Applying for a connection

Demand customers applying directly to connect to the transmission system will be required to:

• complete a connection application form;

• provide technical data as required by the Data Registration Code (DRC) using the DRC Tool; and

• pay the relevant application fee specified in the Charging Statement, calculated using the Fee Calculator.

Interconnectors applying to connect to the transmission system will be required to:

• complete a connection application form;

• provide technical data as required by the Data Registration Code (DRC) using the DRC Tool; and

• pay the relevant application fee specified in the Charging Statement, calculated using the Fee Calculator.

The Interim Interconnector Connection Process document sets out the principles and proposals for the interim process of managing requests to connect interconnectors to the NETS.

The Interconnector User Guidance document sets out the agreements to sign and the process to follow for those customers who use interconnectors.

Smaller commercial and domestic connections are generally qualified as under 10 MW in Scotland and under 50MW in England and Wales. It would be unlikely for these types of customers to require an agreement with National Grid, due to the size of the project or connection. In the first instance, you should contact your local distribution company.

Large generation customers who are applying to connect to the distribution network are also required to have a connection offer with National Grid. Large generators are categorised as the following:

• 100 MW or greater in National Grid’s transmission network;

• 30 MW or greater in Scottish Power’s transmission network; and

• 10 MW or greater in Scottish Hydro Electric’s transmission network.

The two options for this type of customer are Bilateral Embedded Generation Agreement (BEGA) and Bilateral Embedded Licence Exemptible Large Power Station Agreement (BELLA).

BEGA

The BEGA states how generators will be required to comply with the: 

• Grid Code; 

• Connection and Use of System (CUSC); and

• Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC).

The BEGA will also provide the customer with transmission entry capacity (TEC) as the customer will have the right to operate in the electricity balancing market and export onto the NETS.

To apply, BEGA customers will be required to: 

• complete a connection application form; 

• provide technical data as required by the Data Registration Code (DRC) using the DRC Tool; and

• pay the relevant application fee specified in the Charging Statement, calculated using the Fee Calculator.

BELLA

The BELLA states how generators will be required to comply with the:

• Grid Code; and

• Connection and use of system (CUSC).

The user does not have to adhere to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) because a BELLA does not automatically give the customer rights to operate in the electricity balancing market and export onto the NETS. However, it is possible for a BELLA user to actively participate in the balancing mechanism without TEC, provided the user installs the necessary hardware (EDL, EDT and control telephony). To do this, a user must request to vary the BELLA to include the relevant technical appendices. Once this is complete, the normal compliance process is followed to make sure that the relevant equipment has been installed.

To apply, BELLA customers will be required to:

• complete a connection application form application form; 

• provide technical data as required by the Data Registration Code (DRC) using the DRC Tool; and

• pay the relevant application fee specified in the Charging Statement, calculated using the Fee Calculator.