Get Connected
Distributed generation is a term used to describe equipment used to generate electricity from small scale energy sources, such as solar, photovoltaic, wind, gas, hydro and biomass.
Customers who generate their own electricity on-site via a small scale generator may generate surplus power to their own needs. Instead of storing the surplus power generated, customers may wish to sell the excess electricity to an Energy Company. In order to sell surplus electricity, customers will need to connect to the Northpower Lines Network. The process for connecting a distributed generation system to the Northpower Network is detailed in Northpower’s Technical Requirements for Small Scale Distributed Generation document. An overview of the process is detailed below:
Process for Connecting a Distributed Generation System
- Develop a design to determine the electricity capacity, energy production and electrical system specification.
- Complete commercial arrangements with an Energy Company (must be completed before Step 7).
- Submit proposal to Northpower who will check that the Network is capable of handling the proposed generation and for any potential “quality of supply” issues. Northpower will advise if any enhancements (including additional network) to the network are required. The application should be made on the Distributed Generation Application form.
- Northpower will approve the application once any technical issues are resolved and arrangements have been made for metering. Note the approval notice will contain any relevant technical conditions, e.g. maximum net power, power factor, etc.
- Notify Northpower of intention to proceed.
- Install the generation system (made ready to connect), and have it inspected by a registered electrical inspector. Note the inspector may need to run the generation system for testing purposes.
- Permission to connect generation will be given on receiving a copy of the Inspection Report, notification from the Energy Company, and confirmation with Electricity Governance (Connection to Distributed Generation) Regulation 2007, unless a connection contract has been entered into (generally small scale distributed generation will be on “regulated terms”).
Northpower’s policies and procedures for the application for installation and connection of Distributed Generation are in accordance with the requirements of the Electricity Governance (Connection of Distributed Generation) Regulations 2007.
For further information visit Distributed Generation under Services or Northpower on (09) 430 1803 to discuss your situation further.
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