Information for Customers
You have a choice on who delivers your new or modified connection scheme to our distribution network. We can provide you with a complete connection service but you may also ask an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) or an Independent Network Operator (IDNO) to undertake some of the works.
Further information regarding how the competition in connections process works can be found in our leaflet here.
What is an Independent Connection Provider (ICP)?
An Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is a company that can build electricity networks for adoption by WPD. The ICP must be registered with Lloyds Register EMEA under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS).
Where can I find an ICP?
Please click here for a list of ICPs active in the WPD area.
Click here for access to the Lloyds Register website for further details of the NERS scheme and a list of registered ICP’s.
What work can be done by an ICP?
Connections works are split into contestable and non-contestable works. Contestable works can be carried out by WPD, an ICP or an IDNO. Non-contestable works can only be undertaken by WPD or our agents. A table of contestable and non-contestable activities can be found at the bottom of this page.
Click here for details of the operational activities that an ICP is permitted to undertake on the WPD network.
What is an Independent Network Operator (IDNO)?
An Independent Network Operator (IDNO) is a company that can construct electricity networks, arranges connections to WPD’s network, retains ownership of and be responsible for the operation of that new network.
Where a new connection and new network is built by an ICP it may be adopted by an IDNO. In this case, the end customers connected to this new network will be customers of the IDNO rather than WPD.
Where can I find an IDNO?
A list of IDNO's can be found here.
What are Contestable and Non-Contestable Works?
Contestable works are the elements of the connections work which can be undertaken by an ICP or IDNO rather than WPD. Non-contestable works are the elements of the connections work which must be completed by WPD or our appointed agents.
A list of activities can be found in our connection charging methodologies. Click here to view the methodology documents for each region.
The following table summarises elements of the work that are either Non-Contestable (can only be undertaken by WPD) or Contestable (may be undertaken by WPD, an ICP or an IDNO):
| ICP | WPD | Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Determine point of connection to distribution system | No | Yes | Yes |
| Design of extension assets; | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Design upstream reinforcement works associated with new connections | No | Yes | |
| Design diversionary works associated with new connections | Yes | Yes | |
| Design approval | No | No | Yes* |
| Plant and materials specifications | No | Yes | |
| Procure materials for own works | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Land rights negotiations with third party landowners | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Produce wayleave/easement documentation and enter into agreements with third party landowners | No | Yes | |
| Trench excavation and duct installation - on site | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trench excavation and duct installation - on public highway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Construction of substation buildings and other civil works - on site | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cable laying for own works | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Substation plant installation for own works | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Excavation for jointing bay - on site | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Excavation for own works jointing bay - public highway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jointing (dead) of cables within extension assets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connection of Contestable works (live) to the distribution system. For the avoidance of doubt this applies to LV works only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connection of Contestable works to the distribution system at HV | No | Yes | Yes |
| Connection of Contestable works to the distribution system at EHV | No | Yes | No |
| Excavation for joints to connect Contestable works to distribution system (closing joints) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live LV jointing on newly adopted new extension assets1 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reinforcement/diversionary work on the existing distribution system | No2 | Yes | |
| Quality assurance inspections | No | Yes | Yes** |
| Testing of extension assets installed by ICP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commissioning and connection of extension assets to the distribution system | No | Yes | Yes |
| Recording of installed assets | Yes3 | Yes | Yes |
| Operations, repairs and maintenance | No | Yes | No |
| HV Operations | No | Yes | Yes*** |
| Removing disconnected LV mains, HV and EHV Overhead conductors and poles | No | Yes | No |
| Removing disconnected Pole and Ground type substations | No | Yes | No |
1Live LV jointing may be carried out by a suitable accredited ICP subject to our prior agreement.
2Sole funded reinforcement and diversionary works associated with the new connection carried out independently of the existing distribution system will be treated as Contestable work.
3Only for Contestable works installed by the ICP.
*For LV and HV demand.
**Subject to specific criteria being met.
***Subject to the provision and acceptance of the ICP's Safety Management System.