A grid connection must be arranged with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Alternatively, some large schemes may connect directly to the Transmission Network. Network capacity is scarce in certain parts of the country and should be assessed and reserved as early as possible to prevent delays to any project.
The costs of grid connection are site-specific, but the main variables influencing cost are: connection voltage; physical location and access to the network; network capacity and availability; upgrade requirement, if any; and generation technology.
The costs vary between DNOs and also depending on the connection voltage. Design fees vary between a few hundred pounds for small low voltage connections to several thousand for connections to the 33 kV network.
The DNO has a 3 – month period to design and cost an appropriate connection. The DNO will also identify the contestable and non-contestable works.
Once the design is complete, contracts are signed. In addition, Use of System Agreements will have to be signed for the export of electricity to the network.