must submit an application for all proposed microgeneration connections at sites in a close geographic region (sites where more than one SSEG installation planned by the same organisation are within 500m of each other which are installed within 28 days of each other). The Installer should submit an application to NIE Networks as soon as possible to allow a network assessment to be conducted. The Installer may not fit or commission any generation at any site at this stage.

    Apply Now
  • Network assessment

    Network assessment

    A Network Connection Study must be carried out for all G98/NI Stage 2 installations to assess the potential impact of the connection on the network. Once this assessment is complete NIE Networks will advise the installer of the outcome, which will be one of three options:

    1. NIE Networks agree in principle that the connection can proceed
    2. NIE Networks refuse permission to connect as there are fault level issues on the network
    3. NIE Networks inform the Installer that reinforcement works are required before the conneciton can proceed. This will include a cost estimate for the works (this is not a formal quotation and should be used as a guide only)
  • Quotation (if reinforcement works required)

    Quotation (if reinforcement works required)

    If reinforcement works are required, the Installer must either formally request a quotation from NIE Networks for the works or withdraw the application if they do not wish to proceed. A formal quotation shall be prepared and sent to the Installer within 90 days of NIE Networks receiving a formal request for a quote. This quotation is valid for 90 days after which the quote will expire and if a new quotation is required the costs may increase

  • Network reinforcement works (if reinforcement works required)

    Network reinforcement works (if reinforcement works required)

    Once the Installer has accepted the formal quotation and paid a 20% deposit; NIE Networks will proceed with the activities required to connect the generator to the distribution system. This may include obtaining legal consents, procuring equipment and the completion of any construction work. NIE Networks must be in receipt of full payment before any construction work begins.

  • Install generator

    Install generator

    Once any network reinforcement work (if required) is completed the Installer shall fit the microgeneration at the customer's site and commission the installation.

  • Register generator connection

    Register generator connection

    The Installer shall register the connection as soon as the site is commissioned. This allows us to initially register the site.

    Register Now
  • Submit commissioning documentation

    Submit commissioning documentation

    The Installer has 30 days from the date the site is commissioned to submit the completed commissioning documentation to NIE Networks.

    This information verifies that each microgenerator installation complies with Engineering Recommendation G98/NI and is suitable to be connected to the electricity grid.

    Submit Now
  • Changing your electricity meter

    Changing your electricity meter

    NIE Networks shall arrange to have an import/export meter fitted at the site (if required). An import/export meter records the electricity units being exported to the grid. This process can take up to four weeks.

  • Choosing a supplier

    Choosing a supplier

    You will need to agree a purchase contract with an export supplier to sell the electricity units being exported to the grid. Please note: you may have two electricity suppliers – you may buy electricity from one supplier and sell or export electricity to another supplier.

    NIE Networks has no involvement in the purchase contract agreement – your chosen export electricity supplier will provide this information. It will be your responsibility to provide export meter readings to your export supplier.

    For more information on electricity suppliers operating in Northern Ireland, you may wish to consult the Utility Regulator or the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

    The purchase agreement with your chosen electricity supplier will only come into effect after the import/export meter has been installed.

  • G98/NI Stage 1 - Registration

    G98/NI Stage 1 - Registration

    There is no additional documentation required.

  • G98/NI Stage 1 - Commissioning Form

    G98/NI Stage 1 - Commissioning Form

    1. Electrical Schematic
    2. Micro-generator type verification test certificate
    3. Installer Declaration
  • G98/NI Stage 2 - Application

    G98/NI Stage 2 - Application

    1. Electrical Schematic
    2. Micro-generator type verification test certificate
    3. Installer Declaration
    4. Earthing Arrangements (Optional)
    5. Site Layout Plan (Optional)
  • G98/NI Stage 2 - Registration

    G98/NI Stage 2 - Registration

    There is no additional documentation required.

  • G98/NI Stage 2 - Commissioning

    G98/NI Stage 2 - Commissioning

    1. Electrical Schematic
    2. Micro-generator type verification test certificate
    3. Installer Declaration
  • MPRN and Meter Serial Number

    MPRN and Meter Serial Number

    You must provide the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for the site where the microgeneration is to be installed in your application and your Meter Serial Number (if known). These are asked for on all of our G98/NI forms.

    - MPRN (this is an 11 digit number that begins with 8 and can be found on your electricity bill)
    - Meter serial number (this can be found on the front panel of the meter e.g. YH01234)

  • Micro-generator Type Test Certificate

    Micro-generator Type Test Certificate

    A Micro-generator Type Test Certificate is a guarantee from the generator manufacturer that their generator complies with G98/NI legislation. This can be obtained from your generator manufacturer. 

    The type verification test certificate for your Micro-generator must include the following information:

    1. Manufacturer and model type
    2. Micro-generator rating (A) and power factor
    3. Single or Multi phase
    4. Maximum peak short circuit current (A)
    5. Type of prime mover and fuel source
    6. Contact details – telephone numbers, web address etc...
  • Electrical Schematic

    Electrical Schematic

    An electrical schematic shows the circuit diagram of the installation. This will include details of the inverter.

G98/NI stage 1 - Single installation in an area
Stage 2 - Multiple installations in close proximity
  • Step 1 Registration

    Step 1 Registration

    G98/NI Stage 1 is a fit and inform process i.e. the Installer shall fit the microgeneration at a single site and then inform NIE Networks once the site is commissioned. The registration form allows the Installer to inform NIE Networks that a site has been commissioned so that we may initially register the site.

    Register Now
  • Step 2 Commissioning form

    Step 2 Commissioning form

    The Installer has 30 days from the date of commissioning to submit the commissioning documentation for a site. NIE Networks shall check the commissioning documents for compliance and then arrange to fit an import/export meter at the site.

    You can submit this online or alternatively download a G98/NI Stage 1 Commissioning Pack and submit by post.

    Submit Now
  • Step 1 Application form

    Step 1 Application form

    When installing microgeneration at multiple sites in a close geographic region within 28 days of each other, the Installer must inform NIE Networks of their intentions to connect at the earliest opportunity by submitting an application form. The application form asks for details specific to each site.

    NIE Networks will undertake a network assessment of the connection once an application form is submitted to determine its potential effects on the network and whether reinforcement work is needed before the connection can proceed.

    You can submit this online or alternatively download a G98/NI Stage 2 Application and Commissioning Pack and submit by post.

    Apply Now
  • Step 2 Registration

    Step 2 Registration

    Once the Installer has been given permission to connect to the network the Installer shall fit the microgeneration at the site and then inform NIE Networks once the site is commissioned. The Installer will register each connection with NIE Networks once each site is commissioned by completing a registration form.

    A seperate registration form must be completed for each site.

    Register Now
  • Step 3 Commissioning form

    Step 3 Commissioning form

    The Installer has 30 days from the date of commissioning to submit the commissioning documentation for each individual site. An individual submission must be made for each site and submitted to NIE Networks within 30 days from the site was commissioned. NIE Networks shall check the commissioning documents for compliance then arrange to fit an import/export meter at the site.

    You can submit this online or alternatively download a G98/NI Stage 2 Application and Commissioning Pack and submit by post.

    Submit Now