TYPES OF CONNECTIONS
We have a range of different connections offers to help you budget and plan for your next project.
BUDGET ESTIMATE
A budget estimate can provide you with an estimated cost and timescale for your connection. They’re calculated by making assumptions based on similar work we’ve done in the past. We won’t need to visit your site. However, a budget estimate is not not a formal offer and cannot be accepted. If you want to proceed, you’ll need to apply for a connection offer. The cost we quote in the connection offer can sometimes differ from your budget estimate.
Our AutoDesign tool can enable you to identify the most viable and cost-effective locations to connect to our LV network and generate a free of charge budget estimate in just minutes.
- You can apply online or use AutoDesign to generate a free of charge budget estimate.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
A feasibility study involves a more detailed assessment and can be used if you’re considering multiple connections options. It’ll provide a cost for each option but is not a quotation and cannot be accepted. If you want to progress with any of the options, you’ll need to apply for a quotation.
CONNECTION OFFER
A connection offer is a formal quotation for the connection services we will provide. It includes a detailed assessment of the network, point of connection, costs and expected timescales . It'll be issued in line with our Guaranteed Standards of Performance and is valid for 90 days, subject to our terms and conditions.
- Ready to proceed? You can view our guide prices or apply online
- Unsure what to apply for? Our online tool can help
All DNOs charge Connection Offer Expenses (also known as Assessment & Design or A&D fees). We charge a fee for the budget estimates, feasibility studies and connections offers we produce. Find out more here.
G98 / G99 GENERATION
If you’re considering a generation connection, we can help. The most common sources of generation are wind turbines, solar panels and combined heat and power plants (CHP). Whatever type of technology you’re connecting, you’ll need to notify us or apply using the G98 or G99 process.
- Get a guide price
- Apply or notify us online
- Unsure if it’s G98 or G99? Our generation connections guide can help
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS
A flexible connection can enable some generation owners to benefit from a cheaper and quicker connection, by avoiding the costs and time constraints associated with network reinforcement.
However, when accepting this type of offer the generator will be required to temporarily reduce the amount of energy they export from time to time and when required, to keep our network within its operational limits. This is different to a firm connection where the generation is unconstrained.
When considering this type of offer, you should:
- Use our generation network availability heat map to see where there is capacity to connect to our network
- Book a connection surgery to explore your options with our engineers
You can find out more about flexible connections here.
THE ELECTRICITY CONNECTION CHARGES REGULATIONS (ECCR)
When a connection is made to the distribution network, it’s important that customers pays their fair share of the connection costs. In some cases, a customer seeking a new connection may benefit from recently installed or upgraded assets that were paid for by another customer.
Where the new or upgraded assets are used within a prescribed period, the Electricity Connections Charges Regulations (also known as ECCR or second comer regulations or rules) require us to charge the 'second comer' a proportion of the first customers connection costs, which we then reimburse the party who had originally paid for the assets to be installed. Find out more here.