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What is a parallel (non-exporting) generator?  

Please note the process for applying for Non-Exporting (MEC=0) Generation will change from 1st January 2025. The new application process is outlined below and recognises that non-exporting connections are considered as normal generator connections but with an export level of zero (0).

Non-exporting (MEC=0) generators operate in parallel with the electricity distribution system. These generators cannot be used to export electricity onto the electricity network or to supply or sell electricity via the distribution network.  

Customers applying to install non-exporting generation must complete an application form for commercial and technical assessment. For further details on the relevant application forms please refer to the Step-by-Step guide at the bottom of this page.  

The details of this assessment, and any potential uprate works required, will be set out in the customer's connection offer. It is important that customers who are installing embedded generation, non-exporting capacity, read the following documents:

 

For all non-exporting generators up to 200kVA, to standardize the method by which customers ensure they do not export onto the distribution network, an Export Limiting Scheme (ELS) must be installed. Where the ELS does not meet the given criteria a reverse power relay will also be required. For further detail please read Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Export Limiting Schemes at LV and MV (Download PDF | 1,435 KB). 

For non-exporting generators above 200kVA, to standardize the method by which customers ensure that they do not export electricity onto the distribution system, a reverse power relay is required to trip either the embedded generation or the customer's facility, details of which will be set out in the connection offer. Please note that witness testing of the relay by ESB Networks will not normally require a ‘switch out’ to confirm relay operation. 

 
Man smiling on a phone in front of a laptop

SCADA equipment requirement

A relatively recent  modification [#36] to the Distribution Code, stipulates that customers installing non-synchronous, embedded generation with a total capacity of  >1MW, are required to be controllable by EirGrid. This necessitates the installation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment, which includes Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), Distribution System Operator (DSO) SCADA, Polling Radio and Batteries. Note that this applies even where there is no export of power from the site.

Standby Generators

A standby generator is used for emergency power generation in the event of the loss of mains electricity supply. It does not operate in parallel with mains supply. For more information on this, please see  Standby Generators.

 

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 - Familiarise yourself with the process

To connect a Non-Exporting (MEC=0) Generator to the electricity network, please ensure that you have read and understood the following documents:

Step 2 - Acquire all Supplemental Documentation

The following documentation must be submitted with all applications:

  • An electrical Single Line Diagram (SLD) which shows the generator, CTs and VTs (where applicable), both the primary and secondary circuit breaker locations and the G10/EGIP protection relay location.  Hand-drawn SLDs will not be accepted.
  • Generator Specifications and Data Sheets for the installed generator including Compliance Certificates. For generators up to 50kVA a Type Test Report as per I.S. EN 50549-1 must be included, for generators above 50kVA a Type Test Report in accordance with standard EN61000-3-12 must be included.
  • Letter of Authority, on applicant company letterhead for applications made by third parties. The Letter of Authority must be signed by the owner of the MPRN or a company representative  to authorise that a third party may act on their behalf in all matters relating to the application for connection of a Non-Exporting (MEC=0) Generator. Sample wording is available at the bottom of the Step-by-Step guide on this webpage.
Step 3 - Complete an Application Form

 

Complete the relevant application form and submit the application form together with all supplemental documentation (outlined in Step 1) as detailed below.

Note:  A letter of Authority, on applicant company letterhead, may be requested by ESB Networks for applications made by third parties. The Letter of Authority must be signed by the owner of the MPRN to authorise that a third-party may act on their behalf in all matters relating to the application for connection of a Non-Exporting (MEC=0) Generator.  Sample wording is available at the bottom of the Step-by-step guide on this webpage.

 

Step 4 - Application Fee

The application is reviewed commercially and once it is deemed commercially complete, you will receive an email advising you of the invoice number and the payment options available. A corresponding VAT invoice for the non-refundable application fee will issue within 10 business days. Details of the application fees are as follows:

 

  • Installed capacity up to and including 50KVA will incur a fee of €977.85 (inclusive of VAT at 23%), where the generator is inverter connected. 
  • Installed capacity from 51KVa to 200kVA will incur a fee of €1,223.85 (inclusive of VAT at 23%), where the generator is inverter connected. This fee is also applicable for synchronous generator from 6kVA to 200KVA.
  • Installed capacity above 200kVA will incur a fee based on the size of the Generator. Please refer to the Application Fees section in the Step-by-Step guide for Enduring Connection Policy on our website. 

 

Please refer  here for details on how to pay the invoice. If payment is not received within the 30 day payment term, you 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. 

Step 5 - Sign and return the Connection Agreement

Once an application has been deemed complete by ESB Networks, a Connection Agreement will issue that will reflect the embedded generation capacity and the mandatory requirements with which you must comply. This Connection Agreement must be signed and returned to ESB Networks. 

Do not install your parallel generator unless you have signed and returned the associated Connection Agreement, and do not operate the equipment until the Protection has been witness tested by ESB Networks. No works shall progress until the conditions in the Connection Agreement have been met and any ESB Networks construction work has been completed. Please contact ESB Networks at egipwitnesstesting@esb.ie, prior to energisation, to arrange EGIP Witness Testing. 

Step 6 - After Installation of the Zero Export Parallel Generator

For Generators up to 50kVA:

After installation of the 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 later than twelve (12) months from the issue date of the Connection Offer documentation. Please note that the generator should not be made operational until receipt of this Confirmation Certificate has been acknowledged by ESB Networks via return email. 

Further more, an Export Limiting Scheme (ELS) is mandatory and the customer is required to provide a completed Test Form for the ELS, available for download here.

For Generators above 50kVA:Once ESB Networks have confirmed that the signed connection documents have been accepted, please contact egipwitnesstesting@esb.ie to arrange an appointment for an ESB Networks staff member to test the interface protection settings.   

Furthermore, for generators up to 200kVA an Export Limiting Scheme (ELS) is mandatory and the customer is required to provide a completed Test Form for the ELS, available for download here.

Details are contained in the Conditions Governing Connection to the Distribution System

Letter of Authority – Sample Wording

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/Installer/Company Name to act on my behalf in all matters relating to the application for connection of a Non-Exporting (MEC=0) Generator at Site Address Line 1,  Site Address Line 2, County, Eircode.

This includes authority to complete, sign and submit the NC5 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

Title

Name: Customer Name

Email: Customer email address

Connect a generator to export energy

If you wish to connect a generator that is intended to export energy onto the electricity network, please go to  Generator connection.

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