Connect a Renewable / Embedded Generator

This page explains how to connect a renewable generator(s) that is intended for exporting energy onto the electricity network. Such generators may be used to supply or sell electricity via the national grid. For any further queries not covered on our website, please contact DSOGenerators@esb.ie.

This information is aimed at developers who wish to construct a facility such as:

  • A wind farm
  • A landfill gas site
  • A combined heat & power (CHP) facility

Note: If you wish to connect a small (single) generator, please visit the following page:

Follow this guide to connect a renewable generator

Read further information below about the commercial and technical issues of connecting a renewable generator to the electricity network.

Step 1:
Get an Ordnance Survey Map and Site Plan

Obtain an Ordnance Survey map (scale 1:2500-1:10560) that shows the location of your new generator. Mark the location of your new generator with a red pen.

Obtain a detailed site plan (scale 1:100-1:500) showing your new generator.
Step 2:
Get an Application Form

Complete the ESB Networks Application Form number NC5.

The NC5 form should always be submitted in situations where an applicant considers that they may be eligible for processing outside the Group Processing Approach (GPA). For information on the eligibility criteria please refer to CER direction CER/09/099. In these situations the generator may apply to the System Operator to be processed outside the GPA and not be subject to the full rigors of the group processing rules.

Where an applicant is not eligible for processing outside the GPA, then such an applicant may submit a shortened version of the application form - NC5A. In the event that an NC5A form is submitted, then once the application is included within a gate for processing, a connection offer will be issued based on assumed data. (The possible consequences of basing an offer on assumed data are as set out in Appendix 7, clause 2 of the CER direction on Gate 3 CER/08/260.) A full NC5 form must be submitted a minimum of 1 year prior to energisation. Failure to do so is likely to lead to a delay in energisation.

Download the Application Form NC5 (PDF | 984KB)
or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a copy

This application form should be completed if your project is eligible for processing outside of the GPA in line with CER direction CER\09\099. For more details please see www.cer.ie

Download the Application Form NC5A (PDF | 874KB)
or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a copy.

  • This form should be used for generator applications with a proposed Maximum Export Capacity above 6kW single phase or above11kW three phase. Please note that if you are a domestic customer and your MEC is equal to or less than 6kW single phase / 11kW three phase then you may qualify for ESB micro-generation support initiative payments, see link to Micro-generation.
  • This application form should be completed if your project is being processed within the group processing approach GPA, and you wish the system operators to use assumed project data rather than specific project data provided by yourself. Please reference Appendix 7 of CER final direction on Gate 3 CER/08/260 for details of this option.
Step 3:
Return the Application Form

Send the completed Application Form NC5 or NC5A together with the full application fee or non-refundable deposit of €7,000 (incl VAT@21%) , whichever is the lessor and all necessary documentation to the following address:

ESB Network Services Bureau,
PO Box 29,
Garrycastle,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath,
Ireland

There is no application fee or deposit required if the Maximum Export Capacity(MEC) is equal to or less than 6kW single phase or 11kW three phase

Payment of the application fee or €7,000 (incl VAT@21%), whichever is the lessor should be made by cheque, payable to "ESB Networks Ltd".

The non-refundable deposit of €7,000 (incl VAT @21%) is part of the application fee. Your application will not be deemed complete, and will not be processed until this deposit has been received.

Download the application fees document to find out what's the total application fee for your project (PDF | 69KB)

In the event that the standard application fee is less than €7,000 (incl VAT @21%) then the full application fee (incl VAT@21%) should be submitted with the completed NC5 or NC5A generator application forms.

The balance of the application fee will be levied in the year when the generator application is processed for a connection to the Electricity Distribution System, or as directed by CER. Where your project is to be processed outside the GPA, the full application fee is payable prior to processing.
Step 4:
Receive an acknowledgement and reference number

Based on the information on your application form, ESB Networks Ltd will confirm receipt of your application and issue a reference number within 10 working days together with the VAT invoice for the non-refundable deposit, or full application fee payment - also non-refundable, whichever is appropriate (see above). Please use this reference number each time you contact ESB Networks Ltd subsequently re this particular application.

An application fee is required to process your application.
Download the application fees document to find out how it is calculated (PDF | 69KB)

Under the current process, the balance of your fee will be requested retrospectively upon the inclusion of your application in a Gate (see below) under the existing Group Processing Approach (GPA) approved by CER. Alternatively, the fee may be charged when your application is approved by CER and ESB Networks to be processed outside of the GPA.
Step 5:
Processing Your Application

The majority of renewable generator applications are processed under a Group Processing Approach (GPA) which is known as a "Gate" system. However, your application may be eligible to be processed outside of the GPA in line with CER direction CER\09\099. The current Gate is called "Gate 3". This Gate is based a "date order queue" system approved by the CER.

The applicants for this Gate have been already selected. The full list of those included is provided on ESB Networks under Gate 3 node assignments (PDF | 178KB). Your application has joined the generator applications queue. Once all connection offers in Gate 3 have issued the selection process for the next Gate will be initiated. ESB Networks Ltd will contact you if you are selected for the next Gate.
Step 6:
Processing Your Application

The steps of the Group Processing Approach

Under the Group Processing Approach, ESB Networks processes a pre-defined number of applications at the same time. This entails the following steps:
  1. Completed applications are processed in one batch.
  2. Based on the level of interaction and geographic location, applications within the Gate are divided by EirGrid and ESB Networks into Groups for processing. Each Group may also contain several subgroups of applications.
  3. ESB Networks and EirGrid study all the Groups from a load-flow and short-circuit perspective. Based on these studies, the shallow (i.e. direct) connection method and associated deep reinforcements (both transmission and distribution) for each application within the Group or Subgroup are identified.

    (The most appropriate shallow connection method is chosen irrespective of whether the original application form was submitted to ESB Networks Ltd or EirGrid. This may result in ESB Networks Ltd applications becoming EirGrid connection offers and vice-versa.)
Note re Applications: Wind applications for Maximum Export Capacities > 0.5 MW and other applications not eligible for processing outside of the GPA. For more details see CER/09/099

For wind generator applications with a Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) greater than 0.5 Megawatts or other applications that have not been approved to be processed outside of the group process

(Note: Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is the total capacity you are permitted to export onto the national grid.)

Your application will be processed in accordance with the 'Group Processing Approach for Renewable Generator Applications' from the CER/05/049

Download this document from the CER website

One year prior to energisation of your project you will be required to submit the NC5 form (PDF | 873KB) (unless this form has been already completed and the details provided remain unchanged). Any delay in submitting an NC5 form at this stage will delay the energisation of your project.

A connection offer will issue to you in due course. This offer will set out the technical and commercial terms including connection charges.
Wind Maximum Export Capacities =< 0.5MW and other applications eligible for processing outside of the GPA. For more details see CER/09/099

For wind generator applications with the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) is less than or equal to 0.5 Megawatts or projects that are eligible for processing outside of the GPA.

ESB Networks Ltd will aim to issue connection offers within 90 business days following CER approval (if required) and receipt of the relevant application fee whichever date is later. The connection charge will be detailed in this offer, which will be valid for three months. Please follow this link for further details on processing applications outside of GPA. (PDF | 448KB)

Note: Licenses for the generation or supply of electricity ESB Networks does not issue licences. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is responsible for the issuing of authorisations to construct in relation to the construction/re-construction of generating stations, as well as licences for the generation and supply of electricity. For further information please visit the CER website.

Where a person is proposing to
  • construct/ re-construct a generating station with an installed capacity not exceeding 1MW;
  • generate electricity from of generating station with an installed capacity not exceeding 1MW,
such a person is not required to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in order to receive an Authorisation to Construct/Licence to Generate. This person is deemed to be authorised by Order under Article 5 (1)(b) of S.I. No. 383 of 2008/ licensed by Order under Article 5 (1)(b) of S.I. No. 384 of 2008. Such generators are subject to specific terms and conditions as set out in the relevant Orders. For further information please visit the CER website.

Commercial issues relating to connecting a renewable generator

What connection charges apply?

Connection charges depend on the connection method that is chosen. The following document contains the CER approved standard pricing approach for connecting renewable generators to the distribution network.
Download the 'Standard Pricing Approach for Connecting Generators to the Distribution Network' (PDF | 140KB)

This Pricing Principles Guidelines paper (PDF | 152KB) has been prepared by the system operators and approved by the Commission and explains the charging regime that applies to generators connecting to the network under the Group Processing Approach.

This clarifies the connection method and pricing principles, covering issues such as requests for alternative connection methods and the impact on generators' connection charges of the non-acceptance of offers by one or more generators in their group.

What electricity tariff will apply?

Your Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges will be determined in accordance with Rules for application of DUoS tariffs approved by CER (04/300).
Download the 'Rules for application of DUoS tariffs' (PDF | 413KB)

What Distribution Use of System (DuoS) charges will apply?

These charges, approved by Commission for Electricity Regulation (CER), are applicable to electricity suppliers from 1st October 2010.
Download the 'Statement of Charges 2010' (PDF | 446KB)

What are operation and maintenance charges?

An Operation and Maintenance Charge (O&MC) is applied to generators and incorporates maintenance, rates, operations and indirect overheads attributable to maintaining the Facility.

Will Autoproducer status be automatically assigned to an export connection?

No. You must inform ESB Networks on the generator application form that you wish to be treated as an Autoproducer.

ESB Networks will assign the Autoproducer status to the export connections where "a natural or legal person consumes and generates electricity in a Single Premises, where such generation is essentially for its own use in that Single Premises" and "the Maximum Export Capacity is less than twice the Maximum Import Capacity".
Visit the website of the CER for complete details see CER Direction CER/02/037

When can I expect to receive an offer?

If you are a Gate 3 customer DSO will issue a connection offer following receipt of the full application fee in line with the agreed timelines for Gate 3. Please see our website for the Gate 3 work plan. (PDF | 38KB)

What are the components of a standard connection offer for a generator?

On completion of necessary technical studies DSO (ESB Networks Ltd) will issue a connection offer in line with the agreed timelines.

A DSO Connection Offer which is issued to both GPA and Non GPA generators consists of a Standard Connection Agreement (PDF | 126KB) and Quotation Letter (PDF | 120KB). This offer is standard with a number of site specific details and assumptions set out or referred to in the Quotation Letter.

The offer will be made in the name as specified by the applicant in the relevant Generator Application Form either NC5 (PDF | 984KB) or NC5A (PDF | 873KB) (see Question 1: Applicant Details) and in the case of an applicant in the name of a company, issued by registered post to the company's registered office address (please see Question 2: Address of an Applicant). Therefore, it is important to notify DSO of any changes in those details if they take place after the date the generator application form was deemed as accepted by DSO, i.e. the applicant must submit a new application form before a Connection Offer is issued.

Please note if the request/confirmation of change of a company phone/address is received by email then the email will be deemed as a sufficient medium only if it includes the company details on the face of the email (similar to ESB, i.e. joebloggs@esb.ie). If there is nothing to identify the company on the face of the email or by the email address then DSO will seek confirmation on the existing company's official letterhead.

Please note that all correspondence will be made to the Company's Registered address as specified on the application form NC5 or NC5A. The applicant can expect to receive the following type of documentation by registered post.

However, please note the items outlined above are for information purposes only.

What payments do I need to make at offer acceptance and when are the next stage payments due?

Generators pay connection charges in four instalments. The payment schedule is as follows:

First Stage Payment: In accordance with CER/09/138 an initial non-refundable payment on acceptance of the Connection Agreement being the greater of (a) or (b) below:

  • (a) 10% of the Capital Contribution (including any estimated pass through costs at date of offer issue), or
  • (b) the lesser of €10,000 per MW of MEC or 50% of Capital Contribution (including any estimated pass through costs at date of offer issue).

Second Stage Payment: A second payment such that together with the first stage payment the combined payments total 65% of the required Capital Contribution including any known estimated Pass Through Costs. This payment is due within thirty business days of request for payment and must be made before construction of the Company's Connection Works begins.

Third Stage Payment: A third payment such that 90% of the required Capital Contribution (including any identified Pass Through Costs) has been recorded post the third stage payment. This payment is due within thirty business days of request for payment and one calendar month before the Connection Agreement Effective Date

Final Stage Payment the balance of the Total Capital Contribution (including any outstanding Pass Through Costs, any refunds due to other developers, the Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Customer or the Grid Upgrade Development Programme (GUDP) fund) when applying for data validation and before export data is sent by the Company to Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) for payment.

Do I need to provide a Capacity Bond?

As specified in the quotation letter, a Customer / Generator with an MEC greater than 5 MW and who has not put a bond in place, must provide a capacity bond at the Third Stage Payment, before Commissioning and Energisation or two [2] years from the start of the construction of the Shallow Connection Works whichever is the earlier provided always that the Customer who does not post the necessary bond will not be Energised. Please see our General Conditions (PDF | 334KB) Schedule 2A for a sample of the Capacity Bond.

If the Customer is unable to obtain a Capacity Bond then following a formal request from the Customer, DSO will consider on a case by case basis whether a Letter of Credit/ Bank Draft for the same amount could be provided instead.

If I was issued with an offer before the CER decision paper CER/09/138 has been enacted can I also avail of the new bonding arrangements?

Yes, as defined in the CER decision paper, customers who have already received offers or with connection agreements in place are allowed to request to move from the bonding requirements in the existing offers to revised bonding requirements as set out in CER/09/138. This specific option will be advised to customers following receipt of their formal request.

Please note the Customer is required to submit a formal request to ESB Networks Ltd. on the company's official letterhead signed by a Director/Secretary.

Will my offer be adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

The Connection Offer is issued in current monies. This means that the CER approved Standard Charges are applied as per the year when the offer is issued. The connection charge is then adjusted by CPI as outlined in the Quotation Letter (PDF | 120KB) from the date of offer issue. Please note if there are any Modifications issued to the Customer, the modified offer will issue using approved charges from the year of the original offer, consequently CPI will still be applied on the basis of the original Connection Offer issue date.

What is a Connection Offer Validity Period?

Non GPA

The Connection offers that are issued to Non GPA Customers are valid for three months. If not accepted within a three month period the offer will lapse and the relevant NC5 or NC5A application will be removed from the generator applications queue, in addition any paper applications will be destroyed.

GPA

The validity period for connection offers that are issued to GPA Customers is set out in the relevant CER directions. For Gate 2&3 the offer acceptance period was/is 50 business days. If not accepted within this period of time the offers will lapse and the relevant NC5 or NC5A will be removed from the queue, in addition any paper applications will be destroyed.

What will I need to provide at Connection Offer Acceptance?

Generally, at offer acceptance the Customer will be required to provide

  • The correctly executed Connection Agreement
  • The First Stage Payment
  • The correctly executed Declaration of Independence (applicable to wind generators only)
  • Generators with an MEC of greater than 5MW will need to provide evidence of current TUoS Agreement with the TSO. This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions upon which the TSO and the generator have agreed in relation to the use by the Generator of the Transmission System. For more information on the TUoS agreement please contact EirGrid directly on 353 1 702 6642 or by email info@eirgrid.com.

For the actual items to be returned with the correctly executed connection offer documentation please see your connection offer as these may vary.

Once the necessary conditions for acceptance set out in the Quotation Letter have been fulfilled by the Customer, DSO will issue a letter of acknowledgment to the Customer to confirm that there is a Connection Agreement in place.

I have received a letter from ESB Networks Ltd confirming offer acceptance but what will happen next?

Following offer acceptance a project design will commence. In the case of GPA applications the design will not start until all offers in a group or a subgroup have been accepted. Once all offers in the cluster are accepted DSO approves the project for construction. At this stage the project details are provided to ESB Networks Projects who in turn will contact the Customer to initiate the design process which covers elements such as achieving any planning permissions and clearing of wayleaves.

Throughout the design phase regular communications will be held with the Customer to progress and finalise the connection.

What is the procedure for dealing with Changes to the Company Details before a Connection Offer is accepted?

A connection offer is issued in the name of the applicant ("Customer") (see Question 1: Applicant Details) as per the most recently submitted Generator Application Form NC5 (PDF | 984KB) or NC5A (PDF | 873KB).

If the Customer requires to change the company name after an offer has been issued but not yet deemed as accepted by DSO then the Customer should submit the Letter for Change in Customer details (PDF | 17.56KB) prior to offer acceptance at least 15 business days before the offer expiry date on the official letterhead of the existing company. On receipt of this letter DSO will endeavour to reissue the connection offer but in the new company name within 10 working days. Please note the Connection Offer validity period will remain unchanged except in the event that the offer is not re-issued within 10 working days in which case DSO will extend the validity period of the offer accordingly.

A Connection Offer Change of Company Name Fee of €200 plus VAT@21% will apply. This fee is a separate to the Connection Charges specified in the Quotation Letter.

Please note any changes to any of the details of the original NC5 or NC5A application forms will require a new application form together with a CD to be submitted by the Customer to ESB Networks Ltd, DSO Generators, Osprey House, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2.

What is the process for dealing with Connection Offer Modifications?

Where there is a valid Connection Agreement in place, the Customer is entitled to request a Connection Offer Modification (for more details please see Clause 8.0 of the Standard Connection Agreement) (PDF | 126KB).

Examples of where a Connection Offer Modification is required include

  • The Customer requests to alter the current connection method and/or the MEC (Maximum Export Capacity) This could, for example, result in:
    • Amalgamation of the existing connection offer with other contracted parties so that a revised offer for the combined capacity will be issued
    • Movement of the contracted capacity from one party to another
    • Reduction in MEC
    • Overhead line element being replaced by a cable
  • The Customer requests a change of turbines
  • Any changes to the Site Specific Details as outlined in Schedule of the Standard Connection Agreement (PDF | 126KB)
  • Any changes that impact on Connection Agreement documentation, e.g. Change of Name, Change of Ownership

The customer must submit a modification request on the Company's official letterhead and be signed by a Director/Secretary and sent by registered post.

If the modification request is deemed acceptable, DSO will notify the Customer and will endeavour to issue an amended and restated connection agreement within 90 business days from the date the modification request has been deemed technically acceptable using the connection offer template as approved by CER in December 2009.

Any subsequent customer requests will require a formal letter from the Customer to be submitted to ESB Networks Ltd, c/o Manager Commercial & Customer, Osprey House, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2.

The Customer will have three months to accept the modified offer. If the modified offer is not accepted, the original connection offer remains in effect and the Customer will still be liable for payment of the Connection Offer Modification fee. In addition, if the modification request is not technically acceptable then a new offer cannot issue. The customer is still liable for payment of the modification fee.

What is a Connection Offer Modification Fee?

The policy in relation to modification fees is as set out in the CER approved Decision Paper on DSO proposals on LCTA, Rebates and Fees (PDF | 84KB) and DSO Proposals and is applied to generator connections only.

As outlined, in DSO Proposals

"For modifications of a relatively minor nature, where the method of connection is not essentially changing, the cost of processing as calculated from timesheets etc. would apply. An example of such a modification would be where a party requests a section of their connection be to undergrounded" or change in turbines, etc. Please note where a new dynamic study is required due to late changes in the turbines an EirGrid fee for processing such a study will be incorporated in the Connection Offer Modification Fee.

"For modifications where a new connection method is essentially requested, the standard application fee would apply as effectively processing such a modification would entail the equivalent work to processing a new connection offer". For the level of the fees please see Application Fees Schedule. (PDF | 69KB)

Please note that the maximum fee chargeable for a modification will be as per the relevant application fee.

Please note a VAT rate of 21% will apply. This fee is a separate fee to the Connection Charges specified in the Quotation Letter.

What is the process for dealing with Changes to the Company Details post Offer Acceptance?

Request to Change the Contact Person Details and/or the Company's Registered Address.

In order for DSO to amend the Contact Person Details and/or the Company's Registered address when a Connection Agreement in place, the Customer is required to provide either

  • (a) written confirmation on official letterhead of the Existing Company and signed by a director/secretary of [Existing Company Name] or
  • (b) an extract of the Minutes of the Meeting or Resolution of the Company - signed by a director/secretary of [Existing Company Name]

The correspondence should be sent to ESB Networks Ltd, c/o Manager Commercial & Customer, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2. Once the Customer details have been amended, DSO will issue a Letter of Acknowledgement.

Can a Connection Agreement be assigned/novated to a new legal entity?

The General Conditions for Connection of Industrial and Commercial Customers and Generators to the Distribution System set out the circumstances under which an Assignment of the Connection Agreement may be permitted.

In the case of requests for Assignment, the Customer should submit the Letter of Re-Assignment/Novation (PDF | 17KB) requesting to Reassign/Novate the existing Connection Agreement to a New Legal Entity.

If DSO determines that the request can proceed, DSO will endeavour to issue the connection offer documentation to the New Legal Entity within 20 business days. The new legal entity will have three (3) months to accept it.

Please note a Connection Offer Re-Assignment/Novation Fee of €1,000 excl VAT@21% will apply.

Please note any changes to any of the details of the original NC5 or NC5A application forms will require a new application form together with a CD to be submitted by the Customer to ESB Networks Ltd, DSO Generators, Osprey House, Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2.

Technical issues of connecting a renewable generator

Who can I contact in ESB Networks if I have queries regarding the proposed connection at the initial stage?

Send any queries to the following address:

Email: dsogenerators@esb.ie.

ESB Networks contact person details will be given at the connection offer stage.

What conditions govern connections to the distribution system?

The following general conditions apply to:

  • All import customers with a capacity exceeding 100 kilovolt-amperes (kVA)
  • Customers with embedded generation
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP) producers
  • Autoproducers

General Conditions for Connection (PDF | 335KB)

The following technical conditions govern:

  • Connections for customers connected at Medium Voltage (MV) or 38 kilovolts (kV)
  • Customers with embedded generation at Low Voltage (LV), MV, or 38kV

Conditions Governing Connection to the Distribution System (PDF | 513KB)

Other relevant conditions include:

What type of signals and communications should I install?

For windfarms greater than 5 Megawatts, please refer to the Distribution Code for details. Download the Distribution Code (PDF| 887KB)

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