Explainers – Connectology®
Explanations on the technical terms relating to electricity network and grid connections, including both advanced explainers for network professionals – and less advanced for ‘network newbies’.
Explanations on the technical terms relating to electricity network and grid connections, including both advanced explainers for network professionals – and less advanced for ‘network newbies’.
Technical Limits is the process being rolled out by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) (as part of the ENA’s 3-point plan), starting at the end of 2023, to allow distribution schemes to connect before large scale transmission reinforcement work has finished.
The terms firm and non-firm are used in relation to grid connections in various ways. The two main ways are in relation to the connection design and network access, as we explain here.
A Cost Apportionment Factor (CAF) is part of the method by which electricity network reinforcement costs are passed on to connecting customers. A CAF is applied up to the level of the high-cost cap. Here we explain more.
The Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) Register is a record of generation projects that hold contracts for Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) with National Grid ESO
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).
Deep Connect and Manage (DC&M) was thought of as a way to allow additional distribution generation to connect to the electricity networks, without incurring huge transmission reinforcement costs. Here we explain more.
Connect and Manage (C&M) was introduced to improve access to the transmission system for transmission-connected generators. Here we look at C&M, enabling works, wider works, higher system constraints and attributable liabilities.
Recent changes to charging rules make it essential to properly define when demand is‘final’, as in used onsite, and what was ‘non-final’ and due to be exported back into the network.
Third Party Works are works which are associated with a connection being made directly onto the electricity transmission network but which must first be carried out downstream on an electricity distribution network which it will be impacting.
The Minimum Scheme is the grid connection design that provides the required capacity at the lowest overall capital cost, as estimated by the Distribution Network Operator. It has its nuances though, as Pete Asont explains.