• Overview
• Gate 3 - Renewable Generation Group Processing
• Connect a Parallel Generator
• Connect a Renewable / Embedded Generator
• Connect a Micro-Generator
• Connect a standby generator

Gate 3 - Renewable Generation Group Processing

Group processing of connection offers for renewable generation takes a strategic approach to connection offer processing and proposed by EirGrid -as the Transmission System Operator - and ESB Networks - as the Distribution System Operator - in 2004 and approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Gate 3 is the third renewable group processing directive proposed by the CER. The CER published the final direction on the 'Criteria for Gate 3 Renewable Generator offers & Related Matters' published on the 16th December 2008
Criteria For Gate 3 Renewable Generator Offers & Related Matters - Ref: CER/08/260.

The primary purpose of the information set out on this web-site is to keep parties informed of progress on the Gate 3 offer project, and to provide any other information which is deemed to be useful and pertinent. In addition ESB Networks welcome any queries and comments and will endeavour to address any requests for further information as soon as practical.

Customer Connection Method Sub Group Meetings - Transmission and Distribution (May 2009-June 2010)

The customer connection method sub-group meetings are the primary connection method discussion vehicle for customers. Where there are shared connection assets and charges between certain distribution and transmission customers it is most appropriate and efficient to present connection methods at a single connection meeting attended by both transmission and distribution customers with representatives from both SOs. It is also the fairest way to ensure that, where practical, information is provided at the same time to all interested parties.

The link below is to the revised schedule for these meetings - provided on a per area basis. Please note that the SO's will endeavour to give a minimum of 4 weeks notice to participants of their meeting date. Unfortunately due to the large number of meetings being held it will not be possible to re-schedule meetings. As timelines for the later areas being processed become clearer DSO intend to update the schedule reducing the bands within which meetings are to be held.
Customer Connection Method Sub Group Meetings Schedule (PDF | 7KB)

Modification Requests

The document below sets out a revised process for progressing modification requests to connection agreements, and an associated fee structure. These changes have been made with a view to streamlining the process in anticipation of a large number of modifications which may be requested by Gate 3 applicants (and in some cases pre-Gate 3 and non-Gate). This issue has been presented to the industry via the Gate 3 Liaison Group. As a result of the industry feedback the SO's have agreed to engage with the industry, which may result in a change in the fee structure However in order to avoid any delays in processing modifications it was agreed at the Liaison Group that any modifications requested would be progressed based on the current structure, with the ultimate fee being amended up or down should the levels and associated fees change.

Joint DSO TSO Fees & Process for Connection Offer Modification.pdf (PDF | 102KB)

Submissions of proposals for alternative connection methods to be studied

Communications have issued to all Gate 3 parties who are awaiting a connection offer, as opposed to those in Gate 3 with a connection offer but are awaiting firm access to the Transmission system. The attached correspondence sets out the deadlines within which connection method suggestions have to be submitted to the System Operators (SO's) to ensure that they can be included in connection method studies. In addition it sets out the circumstances under which a connection method, which is not the Least Cost Technically Acceptable (LCTA), can be offered to a group.

Correspondence from ESB Networks with regard to connection methods (PDF | 154KB)

Node Assignments

The System Operators have undertaken to update the node assignments list from time to time to confirm any changes to the Gate 3 tables originally published on the 19th January 2009. Changes are marked in yellow in the document below and a footnote is included explaining the high level reason for the change. For any queries in relation to distribution applicants in this document please contact ESB Networks at dsogenerators@esb.ie. For any queries in relation to transmission applicants in this document please contact EirGrid customer relations at info@eirgrid.com or 01 7026642.

Please note that the connection nodes listed are at voltages of 110/220/400kV. For Distribution connected applications, connection may be at 38kV or lower voltages, the actual connection method being determined from detailed studies. However, whatever connection method is chosen for given applications, they will ultimately roll up electrically (under normal feeding arrangements) to the listed nodes.

Node Assignments list - Updated 20/05/2011 (PDF | 343KB)

Area / Region Map

The country (ROI) is divided into 12 Areas for the purposes of Transmission and Distribution Studies. The System Operators will process the "Areas" for offer issuance in the order as set out in the project plan. The "Area" an application is included in is specified in the Updated Node Assignment List above.

A graphical representation of these areas can by found on the EirGrid website. (PDF | 250KB)

EirGrid and ESB Networks Gate 3 Project Plan

Please find below a link to the high level summary of the System Operators Gate 3 project plan. This plan is updated on a monthly basis. This revision reflects the impact of the introduction of Distribution contestability on the Plan, and records when PGOR (Possible Generator Output reports) will be available for issue. It also provides the expected date when Final Constraint Reports will be available

Gate 3 project plan (PDF | 170KB)

Liaison Group

A Liaison Group has been set up by CER involving CER, both System Operators and industry representatives. The aim of this group is to discuss and communicate with stakeholders the progress of the Gate 3 offer programme. In addition CER have included a Gate 3 Liaison Group page on their web-site to report on issues arising at the Liaison Group. This can be found at www.cer.ie/en/electricity-transmission-network-overview.aspx.

Contact Information

If you have any questions in regard to the Gate 3 project please contact the relevant System Operator (SO). If your query is related to a specific project please include the project reference number DGXX. in any correspondence.

For ESB Networks DSO applications please contact ESB Networks Customer Relations at:

Tel:+ 353 1 7026950
Fax: + 353 1 6388026
Email: dsogenerators@esb.ie
Address:
DSO Generators,
ESB Asset Management,
Osprey House,
Lower Grand Canal Street,
Dublin 2

For general EirGrid, TSO Applicants queries please contact the EirGrid Customer Relations Team (quoting your project reference number TGXX or PXX) at:

Tel: +353 1 702 6642
Fax: +353 1 661 5375
Email: info@eirgrid.com
Address:
EirGrid,
Block 2 The Oval,
160 Shelbourne Road,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4