If you are procuring HV cable jointing or substation services for a new development connection, you will almost certainly be working within a framework that involves an ICP, an IDNO and a DNO, and possibly all three. Understanding what each of these organisations does and how they relate to each other helps you understand why the connection process works the way it does, and what R&D Cable Jointing's role is within it.
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a company licensed to own and operate the electricity distribution network, the cables, substations and switchgear that carry electricity from the high-voltage transmission system down to homes and businesses. The UK has six DNO licence areas, each covering a defined geographic territory:
The DNO owns and maintains the existing distribution network. When new connections are required, for housing developments, commercial sites, EV charging infrastructure or renewable energy, the DNO is the network operator that the new connection will ultimately interface with, or that the connection will be made on behalf of.
DNOs carry out some new connection works directly, but a large proportion of new connection activity is carried out by ICPs working to DNO standards under the contestable works regime.
An Independent Connection Provider (ICP) is a company accredited to design and install new electricity connections to the distribution network, working to the same standards as the DNO but operating commercially on a competitive basis. The ICP installs all of the new infrastructure, cables, substation, switchgear, metering, to the DNO's specification and hands it over to an IDNO (or occasionally the DNO itself) for ongoing ownership and maintenance.
The ICP model was introduced to bring competition to the connections market and reduce the monopoly pricing that historically characterised DNO connections. Developers can now approach an ICP to deliver their connection scope, often at lower cost and faster programme than going direct to the DNO.
ICPs are accredited under the NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme) and must demonstrate compliance with DNO standards across their design, installation and testing activities. R&D Cable Jointing works regularly within ICP supply chains, providing the specialist HV jointing, substation installation and LV works that ICPs require to complete their connection scopes.
An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) is a company licensed to own and operate electricity distribution networks that are not owned by a DNO. Where a development is served by an ICP connection, the new infrastructure, once installed and tested, is typically adopted by an IDNO, who becomes the responsible network operator for that infrastructure going forward.
The IDNO model allows private ownership of embedded distribution networks, the 11kV and LV infrastructure serving a housing estate, a business park or a commercial development. The IDNO charges the DNO for use of its network assets under a connection and use of system agreement, and is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the assets it owns.
Common UK IDNOs include ESP Utilities Group, Energy Assets Networks, UK Power Distribution, Eclipse Power Networks and Fulcrum Electricity Assets, many of whom are clients of R&D Cable Jointing.
Works on or adjacent to DNO distribution networks must be carried out under the applicable DNO's safety management system, typically the DNO's own Distribution Safety Rules (DSR). Each DNO has its own DSR framework, and engineers working on that network must hold the appropriate authorisations for that specific DNO.
We hold UKPN authorisations covering our primary operating area of London, South East England and East of England. For works on other DNO networks, we work with our approved partner network and ensure the appropriate authorisations are in place before attending site.
Send cable type, joint type, and programme dates and we'll confirm availability.