EDF Energy Networks Competition in Connections

Customers can seek competitive quotations for some of the works required to make a new connection to EDF Energy Networks electricity distribution system.

The work involved in providing new connections can be split into two categories. The first category is non-contestable work. These works can only be undertaken by the host network, in this case EDF Energy Networks. The second category is contestable work. These works may be undertaken either by EDF Energy Networks or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP). We have a dedicated Competition in Connections team to manage this activity and as a point of contact to advise ICPs on request.

The 'Your Choice' leaflet leaflet summarises what is contestable and non-contestable and as such work that we have to do and work that either we or an ICP can do.

It is also possible to have your electricity connection from an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), who will build and continue to own this local network and who will provide all ongoing network services, including maintenance and 24 hour fault repairs. The IDNO will also arrange the point of connection to the EDF Energy Network. A list of companies that hold a licence to provide this service may be obtained from www.ofgem.gov.uk

From 1 October 2007, EDF Energy Networks is required by Ofgem to meet prescribed levels of performance against the following three key Non-Contestable areas of work as specified in a new licence condition called SLC4F (Standard Licence Condition 4F):

1. Provision of quotations including Point of Connection (POC)

2. Design approval or reasoned objection

3. Completion of final connections/phased energisations.

The SLC4F Table of Services and Standards [PDF] sets out the prescribed levels of performance. SLC4F applies where the customer has requested EDF Energy Networks to provide any of the services detailed in the attached SLC4F table and where the request is limited to the provision of non-contestable connection services only. We are required to use reasonable endeavours to meet these timescales in all cases and must meet the timescales in at least 90% of all cases.

For example: if a customer has requested a formal point of connection quotation for the non-contestable elements of a low voltage demand connection, EDF Energy Networks will use reasonable endeavours to provide such a quote within 15 working days of receiving the request (subject to the 'minimum information' being provided).

In contrast, the following works may, at the option of the applicant, be carried out in their entirety either by EDF Energy Networks or by an Approved Contractor on the applicant's behalf and in accordance with our design and specification. While we will consider design options put forward by the applicant, we retain the right to approve the design before the work can proceed. An appropriate charge will be made for this service. (Please refer to our 'Statement of Basis and Methodology of Changes for Connection to the Electricity Distribution System' for further information.

1. The procurement and provision of equipment and materials to EDF Energy Networks current specification for the extension.

2. Trenching and other preparation of the site, including the circuit routes between the development and the point of connection.

3. Construction of the network extension.

4. Recording of work done and of the location of cable routes and other equipment on site or elsewhere, and the provision of this information to EDF Energy Networks.

5. Reinstatement (both temporary, if appropriate and permanent) of the site, including the circuit routes.

6. Making provision for the installation of metering equipment.

Also, elements of work on service cables for items of unmetered equipment used by highway authorities may be contestable if subject to a ‘tripartite’ agreement between the highway authority, the Approved Contractor and EDF Energy Networks.

For reasons of safety, and to enable us to comply with our duty under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, to develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity supply, the following works are the responsibility of EDF Energy Networks:

A: In respect of the existing distribution system:

1. Processing your application and network planning for the connection deciding upon the point of connection

2. Deciding the point of connection to the distribution system

3. Connection of the extension or diverted assets to the distribution system and their energisation

4. Designing (meaning planning, designing and specifying) of any works for purpose of reinforcing the distribution system

5. Carrying out of any works for the purpose of reinforcing the distribution system where the conditions for such activity being contestable work are not met.

6. Planning, designing, specifying and carrying out any works associated with the diversion of distribution assets where the conditions for such activity being contestable work are not met.

7. Removal or repositioning of existing Electrical Plant and Electric Lines.

B: In respect of a new extension to the distribution system:

1. Planning, designing (or approving the design where the approved contractor is to carry out the design) and specifying any contestable work and the materials to be used.

2. Agreeing any land rights and other consents that EDF Energy Networks requires

3. Operation, repair and maintenance of the electrical plant and the electric lines

4. Inspection, monitoring and testing of any contestable work

Please refer to our 'Statement of Basis and Methodology of Charges For Connection to the Electricity Distribution System' for further information.

Overview

An independent connections provider (ICP) can undertake contestable works. An ICP is a company that has been approved and included on the Lloyd's Register list of Contractors under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS). These companies build electricity networks to the specification and quality necessary for them to be adopted (owned) by EDF Energy Networks.

For the latest information on ICP's accredited to undertake work in EDF Energy Networks three licensed distribution areas, please visit the Lloyd's Register Group www.lloydsregister.co.uk/ners.html or alternatively by contacting us on 01293 509 402 or by e-mailing CiCgateway.connections@edfenergy.com

Overview

Any customer can request a formal quotation and normally will receive a quotation within 3 months of their completed application on provision of required information.

Further advice and information on the application process may be obtained from our Connections department on 0845 234 0040 or by downloading our Pricing Options factsheet (currently being rewritten) on the pricing options open to you under Competition in Connections and the minimum information that must be provided upon application for a formal quotation.

If you wish to make an enquiry please visit the Projects page for more information and to download an application form.

If you require a formal quotation for both contestable and non-contestable elements, or a formal quotation for non-contestable elements only, please download the following Application for the Provision of Electricity Connections

The form contains further instructions on the appropriate sections to complete. Please return the completed form and supporting documents, either by

Email to Connections.projectsgateway@edfenergy.com or
Post to EDF Energy Networks, Projects Gateway, Metropolitan House, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1AG

Click on the link below for information on how your request will be dealt with when you request a connection to EDF Energy Networks' electricity distribution system and elect to use an approved contractor to carry out the contestable works.

CiC Connections Request Process

EDF Energy Networks is interested to develop a number of trial arrangements for ‘tripartite’ agreements for the carrying out of unmetered service connections with Approved Contractors and highway lighting authorities. If you are interested in entering into such arrangements then in the first instance you should make contact with our Competition in Connections manager Gareth Davidson on 01279 824547.

For further advice and information please contact the dedicated Competition in Connections team on 01293 509 402 or e-mail CICgateway.connections@edfenergy.com

To locate our cables, please contact the Plan Provision and Cable Watch Team

Competition in Connections Complaints Resolution Process

If you have an issue or concern at any point during the process for provision of competitive electricity connections, please contact your designated contact in the first instance. If you are unable to resolve the issue or concern with the designated contact, please contact the Competition in Connections Manager, Gareth Davidson on 01279 824 547.

Where an accredited ICP undertakes the contestable work, then subject to the terms and conditions of the 'Construction and Adoption Agreement' being satisfied, ownership of the new assets will be transferred to EDF Energy Networks. This is an agreement between the customer or the customer's appointed contractor and EDF Energy Networks stating the terms and conditions under which EDF Energy Networks will adopt the new connection.

Our Construction and Adoption Agreements cover the 'conditions precedent' to be met by the customer, the customer's obligation, and EDF Energy Networks obligations.

Construction and Adoption Agreement - IDNO

Construction and Adoption Agreement with Connection Agreement

Construction and Adoption Agreement with Reservation of Capacity

When the contestable works are ready for connection to the distribution system, EDF Energy Networks must be contacted so that the connection works can be programmed. A ‘Request to Test and Connect Completed Contestable Connection Works’ form must be completed and provided to EDF Energy Networks together with full documentation concerning the network extension. Subject to the Conditions Precedent being met, we will test and connect the network extension to the distribution system and, subject to satisfactory completion, adopt the network extension

Where a customer or a customer's appointed contractor wishes to submit a design for approval, the following information must be provided as a minimum with design submissions for connections. Failure to do so will result in us being unable to process your submission:

Full postal address and postcode of the site
A site location map, with grid reference, outlining your site in relation to at least two streets or roads
Completed network, civil and electrical designs
Your estimate of the new total 'After Diversity Power Requirements' (in kVA) for the site
Number of each type of premises by category – Retail/Office/Industrial/Domestic/Other Commercial
A breakdown of the proposed load to enable us to ascertain the load characteristics (if domestic – number of dwellings with gas heating and number of dwellings with electric heating – for electric the anticipated tariff type also (E7, E10, other)
Start current of the largest lift or other motors including starter type
Protection settings or fuse sizes
Plant to be used
Payment of design approval charge
For LV Designs:

Details of the volt drop at the end of each LV main cable
Details of the highest loop impedance at a supply point on each LV main cable and at the end of each LV main cable
Short circuit current at each service.

Design Specification

To assist customers or their appointed ICPs in undertaking contestable works, a suite of national documentation has been developed setting out common requirements for Design and Planning, Material Specification and Installation and Records. Each of these is supplemented with an EDF Energy Networks appendix. The EDF Energy Networks appendices must be read in conjunction with the national framework documents, which can be found below.