Enduring Connection Policy (ECP)

The ECP process for grid connection applications is the current pathway for generators, storage, and other system services technology projects to connect to the electricity system. On 25th September 2024, the Commission of Regulation for Utilities (CRU) published its decision on Electricity Connection Policy – Generation and System Services (ECP-GSS) which sets policy for onshore renewable and conventional generators, storage, and other system services technology projects connecting to the electricity system. The System Operators are working with CRU on the actions outlined in this decision paper. For further information, please refer to the Electricity Connection Policy – Generation and System Services Decision Paper (CRU/2024101). 

The ECP-2.5 application window for all Category A (batch) applicants closed on 30th November 2024. Successful applicants will be 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. Categories B (non-batch) and C (community-led) applicants may apply at any time. For further detail please refer to the ECP-2 Decision Paper (CRU/20/060), ECP-2 Ruleset and ECP-2.4 decision (CRU202326).  

Under ECP-2.5, grid connection applications are categorised as follows:

Category

Definition

Offer Target

Prioritisation

AGeneration, storage, and other system services technology projects (MEC>0.5MW)70First 25 on largest renewable energy generators; remainder on earliest planning permission grant date; no more than 10 storage (where 100% of the MEC is storage) and other system service technology projects
BSmall projects (MEC>0.2MW and ≤0.5MW), DS3 system services trial projects (MEC≤0.5MW) and Autoproducers15Earliest application received complete date
C100% community-owned renewable energy projects (MEC≥0.5MW and ≤5MW)15Planning permission grant date and then by application form received complete date

Please refer to the Application Guide below when submitting your ECP-2.5 application. 

Application Guide

Note: 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 at the link below:

European Network Codes

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