The Embedded Capacity Register (ECR) is a list of energy generation projects (1MW or bigger) connected or contracted-to-connect to the electricity distribution networks (embedded) in Scotland, England and Wales. Each Distribution Network Operator (DNO) hosts a register.

Article by Nikki Pillinger – expert grid connections project manager

Before joining Roadnight Taylor Nikki, headed grid teams at GRIDSERVE and British Solar Renewables where she managed the origination, de-risking, project management and energisation of a large number of grid connections. Nikki has also led the grid oversight in a significant volume of both project acquisitions and project sales.

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19 June 2023

The Embedded Capacity Register (ECR) is a list of energy generation projects (1MW or bigger) connected or contracted-to-connect to the electricity distribution networks (embedded) in Scotland, England and Wales. Each Distribution Network Operator (DNO) hosts a register. Note that demand connections are not shown in the ECR, except for the import associated with storage.

Each register details information including Customer Name, project location, connection substation, Point of Connection (POC) voltage, capacity, technology type and connection status. The format of the register has been agreed through an ENA Open Networks initiative and so each DNO’s register will have similar information, however, content and definition of data fields may vary to reflect differences in local networks and data collection methodologies.

It is helpful as it allows customers and stakeholders to better understand the potential opportunities and constraints on the network, to improve and inform their decisions regarding what capacity may be available in a specific network area.

However, it must not be completely relied upon as, while the ECRs should be updated monthly, some projects or updates are missed which can provide a misleading view of the network. In addition, the exact POC (e.g. the point on a circuit where a generator will connect) is not provided, so further assessment or conversation with the DNO is required.