connection process
For connections provided under competition in connections each host DNO has a connection process to ensure that connections are made to the required standards and within timeframes specified by the regulator. The following connection process is typical of what is required to enable a customer to be connected. - 1) Apply for Point of Connection (POC) and Non-contestable charges.
In order for the host DNO to provide a Point of connection to their existing distribution system a site plan of the development and the required loadings of the proposed buildings or generation capacity will be required. This information should then be sent off as an application to the host DNO. Powersystems can assist in this process and submit the application on your behalf.
- 2) Offer of POC and Non contestable charges made by DNO
The DNO will provide a POC and non contestable charges. These should be received within the time frames set out by Ofgem as follows.
Simple connection - 5 Days
Complex connection - 30 Days
Complicated connection - 50 Days
The Non contestable charges are calculated as per the DNOs condition 4 charging methodology statement.
- 3) Contestable works quotation
From the Point of connection information provided Powersystems will prepare a quotation for the Contestable works associated with the connection. The sum of the non-contestable and contestable works then gives you the total connection cost.
- 4) Place order for Contestable works
On placement of an order for the contestable works Powersystems will prepare a connection design for approval by the DNO.
- 5) Accept Non-contestable Costs
The connection offer from the DNO is accepted and the charges paid.
- 6) Design approval by DNO
Once the Non contestable charges have been paid the DNO will approve the connection design provided by Powersystems. They are obliged to do this with 10 days of submission.
- 7) Issue and signing of adoption agreement.
The DNO will produce an adoption agreement that requires signature by Powersystems and the DNO. This agreement is a standard document that lays out the process for adoption and connection of the asset constructed by Powersystems. In some cases this will be a tri-party agreement that the customer will also be required to sign.
- 8) Procurement of connection assets
With the design approved Powersystems will procure the approved equipment and prepare for the connection construction phase.
- 9) Construction of connection
The connection is constructed by Powersystems to the host DNOs technical standards with the DNO carrying out regular inspections to ensure compliance.
- 10) Testing and commissioning of connection
The connection assets are tested, commissioned and documentation forwarded to the DNO. A connection date to the network is then requested for the works
- 11) Final connection to DNO network.
The DNO carries out the final connection to the site within 10-20 days of the connection request being made. Electrical power is connected to the site
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