Connect a Micro-Generator

This page explains how to connect a micro-generator to the electricity network.

Micro-generation is defined as a source of electrical energy, designed to operate in parallel with ESB Networks LV System and rated up to and including:

  • 25 amperes at low voltage [230 volt] when the connection is single phase
  • 16 amperes at low voltage [230/400 volt] when the connection is three phase

The micro-generator must conform to the 'Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Micro-generation' (PDF | 154KB)

Examples of micro-generator includes:

  • Wind-power
  • Solar-power
  • Micro combined heat-and-power (CHP)

Note that standby generators cannot be used to sell electricity to the electricity grid. If you wish to connect a generator with an output greater than that for micro-generation, please visit the following page:

Follow this guide to connect a micro-generator

More help is available in the "Frequently Asked Questions" below.

Step 1:
Familiarise yourself with the process

To connect a micro-generator to the electricity network, you must follow the steps outlined in the document 'Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Micro-generation' (PDF | 154KB)
Step 2:
Inform ESB Networks

Complete the 'Micro Generation Installation Notification Form NC6' (PDF | 43KB) to tell ESB Networks that you plan to connect a micro-generator to the electricity network.
Or
CallSave 1850 372 757 to request a paper copy

Step 3:
Return the notification form

Send the completed Notification Form and all necessary documentation to the following address:

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

Step 4:
Installation of the micro-generator

Do not proceed if you have been notified by ESB Networks (within the specified time-frame) that you cannot proceed with installation of the micro-generator.

It is your responsibility to ensure that a micro-generator is installed by a registered electrical contractor to ETCI standards, and that it complies with EN50438 (or equivalent).

In order to export surplus electricity for payment you will require an import/export meter and you will be required to get your contractor to forward electronically a valid ETCI Electrical Completion Certificate to ESB Networks. There is currently no charge for the new meter installation.

You may commence installation when all of the above conditions have been met.

Step 5:
Go live

When the micro-generator has been installed and we have received the necessary ETCI electrical certification we will install import/export metering. After the meter has been installed you must contact your electricity supplier regarding payment arrangements for any electricity that you export to the grid. You will need to have an agreement with your electricity supplier to purchase the electricity exported and to supply the electricity imported. Both import and export must be with the same supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions about micro-generation

What is the ESB Support Initiative for micro-generators?

ESB has a package of supports in place for micro-generation. This has been done in the context of our sustainability strategy, our development of smart networks and our support for the government sustainability strategy.

The basics of the support initiative are:

  • The Public Electricity Supplier (ESB Customer Supply) will offer an export payment of 9 cents per kWh. This payment will be available to domestic customers of PES, see Commission for Energy Regulation Decision Paper CER/09/033.
  • ESB will provide import/export metering free of charge to the first 4,000 domestic customers installing micro-generators in the next 3 years. To qualify for this free import/export meter, your micro generator must be installed and your ETCI wiring cert must be submitted before the end of February 2012, which is the final date for qualification.
  • As an initiative to support micro-generation, ESB will provide an extra support payment of 10 cents per kWh for the first 3,000kWh exported annually. This payment will be made to the first 4,000 micro-generators connected before the end of February 2012 and will be paid over a 5 year period.
  • The ESB support payment will be available to all electricity suppliers who offer an export tariff for micro-generation. The supplier who buys exported electricity from a micro-generator will also sell them their imported electricity. To qualify for this support payment, your micro generator must be installed and your ETCI wiring cert must be submitted before the end of February 2012, which is the final date for qualification.
  • Domestic micro-generators, including farming households, are free to export as much as they wish but will only get the extra 10 cents per kWh for the first 3,000kWh exported annually over a 5 year period. This means that in effect the customer will be rewarded for units exported at a similar level to the cost of units used within the home.
  • From August 2010 ESB have extended the micro-generation support initiative to domestic generators that limit their maximum export capacity (MEC) to 6kW single phase and 11kW three phase. This means a single phase domestic customer with a 15kW turbine can now qualify for the support initiative provided they limit their export to 6kW. The customer must apply using application form NC5A. Only generators with capacity of 50kW or less are included in the support initiative. See under Frequently Asked Questions below "Can I install a larger generator"

What is the cost of connecting a micro-generator to the electricity network?

There is no charge to connect a micro-generator to the ESB network provided it complies with EN50438.

Will I get paid for the electricity I export to the electricity network?

Yes - Contact your supplier for further details and see the ESB Support Initiative for micro-generators. You will require an import/export meter to be installed.

Will my electricity bill change after the generator is installed?

The cost of your bill may fall because you will 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.

Will I need a licence?

No, those connecting micro-generators are not required to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in order to receive an Authorisation to Construct/Licence to Generate as they are deemed to be automatically authorised and licensed by Order.

Please note that such generators are subject to certain terms and conditions as set out in the relevant Orders (S.I. No. 383 of 2008 and S.I. No. 384 of 2008). For a copy of the Orders on the CER website please click HERE.

Can I connect my micro generator to ESB Networks' Low Voltage (LV) system?

Yes - You can connect a micro-generator in parallel with ESB Networks LV System provided it is:

Can I install a larger generator?

Yes - If you wish to install a larger generator follow the instructions on the page 'Connect a wind farm or other generator that uses renewable resources (generator with export)' on this website

If you are a domestic customer, your generator capacity is 50kVA or less and your maximum export capacity (MEC) is equal or less than 6kW single phase / 11kW three phase then you may qualify for ESB micro-generation support initiative payments.

You will need to make an application to ESB Networks using application form NC5A. You will be offered a connection agreement for connection of the generator with a specific MEC and MIC. Once you accept the offer and return the signed Connection Agreement to us you will be advised of our requirements for testing the interface protection. On completion of this step you may connect your generator and contact your electricity supplier so that you can get paid for exported electricity.

Can I use my generator if the ESB Networks' power is off?

No - It is a safety condition that any generator connected to the electricity network (ESB network) will not operate if the electricity supply is off or de-energised.

Why should I notify ESB Networks about a generator being installed?

These units have the potential to give an electric shock or create a dangerous hazard for you or your neighbours. For your own safety it is important that the unit fully complies with safety standards. If the unit causes damage to our network or to the general public you may be liable.

I have a micro-generator installed already; can I apply for payment for exported electricity?

Yes - If you already have an import/export meter installed, contact your electricity supplier and see the ESB Support Initiative for micro-generators.

If you don't have an import/export meter installed please complete and return Micro Generation Installation Notification Form NC6 (PDF | 43KB) and get your electrical contractor to forward electronically a valid ETCI Electrical Completion Certificate to ESB Networks certifying the electrical installation. There is no charge for the import/export meter; the cost will be carried by ESB. When the meter has been installed contact your electricity supplier so that you can receive payment for any electricity that you export to the grid.

Where would I find information on qualifying equipment and on installers of micro-generators?

ESB Networks have no function in qualifying equipment or installers, however, to facilitate provision of information on qualifying equipment and installers to electricity customers who wish to avail of the tariff, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will maintain lists of registered products and installers that meet the relevant standards and accreditation requirements on it's website. These lists are currently being compiled and will be available shortly on SEI's website at www.sei.ie/Grants/Microgenpilot/.
Suppliers and installers who wish to register should contact SEI directly at 01 8369 080 or e-mail microgen@sei.ie.

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