Competition in connections

You can obtain alternative quotations for some of the work associated with obtaining a new connection from SSEPD’s distribution network. The work involved in providing a new connection falls into two categories:

• Contestable work – where new plant and equipment need to be installed to provide new connections.
  
• Non-contestable work – where existing plant and equipment needs to be upgraded or altered on an existing network which means the work must be carried out by SSEPD. This is for safety reasons and to enable us to comply with our duty under the 1989 Electricity Act to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of supply.

We have to carry out the following aspects of the work:

• Processing your application, deciding on and planning the point of connection to our network.
• Design, specification and construction of alterations to our network (excluding certain diversion works classed as contestable).
• Design, specification and procurement of materials for the non contestable part of the connection work.
• Approving design work carried out by accredited Independent Connections Providers (ICP’s).
• Providing specifications for ICPs carrying out contestable connection works click here for further information (links to ssepd home-technical info-model agreements-connection specification).
• Obtaining necessary consents and wayleaves for the connection works.
• Jointing of the final connection to our distribution network.
• Operation, repair and maintenance of the network supplying your electricity.
• Inspection, monitoring and testing of work carried out by ICPs.

Contestable work is work which can either be carried out by SSEPD or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP). An ICP is a company which can build electricity networks to the specification required for them to be adopted by SSEPD. Further details of accredited ICPs can be found at www.lloydsregister.co.uk.

The following work can be carried out either by SSEPD or an ICP:

• Design, procurement of materials, project management and construction of the contestable connection works (including some diversion works classed as contestable. Our Connections Methodology Statements give more information.
   SEPD Connections Methodology SHEPD Connections Methodology
• Carry out cable trenching and installation of ducts on site.
• Live jointing, excluding final connection to our distribution network.
• Carry out substation building and civil works on site.
• Carry out non-electrical work off site (including meeting the provisions of New Roads and Street Works Act).