You can choose who carries out certain elements of the connection work. This is known as contestable work and can be completed by an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) or an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO ).
Non-Contestable Work
If you choose to appoint an ICP or IDNO we will provide them with all the information they need about our network.
Work that must be carried out by us is called non-contestable work and includes:
- Assess the impact of your new connection to our existing networks
- Identify and design the Point of Connection (POC) to our networks*
- Specify the equipment and materials that have to be used
- Approval of new ICP design*
- Inspect and monitor the ICP work on the new networks*
- Witness testing of the new electrical equipment installed by the ICP
* As part of the Code of Practice (COP) these activities are re-classified as contestable subject to successful completion of trials, as outlined in the COP
Contestable Work
Work that can be carried out by other companies is known as contestable work and includes:
- Design of your new connections or networks to our existing network
- Construction of new electricity networks
- Installation of new electrical equipment and services
- Commissioning of new networks
- Acquisition of legal consents for new networks
- Live jointing of cables and services for the new network. This is subject to accreditations and SP authorisations
- Completion of final connection joint to our existing network
- Identify and design the Point of Connection (POC) to existing networks*
- Approval of new ICP design*
- Inspect and monitor the ICP work on the new networks*
* As part of the Code of Practice (COP) these activities are re-classified as contestable subject to successful completion of trials, as outlined in the COP
To ensure that your new connection is built to SP Energy Networks quality and standard, we enter into a legal construction and adoption agreement with the ICP and the developer. Once constructed by the ICP, we will adopt, maintain and operate the new network as part of our electricity distribution system.