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Once a connection offer has been accepted, we may need to enter into an enduring agreement which sets out the terms and conditions for the connection. This can include Connection Agreements for individual premises or Bilateral Connection Agreements for embedded networks owned by an Independent Network Operator (IDNO).
As a result of the supply contract you enter into with your chosen supplier, you will automatically enter into the National Terms of Connection. In many instances, we will also require a site specific connection agreement.
A connection agreement is an agreement between the owner/occupier and NGED. This agreement will set out the necessary terms and conditions upon which the customer is connected to the Distribution System.
The connection agreement contains information such as;
There may also be diagrams showing the ownership boundary between the customer’s equipment and WPD.
There may be a number of triggers for a connection agreement, usually applying when the connection:
A connection agreement will not normally be required for domestic premises. However, we may occasionally utilise a connection agreement where there is a proposed installation which may cause a disturbance to the network, for example the installation of motors or welders.
Example connection agreements are provided below:
EHV Generation Connection Agreement
Low Voltage Connection Agreement
EHV Alternative Connection Agreement
We have developed a bilateral agreement which combines both the network access for live LV jointing and HV Operations together with the network adoption agreement. This FNAA Agreement allows an ICP/IDNO to sign up to one overarching agreement for adoption of assets and live jointing works across all four NGED areas.
The Framework agreement is overarching. However, we will require a Site Specific Schedule to be put into place for each scheme or project. The benefit of this approach is that it requires substantially less paperwork for each scheme than the previous tripartite agreement.
A Site Specific Schedule sits under the overarching agreement and is put in place for each scheme or project and requires substantially less paper work than the previous Tripartite agreement.
An example agreement is available to view here.
To enter into this agreement with us, or if you have any questions please contact the connection policy team at nged.connectionpolmids@nationalgrid.co.uk.
Once an ICP has signed up to the FNAA Agreement, they can choose to participate in further offerings that have been made available with the opening of the Connections Market.
A number of Extension of Contestability Agreements (EoC’s) are available for ICP’s to sign onto which will enable them to carry out additional works in relation to Competition-inConnections activities.
To enter into any of these agreements with us, or if you have any questions, please contact the connection policy team at nged.connectionpolmids@nationalgrid.co.uk.
In some instances, ICP's and IDNO's can determine their own Point of Connection (POC) in place of applying to NGED for a POC.
The table below identifies the Market Segments within which the ICP/IDNO can determine their own Point of Connection:
| Market Segment | Self-Determination Available (Yes/No) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| LV Demand | Y | Matrix available |
| HV Demand | Y | Simplified design process available in accordance with ST:SD1F |
| HVEHV Demand | N | |
| EHV132 Demand | N | |
| DG LV | N | |
| DGHVEHV | Y | Limited to 50kW on DGHV schemes (installed generation capacity) |
| UMS LA | Y | |
| UMS Other | Y | |
| UMS PFI | Y |
The following criteria when a Point of Connection can be determined through the Standard Design Matrix utilising the common template:
| Criteria | Measurement | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Connection capacity | 200kVA maximum | Reduced to 150kVA maximum for 6.6kV networks |
| Distance to substation | 200m | Increased to 250m for capacity less than 150kVA |
| Service cable length | 30m | |
| Transformer Capacity | 315kVA and above | Restriction on total load on single LV fuse way |
| Asset types excluded | None |
A copy of the EoC for Self-Determination of a Point of Connection is available to view:
Self-Determination of a Point of Connection
We undertake inspections on ICP’s for both their design work and physical installation of assets t be adopted by NGED. As inspections are completed, ICP’s will move through the differing inspection levels which decrease the percentage of inspections required. Once they have attained level 3 in all areas, in which 5% of schemes will be inspected, ICP’s can apply to move to a self-inspection level.
A copy of the EoC for Self-Inspection is available to view here
ICPs are responsible for carrying out their works in a safe manner and this includes positively identifying the correct cable prior to making a connection. ICPs are unable to undertake signal injection identification on the NGED network. An EoC is available where ICPs wish to ask NGED to undertake this method of identification on their behalf when needed.
A copy of the EoC for LV Cable Identification Service is available here.
We can provide Test Equipment on a when needed basis to ICP’s who have entered into the Rent a Test Probe extension of contestability agreement. The hire of this equipment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Test Prod Hire EoC Agreement.
A copy of the EoC for Rent a Test Prod is available to here.
Under the self-connection processes, ICPs may on occasion require access to NGED substations in the course of their works. This agreement enables ICP’s to hire substation keys from NGED. A copy of the EoC for Issue and Return of Keys for NGED Substation is available to view here.
In some instances, ICPs and IDNO's can self-approve their own design, subject to the qualifying criteria to reach self-inspection level. The table below indicates the Market Segments within which the ICP/IDNO can self-approve their designs:
| Market Segment | Self Approval Available (Yes/No) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| LV demand | Y | |
| HV demand | Y | |
| HVEHV demand | N | |
| EHV132 demand | N | |
| DG LV | N | |
| DG HVEHV | N | |
| UMS LA | Y | |
| UMS Other | Y | |
| UMS PFI | Y |
An audit process is in place to ensure that designs are compliant with NGED policies and standard techniques.
The table below identifies the qualifying criteria that will apply to allow an ICP/IDNO to move between the different levels of design approval:
| Level | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100% Audit, 20 audits to move to level 2 |
| 2 | 50% Audit, 5 audits to move to level 3 |
| 3 | 5% Audit |
| Self-audit level 1 | 5% Audit, 5 audits to move to self-audit level 2 |
| Self-audit level 2 | 2% Audits |
Further details on self-determination of a point of connection and design self-approval can be found within the standard techniques which can be accessed via the Technical Information page.
Where the new connections and network are to be adopted by an IDNO the connection to our distribution network will be covered under a Bilateral Connection Agreement detailing matters such as the connection characteristics and responsibilities.
Click here to view the Agreement.
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