Connecting to the Grid

Connecting To The Grid

SP Energy Networks is the DNO for central and southern Scotland and we also hold the license for the distribution network in an area we refer to as 'Manweb' – which is Merseyside, North Wales and parts of Cheshire.

If your project sits within SPEN’s operating areas, you can use our interactive heat maps to explore the network conditions and potential 'alternative' connections available in your local area.

Make sure you also get in touch or register your interest so we can support you.

If you live elsewhere in the UK, you can find out who your DNO is on the Energy Network Association’s website by inputting your postcode.

Even if your project is in a network constrained area, you may still be able to connect your community generation project

Most DNOs offer a range of ‘alternative connections’ solutions which mean new customers can connect to the network while allowing the DNO to ‘switch off’ these customers when there is no space on the network for their generation. These solutions will not be suitable in all circumstances and they do generally add extra costs to a project due to the need to install extra control equipment (normally in the form of remotely controlled switches and monitoring equipment) and because they may involve limiting output to the grid from the local energy project in some circumstances.

G100 'Alternative' Connections

G98, G99, and G100 are engineering standards that set out the requirements for connecting generators to the electricity grid. G98 applies to small generators (under 3.68Kw per phase), and G99 applies to larger generators which produce more than 3.68kW per phase. More information about the connections process, G98, and G99 standards can be found on the SPEN Connections page here.

G100 sets out the additional technical requirements for alternative connections, where control equipment is required to automatically reduce the output of a generator at certain times. There is not yet any pre-accreditation process for G100 installers or equipment. Instead, the chosen installer needs to ensure that their installation confirms to G100 requirements and the terms of the particular alternative connection offered, and the DNO sends an engineer to test and verify this before the connection is made live.

Control equipment can be used on an alternative connection, provided the connection as a whole meets G100 standards. The list on the right details some examples of the control equipment previously used by generators in our network areas to manage distribution-level alternative connections. This list is not exhaustive and is for reference only. It is not provided by way of recommendation and other market solutions are available.

Getting an alternative connection

If you would like to install a community generation project at a grid constrained site and think an alternative connection might be suitable, you will need to have an idea of what sort of alternative connection might work and include details alongside your connection request.

Your first step should be to have an informal conversation with the connections team of the DNO responsible for the network in your area. You may also wish to reach out to one of the Specialist Groups listed on the Advice and Support page if you haven’t already done so. If your project is in the SP Energy Network area, you can Contact Connections our dedicated connections team.

After your initial discussions with your DNO, you may find that it is also worth commissioning a more detailed feasibility study from them to investigate alternative connection options. Although this may incur a fee, it will likely prove value for money overall - preventing you from spending on costly project plans or consultancy fees for projects that are not suitable for your local network conditions – and should be deducted from future connections fees should you go ahead with your project.

SPEN’s ‘ARC’ project has informed the development of a suite of new alternative technical and commercial solutions to allow more distributed generation (DG) to access the network. You can view these alternative connections here.

Accelerating Renewable Connections SPEN Project

Local Energy Scotland’s CARES toolkit contains a detailed guide to connecting to the grid. You can view their Grid Connection module here.

Grid Connection Module By Local Energy Scotland

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