Grid Connections

Why choose Powersystems for your grid connection project?

• Powersystems are a Lloyds NERS accredited ICP with over 48 years’ experience in the design and construction of grid connection works on electrical power projects across various sectors
• We are able to carry out Contestable Works up to and including 132 kV, making us a great alternative to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)
• We pride ourselves on our regularly assessed and outstanding customer service
• We will support you all the way through the project development and quotation phase, from a technical and process point of view
• Bespoke connection market business processes and IT systems allow us to be highly responsive to customer needs
• Our network expertise, working relationships, connections and problem-solving skills are industry leading
• We have the in-house skill-sets to take on any connections project in urban or rural and green or brown field environments
• To see more of Powersystems electrical engineering experience, visit our latest projects section

Providing you with a competitive grid connection

Since the deregulation of the electricity connections monopoly and the introduction by Ofgem of Competition in Connections (CIC), Powersystems have been successfully providing grid connections across all of the distribution network areas in the UK.

Whether a renewable energy project, your industrial/commercial premises or a generation scheme, Powersystems are able to provide a competitive connection offer.

Our teams of engineers will manage the entire connection process from initial application, design, construction and commissioning, through to final energisiation and adoption.

From application to energisation

Lloyds Register is responsible for assessing and accrediting Independent Connections Providers (ICPs) under the National Electricity Registration Scheme.

Under our full scope of National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) accreditation we are able to undertake connection design work, cable installation, cable jointing, substation design and construction, switchgear and transformer installation and testing and commissioning services. Powersystems carry out contestable works from low voltage up to 132 kV.

As an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) Powersystems have been assessed and accredited nationally by Lloyds register to carry out:

• Design
• Project Management
• Cable laying (LV, 11 kV, 33 kV, 66 kV, 132 kV)
• Cable jointing (LV,11 kV, 33 kV, 66 kV, 132 kV)
• Substation installation (11 kV, 33 kV, 66 kV, 132 kV)
• All associated civil engineering works including excavation, cable laying and back-filling

This accreditation enables us to provide grid connections in all areas of the UK, at voltage levels up to 132 kV and as a result we have successfully completed a large number of projects.

Powersystems celebrate 28 years as the UK’s first Independent Connection Provider.

We have civil construction capability which enables us to offer clients a ‘turnkey’ connection service to include trenching works, directional drilling, substation building, construction and design from small 11 kV substations up to 132 kV primary substations.

What is an Independent Connection Provider (ICP)?

ICP stands for Independent Connection Provider, and refers to an accredited company that can build electricity networks to the specification and quality required by Distribution Network Operators or an Independent Distribution Network Operators.

• An ICP like Powersystems is an accredited company that can build electricity networks to agreed standards and quality required for them to be owned by either a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO)
• Since Ofgem introduced the concept of Competition in Connections, customers have the option to have the majority of connection work, which is referred to as contestable work, carried out by a third-party connection provider like Powersystems
• For an ICP like Powersystems to carry out some of the connection works they must be registered with National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) that is administered by Lloyds’ Register
• An Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is an accredited company that carries out works on behalf of clients on the electricity network. These networks are normally owned by either a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or an Independent Distribution Network Operator
• Contestable works do not have to be carried out by your DNO. They can also be carried out by Powersystems who are listed on the National Electricity Registration Scheme

Powersystems have carried out a large number of grid connections for a varied clientele, ranging from Data Centres, Industrial Customers, Formula One Racing Teams, Health Trusts, Water Industry, Major Film Studio/Visitor Attraction and the Renewable Energy Sector.

Why use an Independent Connection Provider?

There can be many benefits to using an ICP like Powersystems including:

• Greater choice
• Greater flexibility
• Faster delivery
• Can be more cost effective

Powersystems grid connection ENA application and feasibility studies

We also offer a grid connection ENA application and feasibility study service through our engineering administration department, where Powersystems will guide you through the process with a safe pair of hands as well as deal with all aspects of your application and liaise with the DNO on your behalf. The team will take the pressure, pain and unknown out of this process on your behalf.

We can carry out application services for:

• Electric vehicle charging hubs
• Grid scale generation schemes
• Demand applications (not domestic homes)
• Electrical infrastructure upgrades (adding more demand/capacity to your project)

Whether an industrial, commercial premises or generation scheme Powersystems are able to provide a competitive grid connection offer. Our team of engineers and support staff manage the entire connection process from initial application, design, construction and commissioning through to final energisation and adoption.

Powersystems contestable works

As an Independent Connections Provider (ICP) accredited contractor, Powersystems will carry out the following works for your project:

• Completing the ENA application and feasibility study on your behalf
• Assess the impact of your new grid connection to the existing network
• Identify and design the Point of Connection (POC) to the existing network
• Assist with legal consents for overhead line routes, cable routes and substation sites
• Advise on contestable reinforcement of the existing network
• Network extension design
• Obtain and supply equipment and materials to DNOs’ current specification
• Site preparation and trenching, including the cable routes between the development and the connection point
• Substation re-sites and diversions required by the new connection development
• Construction of the network route
• All work is approved are approved by the DNO at regular intervals, with full provision of the records to the DNO
• Reinstatement of any excavations carried out including cable routes
• Provide the metering panel ready for your meter operator provider (MOP) to install the meter/s

Non contestable works

Non contestable works are the types of works only to be carried out by the Distribution Network Operator, these can include:

• Specifying equipment and materials to be used on their network
• Approval of the new ICP connection/network design
• Inspection and monitoring of the ICPs construction work on the new network
• Witnessing the ICP testing the new electrical equipment installed
• Final energisation and adoption to the DNO network

Project Management

48 years hard earned knowledge in the design and installation of high voltage electrical infrastructure ensures that your project starts on an accurate and realistic foundation – the prerequisite for successful project management.

Design and Build

With extensive industry knowledge, our design team are able to propose and develop power engineering solutions to meet any challenge.

Procurement

Powersystems are able to ensure that the equipment required for your project will be designed and procured systematically and consistently applied assurance criteria to each part of the procurement process, with the correct specification, delivered within the constraints of the contract and competitively priced. 

Substations

Powersystems provide a full range of substation services.  From complete turnkey, bespoke engineered solutions to routine asset replacement or maintenance services from LV all the way through to 132 kV.

Switchgear

Installation of high voltage switchgear is a highly specialised activity. Powersystems have the specialist expertise to install switchgear from 415 V to 132kV.

Transformers

Powersystems have experience of specifying and installing every type of power transformer with primary voltages up to 132 kV we will also design and install full transformer control and protection of all types of transformers.

Cable Installation

Using our specialist in-house cable installation teams Powersystems are able to offer the complete range of cabling solutions from control and auxiliary cables, low voltage power and high voltage power cabling.

Testing and Commissioning

The testing and commissioning of high voltage electrical equipment is a highly specialised activity with each and every installation being tested by a trained engineer to exacting standards.