Connection Charging Methodology
The Voltage Rule
- Paragraph 5.30 of the connection charging methodology states "We will fully fund Reinforcement carried out greater than one voltage level above the voltage at the POC to the existing Distribution System."
- This means that if in order to provide a new connection, 'Reinforcement' is require to be carried out at more than one voltage level above the voltage at the Point of Connection (POC) to the existing distribution system, you will not normally be charged for these works (but see important section, 'Terms and Conditions' below).
- Costs that are not included in connection charges will be met by all customers generally, under 'Use of System' charges.
Reinforcement
- Reinforcement is defined as "assets installed that add capacity (network or fault level) to the existing shared use Distribution System."
- Where the Voltage Rule does not apply you will normally pay a proportion of the reinforcement costs.
- Other assets to be installed are Extension Assets which are charged to you in full.
- Reinforcement works can be expensive. Please refer to section 7 of the connection charging methodology document for indicative prices of works http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/about-us/regulatory-information/
An example
- The Distribution System normally comprises of the following voltage levels: 400 volts, 11,000 volts, 33,000 volts, 66,000 volts, 132,000 volts.
- A customer requests connection of a new commercial unit. The metering will be at 400 volts. A new substation is required to be installed. The Point of Connection will be at 11,000 volts.
- The customer will be required to pay a proportion of any reinforcement costs required at 11,000 volts and 33,000 volts but will not normally be required to pay any part of reinforcement costs at 132,000 volts (but see important section, 'Terms and Conditions' below).
Terms and Conditions
- A link to UK Power Networks standard terms and conditions is within your Quote.
- The terms and conditions provides for you to be charged the full cost of works carried out, including Reinforcement, in circumstances where you vary or terminate the agreement, or fail to take up the capacity provided for you.
- This is because in such circumstances it would be inappropriate for costs of any 'abortive works' to be met by all customers generally, under 'Use of System' charges.
- Please refer to section 6.2 'Variations to the Price.'
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