Independent Connection Provider (ICP) Services

There are two elements to any new or upgraded grid connection, known as ‘contestable works’ and ‘non-contestable works’.

Contestable works are parts of the connection work which can be undertaken by an ICP or IDNO. DNOs can also perform contestable works.

Examples of contestable works include cable laying and jointing, civil works including duct installation, substation installation and connection to the distribution system.

Non-contestable works typically include parts of the connection which interface with the DNO’s network. For example, deciding the point of connection to the distribution system, designing grid reinforcement works associated with a new connection, and commissioning and connecting new assets to the distribution system. Such works must be completed by the DNO or their appointed agents (which can be an Independent Connection Provider).

UK Power Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, National Grid Electricity Distribution, SP Energy Networks, Northern Powergrid, Electricity North West, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, Manx Utilities

See list here

• Greater flexibility, personal service and ‘can do’ attitude to service delivery
• Great working relationships with DNOs and ability to access Competition in Connection (CIC) teams to which clients would not have access
• Working with CIC teams speeds up delivery; we can resolve technical issues and avoid bureaucracy as we work with DNOs every day
• More cost-effective grid connections through shorter timescales and greater efficiency
• Consultancy and in-house design expertise to ensure the best solutions for your needs
• Our in-house design team create and develop technical designs to deliver sustainable, cost-effective and future-ready solutions
• Detailed and compliant designs are prepared to meet project needs, using a suite of forms and trackers to properly capture and record the end to end design approvals process for the avoidance of doubt at any stage
• SOS Synergy also delivers more by value engineering throughout this process, preparing samples, costings and technical submittals to help clients make informed decisions.

DNOs operate in specific areas, so in each area they are the only DNO (e.g. UKPN in London, SSEN in Southampton, National Grid in Birmingham etc). This means they are inundated with requests, which can (and often does) cause a backlog of work. It is not uncommon for a connection request not to be scheduled by the DNO for several months.

We primarily cover the following counties;

-Cambridgeshire
-Bedfordshire
-Buckinghamshire
-Hertfordshire
-Essex
-London
-Kent
-Surrey
-Oxfordshire
-Berkshire
-West Sussex
-East Sussex

Please contact us if you are outside of these areas as we may be able to accommodate your works

Contestable works are tasks that you can hire any accredited contractor to perform. Non-contestable works are sensitive tasks concerning the existing live network that only the licensed local network operator is legally allowed to do.

Within our quotation and under the table Package Analysis, we separate all costs to provide a clear breakout. Non-Contestable works are itemised as a singular item ‘DNO – Non-Contestable Works. Contestable works are itemised as a singular item ‘ICP – Contestable Works’.

We will manage and complete the connection procedure. This entails obtaining permits, licences, and permissions from local authorities, DNOs, and others.

-NERS regulates and standardises UK electrical distribution by providing defined requirements, scopes, and responsibilities that ICPs must follow when working on electricity networks for their customers.

-ICPs must follow regulations and industry standards to ensure connection infrastructure safety, reliability, and compliance. They must adhere to regulatory guidelines and work with DNOs and energy providers, of which we are one, to help streamline the process.