Distributed Generation

Generating electricity from renewable and energy-efficient generation is a key part of the Government’s strategy to tackle climate change.

The Government’s environmental target, to achieve 10 gigawatts (GW) of combined heat and power (CHP) capacity by 2010 and to generate 15% of electricity from renewable sources by 2015, implies substantial growth in distributed generation and investment in the network infrastructure.

Many stakeholders have expressed concern that the Government’s targets may not be met because of major difficulties relating to unit pricing, delays in obtaining planning consent and the fact that the current regulatory framework does not incentivise distribution network operators (DNOs) to connect distributed generation.

ENA members believe that the introduction of the correct commercial and regulatory framework is the single most important factor how network operators can support the Government’s target for renewable and energy efficient generation.

More information: ENA consultation responses

Information for Generators Seeking A Connection

Distributor Network Operator Contact Details

Connection Standards/Guidelines
Distribution Generation Connection Activity in the UK Distribution Networks

2003 and 2004

2005

2006

2007

Technical Guide to the Connection of Generation to the Distribution Network
(funded by the DTI's New & Renewable Energy programme)

External distributed generation links

The following documents may be purchased from ENA:

Engineering Technical Report 126 (2004)

Guidelines for actively managing voltage levels associated with the connection of a singe distributed generation plant.

Engineering Technical Report 124 (2004)

Guidelines for actively managing power flows associated with the connection of a single distributed generation plant.

Engineering Recommendation G.59/1, Amendment 1 (1995)

Recommendations for the Connection of Embedded Generating Plant to the Regional Electricity Companies' Distribution Systems.

Engineering Recommendation G.75/1 (2002)

Engineering Recommendation G.75/1, (2002)
Recommendations for the connection embedded generation plant to public distribution networks above 20kV or with outputs over 5MW.

Engineering Recommendation G.83/1-1 (2008)

Recommendations for the connection of small-scale embedded generators (up to 16A per phase) in parallel with public low-voltage distribution networks.

Engineering Recommendation G83/1-1

Relaxation of Commissioning Notification Timescales for SSEG
Certificate of Exemption  (August 2008)

On 4th August 2008, the Health & Safety Executive issued a Certificate of Exemption that effectively relaxes the timescales for notifying a DNO when comissioning Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). The DNO must still be notified but in the case of SSEG this no longer needs to be before, or at the time of, comissioning. Notification must now be made within 28 days of comissioning.

Appendix 2: Application For Connection (Word format)

Appendix 3: SSEG Installation Commissioning Confirmation (Word format)

Appendix 4: Type Verification Test Sheet (Word format)

Appendix 5: SSEG Decommissioning Confirmation (Word format)

Engineering Technical Report No. 113, Revision 1 (1995)

Notes of Guidance for the Protection of Embedded Generating Plant up to 5 MW for Operation in Parallel with Public Electricity Suppliers' distribution systems.