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This web page is designed to help customers, installers and developers who wish to connect small generators within domestic and small commercial premises.
SP Distribution and SP Manweb own and operate low voltage networks within the licensed areas of Southern Scotland and Merseyside/North Wales respectively. We deal with all aspects of connecting generation to our networks but do not purchase the output from any generation. If you want to speak to someone about selling the output from a generator then you should speak to an energy supplier. Details of your current supplier will be available from your electricity bill, details of other suppliers can be obtained from the Ofgem website.
This page provides information on the process that allows small-scale embedded generators to be connected in parallel with our low voltage distribution systems. A Small Scale Embedded Generator is defined as a generator with an output of less that 16A per phase (3.7kW). The page also provides information, at a high level, on general requirements for single phase generators in excess of 16A per phase.
The Energy Network Association in conjunction with Distribution Network Operators, trade associations and suppliers have produced Engineering Recommendation G83/1. This document assists customers, developers and installers to meet their legal obligations, and to comply with international, national and industry standards. All installations of less that 16A per phase (3.7kW) must comply with Engineering Recommendation G83/1.
Single Installation
Where customers, developers or installers wish to install a single generator of less that 16A/phase, there is a legal obligation to inform us, as the DNO licence holder, of their proposal before or at the time of commissioning. This obligation and the associated requirements are defined within the Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002.
The installation commissioning confirmation sheet below must be completed, along with the associated equipment test certification in line with the Engineering Network Association document G83/1, and forwarded to us at the appropriate address as detailed on the our Customer Connections homepage. Subject to compliance with G83/1, and all legislative requirements, we would not normally object to the connection.
Where customers, developers or installers wish to install more than one unit either in a single installation or as part of a development, an application must be made to us, as the DNO licence holder, in advance. This is an obligation under the Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002.
The application for connection sheet below must be completed, along with the associated equipment test certification in line with G83/1, and forwarded to us, at the appropriate address, as detailed on the contact us page. We will consider the application and advise of any work, cost and associated timescales.
We may make a charge for the work associated with evaluating this connection.
Embedded Generators in excess of 16A per phase
In general for generators in excess of 16A per phase (3.7kW), connection must comply with Engineering Recommendation G59/1, again published by the Electricity Networks Association.
In some instances, for generators in excess of 16A per phase (but less than 10kW for wind turbines and 5kW for photo voltaic), a customer, developer or installer may request a connection to G83/1. We will consider whether making a connection to G83/1 is appropriate, taking into account the impact of the generator on the relevant part of the low voltage system.
Customers, developers or installers who wish to connect generators within this category must provide the site and generator details, along with the associated equipment test certification in line with G83/1, and forwarded to us, at the appropriate address, as detailed on our contact us page. We will consider the application and advise whether a connection to G83/1 is acceptable and detail any work, cost and associated timescale.
We may charge for the work associated with evaluating this connection.
All customers connected to our network must have an agreement to remain connected. Under our existing terms for connection, generators cannot be connected and operated in parallel with our networks.
For generation that qualifies for connection under G83/1 a new set of terms to meet this obligation are available to download from this website or a set can be sent to you on request.
For generators that do not qualify under the standard G83/1 arrangements then customer must complete an appropriate application and sign a site specific connection agreement, for example for generators under G59/1 or with special conditions.
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