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Distributed Generation

What is distributed generation?

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.

Why generate your own power?

You may have a natural source of energy available to you on your property, such as a running stream of water, high exposure to sunlight or windy conditions, that you may want to use to generate all your power needs. Sometimes, you may generate more power than you are able to use.

What happens with the excess power generated?

Instead of storing the surplus power generated, you may wish to sell the excess electricity to an Electricity Retailer. In order to sell surplus electricity, you will need to connect to our Lines Network. The detailed process can be found in our Technical Requirements for Small Scale Distributed Generation document. However, an overview of the connection process is detailed below.

What is the process for connecting to our Lines Network?

Step 1: Develop a design to determine the electricity capacity, energy production and electrical system specifications.

Step 2: Complete commercial arrangements with an Electricity Retailer. This must be completed before Step 7.

Step 3: Submit a proposal to Northpower who will check that the Network is capable of handling the output of the proposed generation and for any potential adverse effects on the Network users. Northpower will advise if any enhancements (including additional support) to the network are required. The application should be made on the Distributed Generation Application Form.

Step 4: Northpower will approve the application once any technical issues are resolved and arrangements have been made for metering. The approval notice will contain any relevant technical conditions e.g. maximum net power, power factor etc.

Step 5: Notify Northpower of your intention to proceed.

Step 6: Install the generation system (made ready to connect), and have it inspected by a registered Electrical Inspector. The Inspector may need to run the generation system for testing purposes.

Step 7: Permission to connect the generation will be given by Northpower on receiving a copy of the Inspection Report, notification from the Energy Company, and confirmation of compliance 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 in accordance with connection and operation standards).

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.

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