Generation connections
Once you have chosen your preferred type of generator, it will need to be connected to our network either through your existing supply or through a new electricity connection.
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Microgeneration and storage connections
Apply for microgeneration and/or storage connections -
Generation connections over 50kW
Find out more about how you can connect your generation project if the storage capacity or generation will exceed 50KW -
Flexible connections
Find out more about our flexible connections and whether this option may suit your connection. Take a look at the flexible connections we can offer and innovations we have made. -
G98/G99 Generator requirements
Read more about the technical, commission and compliance requirements when applying for generation connections. -
Quotation options
We offer a range of quotation options for customers, designed based on the nature of your enquiry.
Understanding Generation
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is committed to protecting the environment and makes more energy from wind and water than anyone else in the UK. We are continually seeking to improve on our service for Connection customers and the current improvements we are working on can be found on the following page, our plans and commitments.
If your proposed generator is smaller than or equal to 50kW, in most areas there is no need to worry about wider network capacity constraint issues or network reinforcement costs. However, due to the constrained capacity available in some areas, you may have to wait for the reinforcement to connect even where your proposed aggregate generation capacity is 50kW or less. For more information, please contact our Commercial Contract Management Team.
If your overall proposed generation is greater than or equal to 50kW, it would be worth checking our thermal network capacity map to understand if there are any constraints in your area as this means that reinforcement is likely to be required for your connection. There are limits to the amount of generation a transformer can handle, and this constraint affects not only small local transformers, but can also affect larger transformers in substations. Any further generation connection to an area that is significantly constrained would trigger reinforcement costs of new equipment, which can be very high.
Please view our Network Capacity map, which provides an indication of the network's capability to connect a large-scale development.
The Electrical Networks Association (ENA) provides helpful guides published on their website
You can download the DGCG G99 Types B-D Summary (March 2024) here.
Information we require
- Appropriate ENA Forms (we can provide guidance on which forms are required depending on your request)
- Letter of Authority (this is a letter to provide permission from the land/property owner to complete the work)
- Plan showing the site boundary
- Site layout plan with the point of supply marked
- The type of generation you wish to connect
- Letter of Authority - For all metered and generation connection applications (excluding budget and feasibility study requests), where an applicant is not the landowner or occupier, we require a letter of authority to be submitted at the application stage.
Do you know you have a choice?
If you are looking to connect a site dedicated to generation, we can provide estimates and quotations for new or existing connections. If you wish, you can seek alternative estimates or quotations from Independent Connections Providers (ICPs). When you receive a quotation for the connection, it will be split into contestable and non-contestable elements. This is done to be as clear as possible to what element a third party can offer. For further information on what an ICP can offer, follow the link below.
You have a choice
Witness testing
When works on site have been completed to connect a generator, there can be a requirement for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks staff to witness your commissioning engineer while they test the protection systems associated with the generator. This is to ensure it operates correctly.
Refunds
Refunds are usually issued in two scenarios:
- When a project is canceled by a customer post acceptance of the Connection Offer.
- When a new connection has been completed and the project is underspent, a partial refund may be due to the customer.
Click here to view our refund policy.
When Your Connection Impacts the Transmission Network
Certain parts of our distribution network are constrained, which can mean that your connection may have an impact on the transmission network. Where this occurs, an application to the Transmission System Operator (TSO) is required to find out the impact your connection may have.
More information can be found on National Grid's website.
Your Connection Offer will confirm which process we will be required to use for your connection.
Looking to Re-Power an end-of-life Generating Facility?
Most components of a generating facility – such as a wind farm, hydro station or solar power site – will have a life span of between 20 and 40 years. At which point, the end-of-life components may need to be refurbished or replaced altogether – a process we refer to as Re-Powering.
Read more about the process for Re-Powering existing Generating Facilities.
Novation and assignation
Throughout the development and build of your project, you may require the rights and obligations of your connection offer to be transferred to a third party. In order to achieve this, a legal document is required to capture the details and permissions of all parties involved. This document is known as a Novation (SEPD - England & Wales) or Assignation (SHEPD - Scotland) and must be completed by all parties. We have created a guide and template documents to Novation’s & Assignations that can be found below. Please note, the documents are not complete until we agree and sign each of the three copies.
Download the SHEPD guide to Assignation
Download the SEPD guide to Novation