4.1.12 Appointing an ICP or IDNO

What is an ICP? 

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

What is an IDNO?

  • An IDNO (Independent Distribution Network Operator) is a company licensed by Ofgem, to own and operate electricity networks.
  • An IDNO network will be connected to the local distribution network, which is owned by us. However, the IDNO will be responsible for managing and operating their locally owned network, including all future maintenance and fault repairs. Networks that are built by ICPs will be adopted by either a Distribution Network Operator such as UK Power Networks or by an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO).

Which companies are NERS accredited? 

  • A list of NERS accredited ICPs is available here.

What can a NERS accredited ICP do? 

  • An ICP 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 three distribution network licences based geographically 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 may be 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). In these circumstances, 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 services 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 to make the requested connection(s) instead of UK Power Networks?

  • You will need to obtain a quote from an accredited ICP. Their quote will include the price for the works that they will carry out. The ICP 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 our convertible quotes give 3 options (options A, B and C), to give your appointed ICP the choice of who carries out the final closing joint onto our network.
  • In order to provide a quote to you the ICP 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 in option B and option C in your Quote. 
  • If you decide that you would like an ICP to make your connection(s) instead of UK Power Networks you will need to deal contractually with the ICP directly, who in turn will enter into a contract with UK Power Networks for the non-contestable Work. 
  • If you would like to appoint an ICP you can pass a copy of your Quote to your chosen ICP. The ICP can then accept option B or option C of your Quote. This will prevent any delay in the ICP 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 obligations onto the ICP in your contract 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. 

 

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