Businesses and individuals that own or operate electricity generation like solar, wind, gas and combined heat and power (CHP) should apply now for funding to help them update their generation equipment. The deadline for applications is 10 May.
New Distribution Code regulations come into effect on 1 September 2022 that mean protection settings for generation equipment have to be adjusted to make generation more reliable and give the electricity network more strength and resilience.
Funding has been available to make the change under the so-called Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme operated by NGESO and Distribution Network Operators. But the window for applications closes on 10 May and once the funding ends, generator owners will still need to meet the compliance requirements but will have to pay for the updates themselves. They can apply for funding themselves and make the changes or can engage with contractors who can apply for funding and complete the works for them.
By September, all electricity generation within the scope of the programme must be compliant, or face Ofgem approved enforcement action and potential de-energisation of the entire site. Generator owners must submit compliance declarations and evidence to support the declaration via the ENA portal by midnight on 31 August.
NGESO and the DNOs are keen to alert businesses that have on-site generation to the programme, which affects generation that:
• Was installed before February 2018 (or in some cases, July 2018).
• Is between 11kW and 50MW
• Is connected via the G59 engineering requirement of the Distribution Code.
Cheng Chen, senior manager for the ALoMCP at National Grid ESO, says: “Compliance with Loss of Mains requirements is not optional and so electricity generator owners should take advantage of the funding that is available now to help them make the upgrades.”
Visit www.futureproofyourpower.co.uk to find out more about the changes and use the self-serve tool to find out their next steps.