Agreements for CiC schemes

We have developed a bilateral agreement which combines both the network access for live LV jointing (and trial HV Operations jointing) together with the network adoption agreement. This FNAA Agreement allows an ICP/IDNO to sign up to one overarching agreement for adoption of assets and live jointing works across all four NGED areas. A Site Specific Schedule sits under the overarching agreement and is put in place for each scheme or project and requires substantially less paper work than the previous Tripartite agreement.

Click here to view the Agreement.

To enter into this agreement with us, or if you have any questions please contact the connection policy team at nged.connectionpolicy@nationalgrid.co.uk

Where the new connections and network are to be adopted by an IDNO the connection to our distribution network will be covered under a Bilateral Connection Agreement detailing matters such as the connection characteristics and responsibilities.

Click here to view the Agreement.

As a result of the supply contract your end user enters into with a supplier, they will automatically enter into the National Terms of Connection. In some instances however, such as higher voltages or where they will be exporting via generation, a site specific WPD connection agreement is needed.

A connection agreement is between the owner/occupier and WPD. This agreement will set out he necessary terms and conditions upon which the customer is connected to the Distribution System.

The connection agreement contains information such as the address of the connection, the owner of the connection, the capacity being connected and whether this is for import or export. There may also be diagrams showing the ownership boundary of the physical assets between the owner of the connection and WPD.

To view examples of Connection Agreements, please click here.

Novation Agreements

Agreements are formed in relation to connection works between WPD and the customer, for example upon acceptance of the terms and conditions of a formal offer for connection. In some instances, the company who initially entered into an agreement will wish to be replaced by an alternative company. This may occur, for example, where developments are sold with the inclusion of services already paid for.

A Novation can be used to allow the new customer to be bound by the terms of the Agreement as if it had always been party to it.

Should you wish to carry out a novation to an agreement, please speak to your local WPD contact.

To view an example Novation, please click here.

Extensions of contestability

Once an ICP has signed up to the FNAA Agreement, they can choose to participate in further offerings that have been made available with the opening of the Connections Market.

A number of Extension of Contestability Agreements (EoC’s) are available for ICP’s to sign onto which will enable them to carry out additional works in relation to Competition-inConnections activities.

To enter into any of these agreements with us, or if you have any questions, please contact the connection policy team at [email protected].

Self-determination of a point of connection

In some instances, ICP's and IDNO's can determine their own Point of Connection (POC) in place of applying to WPD for a POC.

The table below identifies the Market Segments within which the ICP/IDNO can determine their own Point of Connection:

The following criteria when a Point of Connection can be determined through the Standard Design Matrix utilising the common template:

A copy of the EoC for Self-Determination of a Point of Connection is available to view:

Self-Determination of a Point of Connection

Self inspection

We undertake inspections on ICP’s for both their design work and physical installation of assets t be adopted by WPD. As inspections are completed, ICP’s will move through the differing inspection levels which decrease the percentage of inspections required. Once they have attained level 3 in all areas, in which 5% of schemes will be inspected, ICP’s can apply to move to a self-inspection level.

A copy of the EoC for Self-Inspection is available to view here

LV Cable identification service

ICPs are responsible for carrying out their works in a safe manner and this includes positively identifying the correct cable prior to making a connection. ICPs are unable to undertake signal injection identification on the NGED network. An EoC is available where ICPs wish to ask NGED to undertake this method of identification on their behalf when needed.

A copy of the EoC for LV Cable Identification Service is available here.

Rent a test probe

We can provide Test Equipment on a when needed basis to ICP’s who have entered into the Rent a Test Probe extension of contestability agreement. The hire of this equipment is subject to the terms and conditions of the Test Prod Hire EoC Agreement.

A copy of the EoC for Rent a Test Prod is available to here.

Issues and return of keys for WPD substations

Under the self-connection processes, ICPs may on occasion require access to NGED substations in the course of their works. This agreement enables ICP’s to hire substation keys from NGED. A copy of the EoC for Issue and Return of Keys for NGED Substation is available to view here.

Self-Approval of Design

In some instances, ICPs and IDNO's can self-approve their own design, subject to the qualifying criteria to reach self-inspection level. The table below indicates the Market Segments within which the ICP/IDNO can self-approve their designs:

An audit process is in place to ensure that designs are compliant with WPD policies and standard techniques.

The table below identifies the qualifying criteria that will apply to allow an ICP/IDNO to move between the different levels of design approval:

Further details on self-determination of a point of connection and design self-approval can be found within the standard techniques which can be accessed via the Technical Information page.