If your connection is at a distribution level, your connection contract will be held with the DNO and not with National Grid ESO. Whether you need an embedded generator agreement with us will depend on your size, how you are registered and whether you wish to be an active balancing mechanism (BM) participant, or to provide certain services to the ESO.
- Small embedded – if you are classed as a small embedded generator and you don’t need access to the transmission system, or hold Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC), then your contractual arrangements will be with the DNO you are connecting to only. The DNO will make us aware of your connection through the Statement of Work (SoW) or the Appendix G process.
- Large embedded – if you are applying for a project that breaches the capacity thresholds shown below and you’re connecting at a distribution level, then you will be classed as a large embedded customer. If this is the case, you will need to have a connection agreement with the DNO and with National Grid ESO. Large generators are categorised as:
- 100MW or greater in National Grid’s transmission network
- 30MW or greater in Scottish Power’s transmission network
- 10MW or greater in Scottish Hydro Electric’s transmission network
Embedded agreement options
There are two agreement options for embedded generators: Bilateral Embedded Generation Agreement (BEGA), and Bilateral Embedded License Exemptible Large Power Station Agreement (BELLA).
- BEGA – a BEGA explains how generators need to comply with the Grid Code, the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC), and the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). It also gives you Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) and the right to operate in the electricity balancing market. And to export onto the NETS.
- BELLA – a BELLA explains how generators need to comply with the Grid Code and the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC). A BELLA user doesn’t have to comply with the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) because a BELLA doesn’t automatically give you the right to operate in the electricity balancing market and export onto the NETS. However, a BELLA user can participate in the balancing mechanism without TEC, provided they install the necessary hardware (EDL, EDT and control telephony). To do this they must ask for the BELLA to include the relevant technical appendices.
Applying for an embedded agreement
To apply for either of these agreements you will need to:
Who needs an embedded agreement
You’ll need an embedded agreement if you’re:
- An embedded generator who would like to participate in the balancing mechanism
- An embedded generator who would like to provide specific balancing services
You will not need an embedded agreement if you’re:
- A small embedded generator and the above are not applicable. The DNO will notify us via the SoW or Appendix G processes
- A medium embedded generator (between 50MW and 99MW in England and Wales) and the above are not applicable. In this case you are classified as LEEMPS and the DNO will need to provide a Project Progression in respect of your project. Additional technical conditions will form part of the DNO agreement that relates to your project.
You can find more useful information on these sites:
Embedded Generation and Embedded Benefits - BSC Guidance Notes
Electricity balancing services