4.1.12 Appointing an ICP or IDNO

What is an ICP? 

  • An ICP (Independent Connections Provider) is a NERS accredited company that is entitled to build electricity networks to the specification and quality required for them to be owned by UK Power Networks.

What is an IDNO?

  • An IDNO (Independent Distribution Network Operator) is a NERS accredited company who can build their own local network. The IDNO will continue to own this local network and provide all ongoing network services, including maintenance and 24-hour fault repairs.

Which companies are NERS accredited? 

  • A list of NERS accredited ICPs and IDNOs is available here.

What can a NERS accredited ICP/IDNO do? 

  • An ICP/IDNO can carry out work that is classified as “contestable”.
    • For information on the works an ICP or IDNO can do please see the “What work can I go elsewhere for?” leaflet, which is available from here.

Why are UK Power Networks involved at all if the customer appoints an ICP? 

  • UK Power Networks owns the network in the south east of England and is ultimately responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. Any part of the network built by an ICP in this geographical area is adopted by UK Power Networks once the ICP has completed their work to a suitable standard. UK Power Networks has an obligation to ensure that the network is fit for purpose. (In some cases an ICP may build a connection for adoption by an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO). The IDNO will continue to own this local network and provide all ongoing network services, including maintenance and 24-hour fault repairs).
  • When an ICP provides connections there are certain tasks that their accreditation does not allow them to undertake. This includes any network reinforcement and in some instances, the final joint to existing live mains cables.

What should You do if you want to appoint an ICP or an IDNO to make the requested connection(s) instead of UK Power Networks?

  • You will need to obtain a quote from an accredited ICP or IDNO. Their quote will include the price for the works that they will carry out. The ICP/IDNO may not have the necessary accreditation, or they may prefer that UK Power Networks undertakes the final closing joint to our network. This is why out convertible quotes give 3 options (options A, B and C) rather than 2, to give your appointed ICP/IDNO the choice of who carries out the final closing joint to our network.
  • In order to provide a quote to you the ICP/IDNO will need to know the price that UK Power Networks will charge them for the non-contestable elements of the work. This information is provided as option B and option C in your Quote. 
  • If you decide that you would like an ICP or an IDNO to make your connection(s) instead of UK Power Networks you would deal contractually with the ICP/IDNO, who in turn would deal with UK Power Networks contractually for the non-contestable Work. 
  • If you would like to appoint an ICP or an IDNO you can pass a copy of your Quote to your chosen ICP or IDNO. They can then accept option B or option C of your Quote. This will prevent any delay in the ICP/IDNO providing you with a quote as a result of them having to contact UK Power Networks directly for a quote for the non-contestable Works. 
  • Alternatively, you can personally accept option B or option C of your Quote, but please ensure that you discharge any ICP/IDNO obligations onto the ICP or IDNO in your contractual terms with them. This will ensure that it is clear from the outset what work will be carried out by you (the Customer), UK Power Networks and by the ICP/IDNO, thereby ensuring there are no gaps, duplications or misunderstandings. 

 

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