In short
Most new connections, whether for a housing site, an EV charging hub, a factory, a solar farm or a battery, are made to the local distribution network. The process runs from checking capacity, through a formal application and connection offer, to construction and energisation. Large projects, and those that affect the transmission network, also go through NESO's gated process. This guide covers the general steps; every network company publishes its own detailed guidance.
1. Work out who to ask
Your first contact is usually the DNO for the area where the site is. Our organisations pages list them. If an IDNO will own the network on your site, it will usually handle the application with the DNO for you. Very large projects, typically above 100MW in England and Wales or lower thresholds in Scotland, may connect directly to transmission and apply to NESO.
2. Check network capacity
Before applying, look at what the network can take. DNOs publish:
- network capacity maps or heat maps, showing roughly where there is room for new demand or generation;
- embedded capacity registers, listing larger generation and storage already connected or with accepted offers;
- long-term development statements and network data portals, with more technical detail.
These are a guide, not a promise. Capacity can be taken by other projects, and the real answer comes only from a formal study.
3. Get a budget estimate (optional)
Many DNOs will give an informal budget estimate: a rough cost and timescale, without a detailed study. It's free or low cost and useful for early feasibility, but it isn't binding. For larger or complex projects, a pre-application meeting with the DNO can save time later.
4. Make a formal application
A formal application needs details of the site, the capacity you need (import, export or both), the type of equipment, and when you want to connect. For generation and storage, expect to give technical data about inverters or generators. Larger applications usually carry an assessment and design fee, which pays for the DNO's study.
If the project is large enough to affect the transmission network, the DNO will need NESO's assessment as well, and the project will need to meet the readiness rules, such as having secured the land, under connections reform.
5. Review the connection offer
The offer sets out the point of connection, the works needed, the cost, the connection date and the terms. Network companies must issue offers within set timescales, which depend on voltage and complexity. Offers are valid for a limited period, often 90 days, after which they lapse.
Things to check:
- which works are contestable, and could be built by an ICP, and which are non-contestable;
- the connection date, and what it depends on, such as reinforcement or transmission works;
- any milestones you must meet to keep the offer, such as planning consent;
- whether the offer is firm or flexible.
If you think the offer is wrong, you can ask the DNO to explain it, and in some cases ask Ofgem to determine a dispute.
6. Consider a flexible connection
Where the network is constrained, a DNO may offer a flexible (non-firm) connection: you connect sooner or for less, but agree that your import or export can be reduced at busy times. For batteries and some generators, the lost output can be small compared with the benefit of connecting years earlier. Ask how often curtailment is expected and how it is shared between customers. See DSO and flexibility.
7. Accept, then build
To accept, you sign the offer and usually pay part of the cost up front. The work then follows:
- Contestable works are built by the DNO or by your chosen ICP, to the DNO's design standards.
- Non-contestable works, including any reinforcement and the final connection, are done by the DNO.
- Land rights are needed wherever cables or substations cross land you don't own. These are known as wayleaves (annual permissions) or easements (permanent rights), and securing them is often the slowest part.
- Street works need permits from the local highway authority.
8. Energisation and adoption
Once the works are complete and tested, the connection is energised. For generation and storage, the DNO will want commissioning tests and evidence that protection settings meet the Engineering Recommendations G98 or G99 before you export. Assets built by an ICP are then adopted by the DNO or IDNO, which owns and maintains them from then on. You'll also need a supplier contract (and, for export, a route to market) for electricity to flow.
Tips
- Engage early, especially for anything above a few hundred kilowatts.
- Ask for only the capacity you need: over-sizing can push up costs and delay dates.
- Keep track of milestones, as missing them can cost you your place.
- Compare the DNO's price with ICP quotes for the contestable work.
Sources
Based on network company guidance, the Energy Networks Association and Ofgem. Processes, fees and thresholds differ between companies and change over time: always check with the network company you're applying to.
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Latest stories on Connections Reform, ICP & IDNO Competition, DSO & Flexibility. For terms, see the glossary; for key dates, the policy timeline.