Enduring Connection Policy (ECP)
What is the 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 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 Category A initial Batch Results here and the initial ECP-2.5 Category B and C Batches here.
For further information, please refer to the ECP-2 Decision Paper (CRU/20/060), ECP-2 Ruleset and ECP-2.4 decision (CRU202326).
ECP-2.5 application categorisation
Under ECP-2.5, grid connection applications are categorised as follows:
| Category | Definition | Offer Target | Prioritisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Generation, storage, and other system services technology projects (MEC>0.5MW) | 70 | First 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 |
| B | Small projects (MEC>0.2MW and ≤0.5MW), DS3 system services trial projects (MEC≤0.5MW) and Autoproducers | 15 | Earliest application received complete date |
| C | 100% community-owned renewable energy projects (MEC≥0.5MW and ≤5MW) | 15 | Planning 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 information and tools
Useful information and digital tools to guide you through the ECP-2 process.
Application guide
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 | €40,094 | €41,837 |
> 10 MW ≤ 20MW | €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