Competition in Connections
The work involved in providing new connections can be split into two categories:
- Non contestable works – work that can only be undertaken by us
- Contestable works – work that can be undertaken by us or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP).
Only suitably accredited connection companies can provide connections. Information on other connection companies that currently operate in the SP Energy Networks areas can be found at Lloyds' website or telephone 0247 651 8603.
We are committed to this competitive market and will ensure that Independent Connections Providers (ICPs) have equal and fair opportunities to undertake contestable works in their area.
Competition in Connections teams are in place to manage this activity and to give help and advice to ICPs and developers on request. ICPs may request access to some of our IT systems which may assist them in consideration of connection applications.
To ensure an acceptable quality of work is delivered, we enter into a Construction and Adoption Agreement with the ICP and the developer , known as the tri-partite agreement. Once the assets are adopted, in accordance with the Adoptive Agreement, the installed assets will be operated and maintained by us.
Further information on Ofgem and their guidelines to Competition in Connections can be found on their website.
For further guidance on processing a Competition In Connections enquiry please see our Specifications Documents.
If you are new to the Competition In Connections process and would like further advice please contact us at the following email addresses:
Contestable and Non-Contestable Works
The work involved in providing new connections can be split into two categories:
- Non contestable works – work that can only be undertaken by us
- Contestable works – work that can be undertaken by us or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP).
Some examples of both types of work are listed below:
Non–contestable works:
- Network design and planning policy
- Equipment and material specification
- Equipment installation and record specification
- Approval of connection design
- Design and determination of Point of Connection
- Desired reinforcement upstream of Point of Connection
- Consents for upstream reinforcements of assets
- Consents for connections assets for commercial and industrial sites
- Construction/installation of upstream reinforcement assets
- Design of diversion/removal/modification of existing Distribution Network Operator (DNO) assets
- Work within boundary of any site controlled by Distribution Network Operator
- Connection to existing Distribution Network Operator
- Live jointing ( except during the live jointing trial )
- Installation inspection
- Witnessing of commissioning tests
- Additional works resulting from requesting Point of Connection on site
Contestable Works:
- Design of connection downstream from Point of Connection to Distribution Network Operator assets
- Consents (wayleaves) for connection assets
- Construction/installation of connection assets
- Commissioning of connection assets
