# ICP and Grid Connections

Contestable connection works, 11 kV to 132 kV, delivered to adoption.

Source: https://crestwatt.com/services/icp-grid-connections/
Publisher: CrestWatt — Electrical contracting for utility-scale solar, storage and grid connections.
Contact: info@crestwatt.com
Language: en-GB

CrestWatt provides design, project management and DNO liaison for contestable connection works, with accredited installation delivered by NERS registered partners under CrestWatt supervision and within CrestWatt’s test and records regime.

**Standards and methods cited:** ENA EREC G99, ENA EREC G81, ENA TS 41-24, BS EN 50522, BS 7671, Distribution Code

## Contestable and non-contestable works

Under the competition in connections framework, the works required to connect a customer to the distribution network are divided between non-contestable works, which only the DNO may carry out, and contestable works, which may be delivered by an accredited ICP. Contestable works typically include the HV cable route from the point of connection, the point of connection substation, metering and protection to DNO specification, earthing, and all works on the customer side of the ownership boundary. The DNO retains the connection to the existing network, any network reinforcement and the final adoption inspection.

## Scope

- Connection application support, DNO technical liaison and offer review
- Contestable design: route, point of connection, substation general arrangement, earthing to ENA TS 41-24 and BS EN 50522, protection philosophy to DNO requirements
- Point of connection substations, 11 kV to 132 kV, including coordination of civils and DNO interface works
- HV cable installation, jointing and termination
- Metering, protection and control to DNO specification
- Self-connection and self-determination of point of connection where permitted by the DNO
- Inspection and testing to the DNO’s adoption requirements, with DNO witness
- Adoption documentation and handover

## Standards

Works are delivered to the relevant DNO’s ICP approval policy and technical specifications, ENA EREC G99 (generation connections), ENA EREC G81 (design and planning of new connections), ENA TS 41-24 (substation earthing), BS EN 50522, BS 7671 and the Distribution Code.

## Interface with plant commissioning

On a generation or storage project the connection is the critical path. Where the ICP and the plant commissioning contractor are the same organisation, the energisation sequence, protection settings coordination and DNO witness schedule sit within one programme. CrestWatt offers the connection and commissioning scopes together for this reason.

## Next step

Send the connection offer and single line diagram. A contestable works proposal and programme will follow.

## Common questions

**What is the difference between contestable and non-contestable works?**

Contestable works may be delivered by an accredited ICP and typically cover the HV cable route from the point of connection, the point of connection substation, metering and protection to DNO specification, earthing, and everything on the customer side of the ownership boundary. Non-contestable works — the connection to the existing network, any reinforcement and the final adoption inspection — remain with the DNO.

**Is CrestWatt a NERS accredited ICP?**

CrestWatt provides the design, project management and DNO liaison for contestable connection works. The accredited installation is delivered by NERS registered partners working under CrestWatt supervision and within CrestWatt’s test and records regime.

**Which standards govern a contestable connection?**

The relevant DNO’s ICP approval policy and technical specifications, plus ENA EREC G99 for generation connections, ENA EREC G81 for design and planning, ENA TS 41-24 and BS EN 50522 for substation earthing, BS 7671 and the Distribution Code.

**Why combine the connection with plant commissioning?**

On a generation or storage project the connection sits on the critical path. Where the ICP and the commissioning contractor are the same organisation, the energisation sequence, protection settings coordination and DNO witness schedule sit inside one programme instead of across a contract boundary.

## Related scopes

- [HV Substation and Cable Works](https://crestwatt.com/services/hv-substation-cable-works/): Substation electrical packages and HV cable supply and installation, 11 kV to 132 kV, including switchgear, transformers, DC auxiliary systems and cable accessories.
- [Engineering and Grid Studies](https://crestwatt.com/services/engineering-grid-studies/): Electrical and PV design, earthing design, protection studies, load flow and fault level, G99 compliance, connection application support.
- [Testing and Commissioning](https://crestwatt.com/services/testing-commissioning/): IEC 62446-1 DC commissioning; AC, LV and HV pre-energisation testing; protection commissioning; SCADA point to point; witness testing; FAC compilation.