Connecting Mini-Generation

To connect a Mini-Generator to the electricity network, you must follow the steps outlined in the document, Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Mini-Generation. It is recommended to read this document before you start your application.

Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Mini-Generation | Download PDF | 591 KB

If your connection includes an Export Limiting Scheme (ELS), please also refer to Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Export Limiting Scheme at LV and MV. See link here.

Note:

For Mini-Generation connections, the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is not permitted to be greater than the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).

The Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is defined as the maximum power, expressed in kVA, that is permitted by ESB Networks to transfer from the Customer’s Point of Connection to the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Network.

Note: an initial application form and accompanying documentation will be verified for completeness, accuracy and compliance. An invoice will then issue for the relevant application fee. An application is only deemed complete when the associated application fee invoice has been paid.

Based on the particulars provided in an application, and in light of the potential for installations to impact on the distribution system, ESB Networks will need to carry out a full technical assessment of a connection point prior to issuing a connection offer in order to ensure connection capacity is not exceeded and that grid safety, stability and reliability are maintained and to establish the nature of any upgrade works required to the system to facilitate the connection. Currently due to a high demand the average timeframe for the connection offer documents to issue is 8 to 10 weeks from payment of the application fee, however for a small number of complex applications this stage may take longer.

In order to ensure continued grid safety, stability and reliability, no connection offer or agreement shall be deemed to come into effect pending ESB Networks carrying out the necessary technical assessment. No action should be taken to connect the specified generation equipment unless and until such time as the connection offer detail are communicated to you and accepted.

Download the updated (June 2022) Mini-Generation Application Form (NC7) at the link below or call 1800 372 757 to request a copy. This form should be used for all new applications, however, the previous version of the NC7 Form will also be accepted up to 31/07/2022.

NC7 Application Form | Download PDF | 97 KB

Email the completed form along with the associated documents listed below to dsominigeneration@esb.ie:

• Block Diagram (or Single Line Diagram, if available); A Block Diagram (or Single Line Diagram) is required to accompany each NC7 application form to clarify the final configuration of the generation system proposed. It should indicate the final outline of the system and show any existing generation (including Micro-Generation) including each inverter, the generation behind the inverter and also any inverter-connected storage devices;

• Manufacturer’s Type Test Certificates; A Type Test Certificate states that each make/model of Mini-Generator has been tested in an accredited test laboratory and is compliant with standard EN 50549-1:2019. It provides the minimum information required to configure a safe and optimal system, for more information refer to Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Mini-Generation here;

• Manufacturer’s Export Limiting Scheme (ELS) Product Declaration Form for ESB Networks (if applicable), see template here;

• Letter of Authority (LOA) (if applicable); A Letter of Authority signed by the owner of the MPRN authorising a third-party to act on their behalf on all matters relating to the application for connection of Mini-Generation. Sample wording is available at the bottom of the Step-by-step guide on this webpage. Please email dsominigeneration@esb.ie if you would like a Microsoft Word template.

It is also possible to post your documents to:

ESB Networks DAC

NC7 Mini-Generation

New Connections

Sarsfield Road

Wilton

Co. Cork

T12 E367

The application is reviewed commercially and once it is deemed commercially complete, you will receive an email alerting you of the invoice number and the various payment options available. A corresponding VAT invoice for the non-refundable application fee in the amount of €977.85 (inclusive of VAT at 23%) will issue within 10 business days.

Please refer here for details on how to pay the invoice. Please notify dsominigeneration@esb.ie once payment has been made. If payment is not received within the 30 days payment terms, your application will be deemed withdrawn and you will need to reapply. Please note that applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

On receipt of the application fee, the application is issued for technical review. A connection offer will issue in respect of the Mini-Generation installation using the details provided in the NC7 Application Form. 

Note:

For Mini-Generation connections, the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is not permitted to be greater than the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).

The Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is defined as the maximum power, expressed in kVA, that is permitted by ESB Networks to transfer from the Customer’s Point of Connection to the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Network.

Should you wish to accept the connection offer in respect of Mini-Generation you will need to sign & return the connection agreement to the address below and where applicable, pay the associated capital contribution.

ESB Networks DAC

NC7 Mini-Generation

New Connections

Sarsfield Road

Wilton

Co. Cork

T12 E367

Do not install Mini-Generation unless you have signed and returned the associated Connection Agreement. No works shall progress until the conditions in the Connection Agreement have been met and any ESB Networks construction work has been completed.

After installation of the Mini-Generator the customer is required to provide a completed Mini-Generation Installation Confirmation Certificate, available for download here. This Confirmation Certificate shall be submitted as soon as the generator is connected and no longer than twelve months from the issue date on the Connection Offer documentation.

Furthermore, if an Export Limitation Scheme (ELS) is being installed, the customer is required to provide a completed Test Form for ELS, available for download here. 

Please note that the corresponding MEC will only be updated and advised to your electricity supplier after ESB Networks is in receipt of the completed Mini-Generation Installation Confirmation Certificate(s).

Customer’s Letterhead or Logo

Customer’s Name

Customer’s Company Name (if applicable)

Correspondence Address Line 1

Address Line 2

County

Eircode

MPRN XXX XXX XXX XX

To: ESB Networks

Date: XX/XX/2022

Re: Authorisation for Consultant Name of Consultant/Installer Company Name to act on my behalf

LETTER OF AUTHORITY

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I, as the electricity account holder for MPRN XXX XXX XXX XX, hereby grant authority to Consultant Name of Consultant/Installer Company Name to act on my behalf in all matters relating to the application for connection of Mini-Generation at Site Address Line 1, Address Line 2, County, Eircode.

This includes authority to complete, sign and submit the NC7 application form, remit payment of all/any associated invoices and act as the point of contact for any queries in relation to the application.

Signed:

XXX

Name: Customer Name

Email: Customer email address