Applying to connect and receiving your offer

As of April 2023, all new connection applications should be submitted via the Electricity System Operator portal here. This replaces the previous connection application form process. Please refer to the page linked above for more information

Who is involved at this stage? 

A specialised team including your dedicated Account Manager, Power System Engineers and Feasibility Engineers, will work with you to design your connection to the network. Our Power Systems Engineers undertake computer-based study work to assess the electrical impact of your connection on the network. They run thermal, fault level and other studies to specify equipment ratings and also understand the wider impact of your connection. To do this, they will use industry standards, such as the Security and Quality of Supply Standard (SQSS), to ensure your connection offer is the most economic and efficient solution.

Our Feasibility Engineers work with the Power System Engineers to design the practical solution for your connection, taking into account site specific factors and feasibility information. Once your connection design has been agreed, your Account Manager will collate all the relevant information into a contract which is then sent to the ESO and a connection agreement contract will be sent to you.
 

Obtaining a lease for your connection

When applying to connect, you may also need to secure an easement for your connection or you may intend to utilise National Grid’s portfolio of non-operational land for your connection. Note that any easements or lease will not be directly secured through your connection agreement; however, completion of your connection will be dependent on securing these. To discuss easements or leases you will need to contact our Land & Property team.

National Grid’s Land and Property Team is responsible for agreeing easements, leases and licences across this portfolio. This includes areas needed for transmission connected generation as well as for temporary works compounds and cable rights.