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Demand Connections

Demand Connections

Application

In general, for projects with a total demand of less than 20MVA at a single location, a distribution connection should be investigated first.

If you require further information on distribution connections, please refer to ESB Networks website or contact them at +353 1850 372 757.

All parties applying to connect to the transmission system must submit a formal application to EirGrid as the Transmission System Operator (TSO). Applications are processed through the Connection Offer Process as approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). This process is in place to ensure fairness, provide transparency and facilitate timely delivery of Connection Offers.

Completing and Submitting a Demand Application Form to EirGrid

The following Application form and signed copies of the following documents must be submitted as part of the application:

In order to prevent or minimise delays in the Offer Process it is important that application forms are filled out correctly and that all necessary information is provided. If an application received is deemed incomplete, EirGrid will write to the applicant requesting the outstanding information, however, this will result in a delay in the application being deemed complete and subsequently may result in a delay in processing the application.

Should you have any queries relating to specific sections of an application form please do not hesitate to contact the Customer Relations Team at + 353 1 702 6642.

Maximum Import Capacity (MIC)

It is extremely important that an applicant applying for a demand connection accurately determines and specifies the MIC required. System reinforcements will be designed to facilitate this MIC. If the MIC is amended during the connection application process, then EirGrid may have to re-evaluate the application which may result in a delay in issuing the Connection Offer. A customer's MIC will determine the Network Capacity Charge incurred and it should be noted that if a transmission connected customer consumes energy in excess of their contacted MIC they shall also be levied with an Unauthorised Usage Charge, as described in the Statement of Charges.

For further information please refer to the MIC Administration Paper (on the Transmission Use of System Charges page which was approved by the CER in January 2003. (Please note it also contains information of an amnesty process which has now concluded).

If a demand customer intends constructing onsite generation that will be paralleled to the system as part of their facility it is important that this is specified in the application as it may impact on the connection method. This is something that is often overlooked by those completing demand application forms as often the focus is on the import (MIC) capacity. Customers constructing onsite generation should also note that under legislation anyone wishing to construct a generation facility (including onsite CHP) must obtain authorisation from the CER prior to commencing work and may also require a generation licence from the CER. For further information on these requirements please contact the CER.

Application Fee

When submitting an application form to EirGrid as TSO, the application must be accompanied by all supporting documentation as requested, including two signed copies of the EirGrid standard confidentiality agreement and the first instalment of €7,000 (inclusive of VAT) of the application fee.

The total application fee is dependant on the size of the plant (taking into account MIC and if relevant MEC values) and whether shallow connection works are involved in dealing with the capacity required. The formula for calculating this fee is set out in the Statement of Charges document as approved by the CER annually. The applicant has ten (10) business days to provide the balance of the application fee once advised by the TSO.

Modification Requests & Fees

In the event that a customer with an existing Connection Offer or Connection Agreement wishes to submit a modification request, that includes changes to information provided in the original application form, the customer must submit a formal request to the relevant System Operator (SO) in line with the defined modification process. Customers should note that there are fees associated with such modification requests.  Further details can be found on the  page of this website.

The Next Steps

EirGrid is currently updating the document Process for Connection, which applies to generation and demand customers and outlines the Connection Offer Process. In the interim if you require any information on this process, please contact a member of the Customer Relations Team at + 353 1 702 6642.

Connection, Construction & Commissioning

Connection works and timing are project specific in nature. Details regarding connecting, connection works, commissioning and key dates will be outlined in the Connection Agreement.

Contestability

Under current policy, transmission connected generators and demand customers are entitled to procure large elements of their shallow connection themselves. However, there will still be work required to be done by the TSO with respect to design, approval, commissioning, final connections and remote station work. An EirGrid paper on Contestability, which has been approved by the CER, was published in October 2007. To review this document click here Contestability paper Oct 2007 .