Competition in connections
If you would like to find out more about gaining the necessary accreditation to compete for new connections work, please visit Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
Competition in connections
Application types
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Independent Connection Provider (ICP) Application for SSEN
Make an application for an extended electricity network you wish to connect to our network and us to adopt.
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Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) Application
Make an application for an embedded electricity network you wish to connect to our network. -
Notification of POC Self-identification
Notify us that you are determining the point of connection. (Before starting your application, please refer to our POC Self Identification and Self Design Approval Guidance.) -
Safety rules and authorisations
Read about the three processes Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) can operate under: using their own safety rules, adopting SSEN's Operational Safety Rules, or taking control of a network segment under our management. Each process ensures safe and efficient network access.
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Self-approval of contestable designs and associated agreement templates
For the market segments where ICPs are allowed to self-approve their own contestable designs for extended networks to be adopted by us or for embedded networks to be adopted by IDNOs, our Adoption Agreement template for metered connections can be pre-populated by ICPs, and our Bilateral Connection Agreement (BCA) template(s) can be pre-populated by IDNOs, and such agreement(s) shall be submitted to us for review prior to being signed by relevant parties.
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Self-connect onto SSEN’s distribution system and associated agreement templates
Where ICPs are suitably accredited under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) for operational activities to self-connect onto our distribution system, our Network Access Agreement template(s) can be pre-populated by ICPs, and such agreement(s) shall be issued to us for review prior to being signed by relevant parties.
Consent to LV Self-Connect – Form Submission Process
We have introduced a new electronic form for Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) carrying out LV Self-Connect projects within the SEPD (Southern Electric Power Distribution PLC) licence area.
Consent to LV Self-Connect – Fill out form
Purpose
This form enables SEPD to capture details of works being carried out on our network and by whom, ensuring safety and compliance for all parties.
When to Submit
• The form should be completed after Design Approval has been confirmed and the ICP is ready to progress.
• You will receive an email outlining the next steps for your project, which will include a link to the electronic form.
Conditions Precedent
Before completing the form, please ensure:
• All agreements have been signed and returned.
• Legal consents have been cleared.
• A Programme of Works (PoW) has been issued to SSEN.
Notice Period
Submit the form as early as possible, with a minimum of 10 working days prior to the proposed connection date.
Review and Confirmation
• The form will be reviewed by the LV Self-Connect Project Manager.
• If everything is in order, you will receive an email confirming that the self-connect can proceed as per the PoW.
If you have any queries about this process in SEPD licence area, please send an email to TheCICTeam@sse.com.
For SHEPD Licence Area
G81 Library
Download application
You can also download, complete and email your applications to us at nc.connections@sse.com
Download the application for a Point of Connection to serve new network to be adopted by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
Download the application for a Point of Connection to serve an embedded network.
Please be aware that if you are emailing us regarding a Point of Connection application, or regarding a contestable design submission, we have an incoming attachment size limit of 20 MB. If the attachment you need to send us is 20 MB or larger, please email nc.connections@sse.com to let us know. Whilst we are investigating document transfer options, you may have to split your attachment in multiple emails. We will provide an update once we have found a trusted file share solution.
Information we require
Letter of Authority (LoA)
Required for projects with ≥5MVA demand or ≥1MW generation if applying on behalf of a customer or landowner.
Site Plan (all applications)
Must include:
- Site boundary (red line)
- Proposed substation location(s)
- Building and road layout (For sites to be adopted by the DNO)
Disturbing Load Information
For equipment that may impact the network (e.g. motors, air conditioning, lifts, cranes), provide:
- Type and number of loads
- Phase (single/split/three)
- Rating (kW)
- Starting method and current (Amps)
- Starts per hour
Single Line Diagram (SLD)
A single Line Diagram drawing that shows how the electrical equipment will connect to our DNO network. This is required for all generation projects ≥1MW and demand projects ≥5MVA with disturbing loads
Information we'll need to check
- Any additional or abnormal electricity loads (heat pumps, swimming pools etc.) – Note: where applicable
- Details of any microgeneration your customer is looking to install if applicable (solar panels for example) – Note: where applicable.
G39 Authorisation – SSEN Statement
This statement describes our application of ENA Engineering Recommendation (EREC) G39 'Model code of practice covering electrical safety in the planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of public lighting and other street furniture'.
Download and read our G39 Authorisation statement.
Novation
For SHEPD (Scotland) customers, Assignation is now being replaced with Novation, bringing a simpler and more consistent approach across both SHEPD and SEPD (England & Wales).
As your project develops, you may need to transfer the rights and obligations of your connection offer/agreement to another party. To do this, a legal document called a Novation is required. This document records the agreement and permissions of everyone involved and must be completed by all parties.
We’ve provided helpful guidance and template documents below to support you through the process. Please note that the Novation is only complete once we have reviewed, agreed, and signed all 3 copies.
Refunds
Refunds are usually issued in two scenarios:
- When a project is cancelled by a customer post acceptance of the Connection Offer
- When a new connection has been completed and the project is underspent, a partial refund may be due to the customer.
Click here to view our refund policy
YouTube
We also have a YouTube channel where we post useful videos on processes as well as our recorded webinars.
SSEN YouTube Channel Competition in Connections at SSEN
Alternative Provider Network Information
Alternative Providers Register
If you are happy to appear on our website, once you have registered, our customers will then be able to more easily search for those that could offer them an alternative quotation in delivering their project.
Useful links
