Small scale generation

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

Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Small Scale Generation | Download PDF | 582 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 Small Scale Generation connections, the Installed Generation Capacity is not permitted to be greater than the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC), and consequently the MEC cannot be greater than the 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.

**Additional option not included in the NC5 Form but required for Synchronous Connected Small Scale Generation. If you wish for ESB Networks to assess the connection for the MEC level proposed, but where no reinforcements apply please advise by email to dsosmallscalegeneration@esb.ie, otherwise the MEC level proposed will be assessed and a quotation issued for the costs of any reinforcements proposed. 

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 appropriate Application Form at the link below or call 1800 372 757 to request a copy:

NC8 application form for inverter connected Small Scale Generation

NC8 Application Form | Download PDF | 97 KB

NC5 application form for synchronous  connected Small Scale Generation

NC5 Application Form | Download PDF | 530 KB

• Block Diagram (or Single Line Diagram, if available); A Block Diagram (or Single Line Diagram) is required to accompany each NC8/NC5 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/Mini-Generation) including each inverter, the generation behind the inverter and also any inverter-connected storage devices;
  
• Manufacturer’s Type Test Certificates; The Manufacturers documentation gives details of the rating of the equipment and details of the Harmonics produced in Amps up to 50th Harmonic, and any details of distributing load characteristics and short circuit characteristics. i.e. it provides the minimum information required to configure a safe and optimal system, see page 8 of the Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Small Scale 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 Small Scale Generation. Sample wording is available at the bottom of the Step-by-step guide on this webpage. Please email  dsosmallscalegeneration@esb.ie if you would like a Microsoft Word template.

It is also possible to post your documents to:

ESB Networks DAC, Small Scale 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. The current, non-refundable application fee is €1,223.85 (including VAT@23%). A corresponding VAT invoice for the application fee will issue within 10 business days.

Please refer here for details on how to pay the invoice. Please notify dsosmallscalegeneration@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 re-apply. 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 Small Scale Generation installation using the details provided in the NC8/NC5 Application Form.

Note: 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.

For Small Scale Generation connections, the Installed Generation Capacity is not permitted to be greater than the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC), and consequently the MEC cannot be greater than the MIC.

Should you wish to accept the connection offer in respect of Small Scale 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, Small Scale Generation, New Connections, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Co. Cork, T12 E367

Do not install Small Scale Generation 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.

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

Please note that the corresponding MEC will only be updated and advised to your electricity supplier once EGIP Witness Testing has been successfully completed. Please contact ESB Networks at egipwitnesstesting@esb.ie, prior to energisation, to arrange EGIP Witness Testing.

After completion of witness testing, to register or amend your export arrangements, please visit the RMDS website and refer to Distribution Connected Non Participant Generator Export Arrangements Working Practice Download PDF | 137KB and complete the relevant forms. 

In general these generators are designed to switch off when the electricity network supply is disconnected.

This is a safety feature of the protection systems installed within these devices. This feature protects the generator itself and also ensures the generator does not create a potential hazard by making the external electricity network live in a fault situation.

It is however possible for certain generators to be installed in such a way that they can be operated when the electricity supply is disconnected. In order to do this the premises must be physically isolated from any connection to the external electricity network. This is a safety requirement under the NSAI Wiring Regulations and requires a changeover switch and other alterations to internal wiring within the premises in order to permit safe operation of such generation. More information on these generators, including what would be required to enable this in your own premises, can be obtained by contacting a registered Safe Electric electrician, a suitable generator installation company or by contacting a generator equipment manufacturer directly.

The cost of your bill may fall because you may not be drawing as much power from the electricity network as previously. However, there is no change to your standing charge which remains the same.

There is an application fee of €1,223.85 (including VAT@23%) to apply for a Small Scale Generator connection. This fee covers a technical assessment of the Small Scale Generator on the electricity network. The technical assessment may determine that there are ESB Networks connection works required to connect the generator, the charge of which is to the customer. Any works required will be covered in the connection offer and a down payment request will issue with the connection offer. Payment of the down payment request is required in order to accept the connection offer and proceed with the connection of the generator.