Large scale generation
Enduring Connection Policy – 2.5 (ECP-2.5)
The ECP-2.5 application window for all category A (batch) applicants closed on 30th November 2024. In March 2025, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision paper on Enduring Connection Policy – 2.5.1 (ECP-2.5.1) (CRU202546), to provide an additional opportunity for connection applications. Successful ECP-2.5.1 applicants were processed together with successful ECP-2.5 applicants and were prioritised by largest renewable energy generation (first 25), then by planning permission grant date with no more than 10 primarily storage and other system service technology projects. Please see the ECP-2.5 (ECP-2.5 / ECP-2.5.1) category A final batch results and the final ECP-2.5 (ECP-2.5 / ECP-2.5.1) category B and C batch results.
For further information, please refer to the ECP-2 decision paper (CRU/20/060), ECP-2 Ruleset, and ECP-2.4 decision paper (CRU202326).
Electricity Connection Policy – Generation and System Services (ECP-GSS)
In September 2024, the CRU published its Electricity Connection Policy – Generation and System Services (ECP-GSS) decision paper (CRU/2024101), which sets policy for onshore renewable and conventional generators, storage, and other system services technology projects connecting to the electricity system.
On 6th June 2025, the CRU published a decision on ECP-GSS: Pre-engagement and High-Level Technical Assessment (HLTA) (CRU202584). This decision paper sets out the CRU’s decisions on the pre-application process to facilitate applications into the September 2025 batch.
For entry to the September 2025 batch (ECP-GSS-1), applicants were required to submit the pre-application notification, along with the project’s application fee deposit, to the relevant System Operator (SO) by close of business on 30th June 2025. Please note, we are no longer accepting pre-application notification forms for ECP-GSS-1, as the application window has now closed. Applicants who have made a successful pre-application notification for ECP-GSS-1 can now submit a formal grid application, until the batch closing deadline of 30th September 2025. Please refer to the application guide below, and reach out to us at DSOgenerators@esb.ie should you have any queries in relation to the ECP-GSS process.
Transmission or Distribution System
A single application with a total MEC less than 40 MW should first be submitted to ESB Networks for a connection at distribution level.
A single application with a total MEC equal to or larger than 40 MW should first be submitted to EirGrid for a transmission connection. For further information, visit the EirGrid website.
Visit the EirGrid websiteApplication information and tools
Useful information and digital tools to guide you through the ECP-2 process.
Application guide
Step 1 - Acquire an Ordnance Survey Map, Site Plan and Single Line Diagram
Obtain a 1:50,000 'Discovery Series' Ordnance Survey map with both the location of your new generator and the site boundary clearly marked with a red pen.
You will also need a detailed site plan, in the appropriate scale, of the proposed facility, indicating the site boundary, the proposed location of the connection point, generators, transformers, site buildings etc.
A draft electrical single line diagram of the proposed facility detailing all significant items of plant and their values including Relevant Voltage Levels, Interlocking, Earthing and Synchronising Arrangements, Relay Types, CT/VT ratios, Generator Transformer(s), Power Factor Correction, Location of Alternative Connections (e.g. house load) and Network Connecting Transformer(s) (if applicable).
Step 2 - Complete an Application Form
To apply, please complete the appropriate generator application form:
New Generator Connection Application (NC5) (PDF | 1.2 MB)
New Generator Connection Application (NC5A) (PDF | 0.24 MB)
Community-led Projects
Community-led applicants must include a completed declaration form with their application:
ECP-2 Declaration of Community Led Energy Project Form (PDF | 0.21 KB)
Step 3 - Apply
The application form (NC5 / NC5A) must be submitted in electronic format. Electronic files must be submitted via email to DSOGenerators@esb.ie (all electronic files should be a cumulative maximum of 5MB or less).
Payment Amounts
The application fee amount is calculated using the proposed installed generation capacity (MW) (or proposed increase in installed generation capacity where there is an existing connection agreement in place) and the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC), where MIC is greater than 1MW (applies to new MIC only). An application fee deposit was required with the pre-application notification submission, therefore, the application fee balance is due with the grid application submission, and must be received before the batch closing deadline of 30th September 2025. Should you have a query on the application fee balance amount, or require an invoice in advance of payment, please email DSOGenerators@esb.ie.
Go to Make a payment for payment method information. Should you wish to pay by EFT please include the project name as a reference. Your application should advise the reference of the EFT payment for receipting purposes.
Application Fees
MIC and Installed AC Generation | A | B | C |
Micro-generation* | €0 | €0 | €0 |
Mini-generation** | €0 | €795 | €0 |
Small-scale generation*** | €0 | €995 | €0 |
Not covered above ≤ 500 KW | €0 | €1,888 | €0 |
> 500kW ≤ 1 MW | €0 | €10,722 | €0 |
> 1 MW ≤ 2 MW | €7,560 | €16,343 | €0 |
> 2 MW ≤ 6MW | €15,121 | €21,964 | €0 |
> 6MW ≤ 10 MW | €26,145 | €22,226 | €22,226 |
> 10 MW ≤ 20MW | €26,145 | €40,094 | €41,837 |
> 20 MW ≤ 100 MW | €42,978 | €57,588 | €47,938 |
> 100 MW | €58,852 | €61,679 | €54,539 |
Table 1 - Connection Offer Application Fees (excluding VAT) - 2025
Demand only: Fee = AMIC + CMIC - D
Generation Only: Fee = BIGC + CIGC - D
Demand and Generation: Fee = AMIC + BIGC + MAX [CIGC , CMIC] - D
Where D is the sum of the credits for the pre-feasibility and advanced works studies still relevant.
Determination of D will be calculated by the relevant System Operator
*Micro-Generation is designed to operate in parallel with the electricity network and is a source of electrical energy rated up to and including 25 amperes (≈6kVA) at low voltage [230 volts], when the connection is single phase, or 16 amperes(≈11kVA) at low voltage [230/400 volt], when the connection is three-phase.
**Mini-Generation is designed to operate in parallel with the electricity network and is a source of inverter connected electrical energy, and all associated electrical equipment, where the Installed Generator Capacity is less than or equal to the MIC, and is in the range of 25 amperes (6kVA) to 72 amperes (17kVA), when the connection is single-phase or 16 amperes (11kVA) to 72 amperes (50kVA), when the connection is three-phase.
***Small Scale Generation is designed to operate in parallel with the electricity network and is defined as a source of connected electrical energy, and all associated electrical equipment, where the Installed Generator Capacity is less than or equal to the MIC, in is the following ranges: Inverter-connected Installed Capacity greater than 72amps (≈50kVA) at three phase and up to 200kVA, or, Synchronous Installed Capacity greater than 6kVA and up to 200kVA.
Modification Fees
Level | Initial non-refundable | Balance of fee | Total Fee |
Level 1 | €1,046 | €0 | €1,046 |
Level 1.5 | €1,046 | €5,260 | €6,306 |
Level 2 | €1,046 | €10,521 | €11,567 |
Level 2.5 | €1,046 | €15,964 | €17,010 |
Level 3 | €1,046 | €21,407 | €22,453 |
Level 3.5 | €1,046 | €25,830 | €26,876 |
Level 4 | €1,046 | €30,252 | €31,298 |
Table 2 - Modification Fees (ex-VAT @ 23%)
For connections made after September 2018 some Distribution Code conditions may change, arising from the need to be aligned with European Network Codes. For more information on this see our European Network Codes page available here