Small scale generation
Will I be notified when additional capacity is available in my location?
Is there work in progress to develop additional electricity network capacity in LMEC areas?
Electrification will generally require the uprating of most substations and such uprated substations will have more capacity to accommodate generation export, both because the Transformers will be larger but also because of the increase in local load which will also absorb generation.Planning and delivery of these projects will take a number of years to complete.
Additionally, dynamic management of load and generation will be a feature of future network operation and this is also likely to facilitate increased generation export.
Which areas of the Electricity Network have limited capacity availability?
Which Generation Application Schemes does Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC) connection offers currently apply to?
What level of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is offered under Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC)?
Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC) connection offers require the system export to be limited to the following Maximum Export Capacities:
6kVA if the connection is single phase
11kVA if the connection is 3phase connecting to the LV or MV network.
Are there any additional requirements for an Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC) connection?
Does Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC) affect the size of system I can install under the various schemes?
Why is it necessary to issue Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC) connection offers?
Is Harmonics data a requirement under the Small Scale Generation Scheme?
For Inverter connected generators above 72A/phase (17kVA 1ph / 50kVA 3ph) a separate assessment of harmonics must be carried out. This involves taking the individual harmonics of the generator and assessing their individual and cumulative impact at the connection point.
The harmonic values given in Amps (only format acceptable) up to a minimum of the 40th Harmonic will be available from the manufacturer or possibly from a Type Test Certificate provided by the manufacturer.
For Synchronous Generators it is not expected at present that harmonics will be an issue so details are not currently being requested.
What is Limited Maximum Export Capacity (LMEC)?
I have an embedded generator used as Backup for emergency supply (Short term paralleling generators) and only connect to the electricity network for short periods. Do I need to declare this on my application, and will this affect my MIC?
I have a MIC change request pending in ESB Networks' system. Can I submit a Small-Scale Generation application while awaiting completion of the MIC change?
Yes, we can accommodate Small Scale Generation NC8/NC5 applications at the same time as an MIC change, once the MIC change application has also come in through the relevant application channel and is in process. Further information may be found at Changing Your Level of Supply.
The Small Scale Generation application will be on hold until such time that we are notified by the Client/Consultant, via email to dsominigeneration@esb.ie, that the MIC change has been finalised. Once confirmed we will move the application to the invoice stage if all details and supporting documents are in order.
Note: An MIC increase does not guarantee that you will the able to contract the full, requested MEC. This can only be determined by a specific technical study on the local network which will be completed as part of the process and will inform the MEC available, or an outline of reinforcement work which may be required to enable a specific MEC. The results of these findings can be impacted by variables such as distance from the transformer, available capacity, harmonics, potential imbalance etc. As such we advise customers to await the completion of this study and receipt of their connection offer prior to fully committing to the final details of their installation
I have a MV connection. Can I apply under Small-Scale Generation?
Are G10 Protection Relays mandatory for all Small-Scale Generation installations , or is it required only when the installed inverter capacity is greater than the MEC?
Can I install a system with a Total Installed Inverter Capacity (TIIC) greater than MEC?
Yes, it is acceptable to have a Total Installed Inverter Capacity (TIIC) greater than the site MEC in certain circumstances by using a suitable Export Limiting Scheme (ELS). When the Total Installed Inverter Capacity is greater than the MEC, you are required to provide a Manufacturer’s Export Limiting Scheme (ELS) Product Declaration Form – you can find the template here. This needs to be completed and signed by the Manufacturer. Following submission of the application, the level of MEC available on the existing network, or an outline of the reinforcement work required to enable a specific MEC, will only be determined by a specific technical study on the local network which will be completed as part of the process. The results of these findings can be impacted by variables such as distance from the transformer, available capacity, harmonics, potential imbalance, etc. As such we advise customers to await the completion of this study and receipt of their connection offer prior to fully committing to the final details of their installation.
Please note that for Mini-Generation and Small Scale Generation applications the Total Installed Inverter Capacity (TIIC) cannot be greater than Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).
Will I get a new meter once my Small Scale Generator is installed?
For customers exporting between 50kVA and 200kVA your meter will be assessed to check its suitability to measure export. For the majority of customers in this range it is expected that the meter will be suitable to measure export and as such it will be configured to enable accurate readings to be taken by our team as part of the process and free of charge. For customers who have an installation which requires an alternative meter in order to measure export a quote will issue in advance for the work involved as this will be chargeable to the customer under the terms of the current regulated connection policy.
For customers under 50kVA, where a change of meter is required in order to measure export, the meter will be scheduled for replacement under the current phased Smart Metering Rollout Programme.
Currently the Smart Metering Rollout Programme is working to replace standard single phase domestic 24-hr meters (MCC01). Under the current rules announced by the CRU if you are eligible to receive a smart meter during this phase of the rollout, then you will need a smart meter to be paid for export. Where customers are eligible to have a smart meter installed, ESB Networks will endeavour to install a smart meter within four months of the completion of the relevant application process. ESB Networks will be in contact in advance of your smart meter exchange. For more information please see the Smart Metering Rollout Programme page.
For customers up to 50kVA, if you are not currently eligible to receive a smart meter during this phase of the rollout, then CRU has outlined that you may be paid based on a deemed export calculation until such time as a suitable smart meter is available for your connection type and installed as part of the phased Smart Metering Rollout Programme. For more information on this, please see;CRU’s website.
What are the eligibility criteria to get paid for my export?
Will I get paid for the electricity I export to the electricity network?
ESB Networks DAC are not responsible for the purchase or sale of any electricity. This is a matter for a customer and their electricity supplier.
For more information on how and when customers can expect to get paid for export, please visitCRU's website.
For more information on Clean Export Tarriffs, please seeClean Export Tarriffs.
How do I register to get paid for my excess electricity?
Under the Small Scale Generation application process, once the application process is complete and your installation has successfully completed an ESB Networks witness test we will update your MEC and notify your electricity supplier. As ESB Networks are not responsible for the purchase or sale of any electricity you will need to have an agreement with your Electricity Supplier to purchase the electricity exported.
For more information on how and when customers can expect to get paid for export, please seeCRU’s website.
Can I install a larger Generator?
The largest generator which can be installed and applied for under the current Small Scale Generator Application Process is 200kVA.
It is possible to install a larger generator under alternative application processes. For further information, go to Connect a Renewable and Embedded Generator.