con 08 115 icp self-connection & operational activity...

UK Power Networks CON 08 115v3.0

ICP Self-Connection & Operational Activity ProcedureOwner

Name Steve RogersTitle Competition in Connections Manager

Signature

Date 26 June 2017

Authoriser

Name Martyn CrockerTitle CiC Operations Manager

Signature

Date 23 June 2017

This document forms part of the UK Power Networks Integrated Management System and compliance with its requirements is mandatory. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the above authoriser.

Revision Record

Version number 3.0 What has changed?New HV self-connect mechanism 3 offering detailed. Minor amendments to process maps. Forms CON 08 115a – c (now v2.1): SORN version numbers and reference number changed; CON 08 115d added (v1.0); CON 08 115e published following withdrawal of HSS Bulletin NB 171 (v1.0).

Why has it changed?Procedure reviewed to align with new HV self-connect offering

Date published 27/06/2017

Next review date 27/01/2020

Prepared by Martyn Crocker

Version number 2.0 What has changed?Change of owner and authoriser. Revision section included to SORN documents. Clarity on ICP staff authorisation. Forms CON 08 115 a - c updated no changes.

Why has it changed?Annual review of procedure




Version number 1.0 What has changed?New Document

Why has it changed?New document as a result of the introduction of the Competition in Connections Code of Practice. Replaces CON 08 106, CON 08 107 and CON 08 110.




This printed document is valid at 14/09/23, check after this date for validity. of 15


Who needs to know?

☐ All UK Power Networks Staff☒ Asset Management☒ Capital Programme☒ Connections☐ Contractors☐ Customer Services☐ Finance

☐ Legal☒ G81 External website☐ HR & Communications☐ SHE&TT

☐ In Business HSS☐ Safety Reps

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☒ Strategy and Regulation☐ UK Power Networks Services

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☐ Others (specify)

Contents

1.0 Introduction and Purpose...............................................................................................32.0 Scope................................................................................................................................33.0 Objective...........................................................................................................................44.0 References.......................................................................................................................45.0 Definitions........................................................................................................................56.0 Responsibilities...............................................................................................................67.0 Records............................................................................................................................88.0 Process Detail..................................................................................................................9

8.1 General Principles..................................................................................................98.2 Process Maps.......................................................................................................14



1.0 Introduction and PurposeAll DNOs are required to comply with a common Competition in Connections Code of Practice (CoP). One requirement of the CoP is for each DNO to enter into arrangements that will enable ICPs to undertake the self-connection of newly installed network extension assets in prescribed circumstances.

This document is to set out arrangements that will allow an ICP to make the final connection of assets to the UK Power Networks Distribution System at LV & HV. It also details arrangements permitting an ICP to undertake Operational Activity.

2.0 ScopeThis procedure applies to the final connection of HV & LV mains and distribution plant by an ICP, and details the level of Operational Activity an ICP is permitted to undertake on the UK Power Networks’ distribution system.

The parameters in which an ICP can undertake the Works are:

LV Final Connection Works – Jointing

Final connection of underground mains and services for metered connections including any associated underground services for unmetered connections

Final connection to the underground network only; applicable to all UK Power Networks distribution network areas

HV Final Connection Works – Jointing

Final connection of newly installed underground mains and/or distribution plant

Final connection to the underground network only; applicable to all UK Power Networks distribution network areas

LV Operational Activity

An ICP engineers’ competency will permit the following LV operational work:

Identification of LV cables via signal injection

Installation of LV underground back-feeds to facilitate any final connection cable jointing works or maintain supplies during any HV final connection works

Pre-conditioning of the LV network to facilitate any LV final connection jointing works within the LPN normally interconnected network area

Isolation of an LV cable to facilitate a final connection in accordance with UK Power Networks safe working practices, for example, isolation of a clean LV pot-ended feeder, where working practices state the jointing works shall be completed dead

Installation of LV load monitoring equipment in secondary sub-stations (Note – this does not fall under the requirements of a SORN as detailed below)

HV Operational Activity

An ICP engineers’ competency will permit the following HV operational work:

Manage connections to the underground network in all 3 network areas, inclusive of the LPN normally interconnected network

The ICP engineer will be permitted to apply underground Circuit Main Earths only

The ability to sectionalise the HV network to facilitate a new connection, this will include the operation of HV overhead apparatus, for example, an ABSD.



If a connection at either LV & HV involves the interruption to a consumers’ supply (inclusive of the connection of a temporary generator) and/or works on the overhead line network, the works will remain non-contestable and shall be completed by UK Power Networks. The ICP can still opt for self-connect mechanism 1 (UK Power Networks SAP issues PTW to ICP Jointer) with UK Power Networks taking ownership of any of the above limitations.

3.0 ObjectiveThis document provides a high level overview of the full process flow for the HV & LV Operational and Jointing activity carried out by ICPs, including responsibilities and ownership.

4.0 References

CON 00 010 Extension of Contestability Policy

CON 00 027 ICP Jointing to Existing Mains Standard

CON 08 109 Access to ICP eMAPS Portal Procedure

CON 08 115a SORN Request Form - LV Jointing & Operational Activity

CON 08 115b SORN Request Form - HV Jointing Activity

CON 08 115c SORN Request Form - HV Jointing & Operational Activity

CON 08 115d SORN Request Form - HV Transfer of Control

CON 08 115e Clarity on Roles & Responsibilities for Work by ICPs on UKPN HV/LV Networks

CON 08 117 MPAN Generation Procedure

COP 01 006 UK Power Networks System Alteration Notice Procedure

DSRs UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules

HSS 02 004 Audit, Inspection and Monitoring of Networks Connection Providers

HSS 40 045 Basic Requirements for Live Working on Low Voltage Apparatus

HSS 41 006 Assessment & Accreditation of ICPs

HSS 41 008 Authorisation of ICP Craftsman by UK Power Networks

HSS 41 009 Authorisation of ICP APs and SAPs by UK Power Networks

NOP 50 021 Operational Control of UKPN Low Voltage Distribution Network



5.0 Definitions

ABSD Air Break Switch Disconnector

AFS Application for Switching

Agreement The Construction and Adoption Agreement between UK Power Networks and the ICP, including terms for adoption and for network access

BTS Bilateral Technical Statement

Business Days All days of the week excluding Saturday and Sunday and any public holidays in England and Wales

Checks Those checks to be carried out by the ICP in accordance with the Agreement

CiC Competition in Connections

Connection Activity Jointing to make final connection to the DNO’s existing distribution network including non-intrusive identification of cables at the point of work (i.e. the ability to differentiate between all cable types on appropriate records and physical cable tracking to known LV joints or terminations).

CoP Code of Practice

CTC Control Transfer Certificate

Design Activity Activity that requires access to UKPN records and design/planning procedures, to enable the development of a contestable network extension design

EHV A voltage exceeding 22000 volts AC

EPN Eastern Power Networks

G81 Appendix The addendum appendix to the national suite of framework documents developed setting out common requirements for

(i) design and planning

(ii) material specifications

(iii) installation and records

HV A voltage exceeding 1000 volts AC but not exceeding 22000 volts

ICP Independent Connections Provider

IDNO Independent Distribution Network Operator

Inter-connected Network

That part of London Power Networks low voltage Distribution System that is operated on an inter-connected basis as opposed to being radial

Live Working Arrangements for the control and monitoring of ICP live working on



Regime the UK Power Networks electricity distribution system, including use of defined points of entry and exit of the live working regime, as described within this procedure

LPN London Power Networks

LV A voltage not exceeding 1000 volts AC

NERS National Electricity Registration Scheme. The scheme for the assessment of service providers carrying out contestable work

Operational Activity Activity that requires access to the existing distribution system at points other than at the jointing position. Includes intrusive methods of cable identification (i.e. the connection of electronic cable tracing signal generators to the cable(s) required to be identified).

PTW Permit to Work – UK Power Networks Safety Document

RSoN Relevant Section of Network

RTU Remote Terminal Unit

Site Any specified part or section of the area at which the ICP is performing connections

Specification The appendices (as published from time to time by UK Power Networks) to the Electricity Network Association’s document G81 which set out the design standards, the material standards, the installation standards and any other standards applicable to the Works

SPN South East Power Networks

Works The connection of HV or LV mains, plant and associated equipment for metered new connections including any closing joints to UK Power Networks’ distribution system

6.0 ResponsibilitiesUK Power Networks Responsibilities

Any information that UK Power Networks is to provide under this procedure will be to a comparable level of accuracy as is provided to its own connections teams.

The ICP shall access the UK Power Networks cable records via the E-Maps portal or alternatively upon written request to the Plan Provision department of UK Power Networks, who will supply the ICP with drawings showing the location of the Electric Lines comprising the Distribution System in the vicinity of the proposed Works.

The ICP shall be provided access to the HV & LV network operational diagrams in an electronic book format. The ICP AP/SAP shall also be able to access the GE Power On system for the inputting of switching applications at HV.

UK Power Networks will grant network access to the ICP to undertake the operational activity and/or connection activity by operation of a SORN process.

UK Power Networks will enable access to the LV or HV distribution network for the ICP.



UK Power Networks reserves the right to withdraw use of this procedure from any ICP that does not comply with its terms.

ICP’s Responsibilities

The responsibility for ensuring a Safe System of Work rests with the ICP. The ICP must ensure that its own Safe Systems of Work takes due consideration of UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules and any relevant supporting procedures.

The ICP Safe System of Work should satisfy as a minimum the standards required within the UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules and supporting procedures. The ICP will ensure that its own Safety Rules and relevant procedures are to a standard at least equivalent to those of UK Power Networks. It will be the responsibility of Lloyds Register to check the ICP understands that its safety management system must meet this standard in accordance with the NERS Scheme.

The ICP shall carry out the Works to no lesser standard than all applicable UK Power Networks policies and procedures as provided by UK Power Networks and shall ensure that all Works are compliant with G81.

The ICP accepts that this procedure may only be used for so long as it:

Has appropriate full NERS accreditation for the task to be undertaken

Uses suitably qualified and experienced staff to undertake the final connection works and/or operational activity.

ICP staff shall be in possession of an appropriate competency certificate, in accordance with Option 1, 2 or 3 of the CiC Code of Practice

Accepts liability for the costs of any remedial works that become necessary as a result of failing to operate the procedure as documented

Accepts that UK Power Networks will provide information to a comparable level of accuracy as is provided to its own connections teams.

To undertake any Operational Activity, has entered into the Competition in Connections Code of Practice Framework Agreement

The ICP must be certified under the Lloyds Register NERS scheme as accredited to carry out the specified work on UK Power Networks distribution system. This will include one or many of the following Lloyds NERS scopes, or as modified by Lloyds NERS:

Network Connections (Jointing) – Unmetered, Metered, LV Terminations, LV Mains & Services, 11kV Mains

Network Connections (Operational) – LV, 11kV



7.0 RecordsUK Power Networks

To monitor performance of any connection activity or operational activity undertaken by an ICP, data will be captured and held by the Competition in Connections Delivery team. This data will be used to highlight any non-conformances by UK Power Networks or ICP staff in relation to the application of this procedure. An example of the data captured, would be instances where works are not fully completed by the ICP and remain outstanding following the connection of the new asset, for example, the commissioning of a RTU. Other examples of data captured could be the submission of as-laid cable records or asset registration forms by the ICP.

The Competition in Connections Delivery team will be responsible for the control of a list detailing the performance of each ICP. This list will be regarded as ‘confidential information’ but may be disclosed to Lloyds NERS upon request.

For customer applications a project file will be created within UKPN systems, all records created during the life of the project will be kept in this common file.

Independent Connection Provider

The ICP shall supply UK Power Networks with all records, information, certificates and drawings, as required by UK Power Networks and detailed within the Agreement, the next Business Working Day following completion of the Works

Upon review by UK Power Networks all relevant information shall be provided to the UK Power Networks Network Records team in order that Network records can be updated.

If necessary, UK Power Networks will return any relevant information to the ICP to confirm details and this must be returned to UK Power Networks within 5 Business Days in order that Network records can be updated.

The ICP shall maintain a full and comprehensive record of information and drawings supplied to UK Power Networks, and these shall be made available at the earliest opportunity if they are required for inspection by UK Power Networks.



8.0 Process Detail

8.1 General Principles The ICP shall only connect to UK Power Networks’ distribution network such works which are permissible as defined within this document and have been inspected to confirm the installation has been constructed in accordance with the accepted design and all UK Power Networks engineering standards.

The ICP shall ensure all legal consents, where required, are legally completed before submitting to UK Power Networks CIC’s Delivery Team a Programme of Works requesting consent to connect.

The programme of works when submitted must be accompanied by the following information, where applicable:

Completed SORN Request form

For LV connections involving a mains extension or service connection at 200A or greater, a completed System Alteration Notice Form

For planned work that requires linking and fusing, a copy of the LV switching schedule (NOP 50 021a) will be required via email, to LV Control & CiC Delivery Project Manager.

For planned work where no linking and fusing is required, the ICP supervisor will notify LV Control of planned works via a telephone call and obtain a job reference number from the LV Control Engineer. The ICP shall confirm the job reference number to the CiC Delivery Project Manager via email.

Copy of UK Power Networks’ 1/500 cable records and line diagram identifying the location of the works, where the substation is fed from and the feeder number. These plans to have been obtained from UK Power Networks’ Plan Provision Department or EMAPS, no more than ten working days prior to submission.

All available as laid cable drawings of the Works, commissioning sheets, RIGS information, completed Asset Registration forms, and copies of the opening notices/permits where required

Where applicable, evidence of completion of all legal consents and the BTS (IDNO sites only) must also be included with the submission.

No request for LV or HV final jointing, and/or Operational Work will not be accepted unless all of the above information accompanies the submission. Although it is recognised that the ICP may wish to install, for example, the link box or service head on the same day as the proposed LV connection. Under these circumstances the ICP shall submit the relevant paperwork no later than 1 business day after the connection has been made.

Before undertaking the Works the ICP shall first obtain the consent of UK Power Networks which will be granted by way of a confirmed SORN. The SORN process covers both the request for circuit access and associated closing joints. UK Power Networks may acting reasonably withdraw the SORN at any time. Withdrawal of the SORN shall be made electronically and shall include written reasons for the withdrawal of the SORN and shall have effect from the date upon which it is notified to the ICP.

The ICP shall provide UK Power Networks with the details of all of its’ employees who are to carry out Works within the SORN Request Form, confirming NERS Passport numbers for each individual.



The ICP shall ensure that a Quality Label is attached to the end of every installed cable joint.

Provided the connection is made, the ICP will issue a ‘Notification of Energised Apparatus’ certificate to the site owner and contact CIC Delivery by phone to confirm the work has been completed and the connection made.

Should the connection not be made the ICP must immediately inform UK Power Networks CIC Delivery team.

On the first business day, following the connection, the ICP will submit to the CiC Delivery Team confirmation via email that the connection is complete. The ICP shall submit the final version of as-laid records detailing the final connection position, with details of all relevant Tests, Checks and RIGS information where required to allow the completion of the SORN.

The Parties acknowledge that after the completion of the works and closing of the SORN, any further work on the Connection assets associated with the works may only be performed by UK Power Networks, unless agreed by UK Power Networks and confirmed to the ICP.

UK Power Networks or any sub-contractor engaged by UK Power Networks will make good any defect or fault in the Works after Site Completion SORN has been confirmed, within the two year warranty period and the ICP will be responsible for the costs of the rectifying the works.

The ICP shall not commence a supply of electricity to any end user customer or to any other party.

The ICP shall ensure their staff are suitably authorised in accordance with the provisions set out in the CiC Code of Practice, before submitting an application for a self-connection. The ICP can decide what authorisation method best suits their business needs, although UK Power Networks preferred methods are as follows:

For all Connection Activity - the ICP jointing/craft staff shall be in possession of a Competency Certificate issued by the ICP, in accordance with Option 1 as detailed in the CiC CoP, before undertaking any Connection Activity.

For Operational Activity at LV - the ICP engineer shall be in possession of an appropriate AP competency awarded by UK Power Networks in accordance with Option 2, as detailed in the CiC CoP, before undertaking any LV Operational Activity.

For Operational Activity at HV via Self-Connect Mechanism 2 - the ICP engineer shall be in possession of an appropriate AP or SAP competency awarded by UK Power Networks in accordance with Option 2, as detailed in the CiC CoP, before undertaking any HV operational activity

For Operational Activity at HV via Self-Connect Mechanism 3 – the ICP engineer shall be in possession of an appropriate AP competency awarded by UK Power Networks in accordance with Option 3, as detailed in the CiC CoP, before undertaking any operational activity

Additional Provisions for LV Jointing Works

A live working assessment will be carried out by the ICP in consideration of Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. If the live working assessment indicates it is unreasonable to do the work live and it is reasonable to do the work dead, the ICP will indicate that it has carried out the assessment on its SORN application and intends to undertake the jointing works ‘dead’ in accordance with HSS 40 045 Basic Requirements for Live Working on Low Voltage Apparatus.



Before carrying out any Works in relation to any UK Power Networks Low Voltage distributing main the ICP shall follow the Cable Identification Process to no lesser standard than DSR 01 018 to positively identify UK Power Networks Low Voltage Distributing Main. The ICP shall indicate on the SORN of the expected method to identify the LV cable.

Any connection activity that is within UK Power Networks operational land, the ICP craftsperson must be also be deemed competent for sub-station entry by UK Power Networks.

When appropriate, the ICP shall submit a request for MPAN numbers for the relevant premises to the CIC designer (in accordance with CON 08 117 MPAN Generation) prior to submitting a request for connection and shall declare the required maximum import and export capacities for each premises (and each circuit where there are multiple connections). The declared capacities should accord with the previously agreed design or be lesser values. The CIC designer shall on confirmation of MPANs back to the ICP, email copy the schedule of premises and their newly generated MPANs and related import and export capacities to the Income Services Agreements Team.

The ICP will ensure that each cut-out is secure and sealed prior to making live.

Additional Provisions for HV Jointing Works and Operational Activity

UK Power Networks will operate three different mechanisms to allow an ICP to complete the final connection to the HV Distribution System:

Mechanism 1 – UKPN SAP to issue PTW to ICP cable jointerThe UK Power Networks SAP shall control the circuit outage in the ‘normal’ way, as if an internal craft team were employed, but will instead issue a PTW for the jointing works directly to the ICP Jointer.

Any connection activity that is within UK Power Networks operational land or to operational apparatus, the ICP craftsperson must be also be deemed competent for sub-station entry by UK Power Networks.

If part of the final connection works involve the installation of LV back-feeds, interruption to a consumers’ supply or the connection of a temporary generator; the UK Power Networks SAP shall be responsible for organising the completion of such tasks.

For connection to the HV overhead network, this work will remain as non-contestable and shall be completed by UK Power Networks.

In regards to the craft competence of the ICP Jointer, UK Power Networks preferred authorisation method is in accordance with Option 1 of the CiC CoP – ICP craftsperson is authorised under the ICP safety management system.

Mechanism 2 – ICP SAP to take full control of the Works The ICP SAP shall take full control of the required circuit outage and manage the connection activity to its completion, inclusive of all commissioning tasks, such as HV phasing checks.

Any connection activity that is within UK Power Networks operational land or to operational apparatus, the ICP craftsperson must be also be deemed competent for sub-station entry by UK Power Networks.

If part of the final connection works involve the interruption to a consumers’ supply, the connection of a temporary generator or works on the overhead line network; the final connection works shall be completed in its entirety by UK Power Networks.



In regards to the craft competence of the ICP Jointer, UK Power Networks preferred authorisation method is in accordance with Option 1 of the CiC CoP – ICP craftsperson is authorised under the ICP safety management system.

Similarly, UK Power Networks would prefer that the ICP AP or SAP is assessed for competence by UK Power Networks and issued with an appropriate UK Power Networks competency certificate, in accordance with Option 2 of the CiC CoP. Consequently, the ICP AP or SAP would then work in accordance with the UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules (DSR’s) and supporting procedures. A notable point is the ICP shall use the UK Power Networks Safety Documents.

Mechanism 3 – Transfer of ControlThe ICP engineer will take control of the connection works without any involvement of a UK Power Networks engineer. The isolation & earthing of the DNO network shall be undertaken in accordance with the UK Power Networks DSR’s after which the ICP will take control of the network by issue of a Control Transfer Certificate and work under their own DSRs and use their own safety documentation. Restoration of the DNO network will be undertaken in accordance with the UK Power Networks DSR’s following cancellation of the Control Transfer Certificate.

The ICP engineer will be provided remote access to UK Power Networks systems to enable the submission of any Switching Application.

The ICP engineer will be responsible for the commissioning of the RTU and fitment of all operational locks and site labelling; applicable for self-connections completed under mechanism 2 or 3.

UK Power Networks shall upon request to the CiC Delivery Team, provide the ICP with any HV Test Plugs. The ICP will be responsible for the collection and subsequent return of the test plugs to a pre-agreed timescale. If the ICP fails to return to the test plugs within the agreed timeframe, no further connection will be sanctioned until they are returned in the same useable condition. If upon return to UK Power Networks, the test plugs are inspected and found to be damaged, the ICP will be charged for any repair or subsequent replacement costs.

UK Power Networks shall inform the ICP of any known non-standard network conditions, such as non-standard HV phasing. It is recognised that this information is held locally and is dependent on either party requesting this information at the point of constructing the network extension.

For any connection activity that affects the normal running arrangements of the UK Power Networks distribution system, a restoration plan shall be agreed between the ICP and UK Power Networks. Details of the restoration plan will be held by the UK Power Networks, Network Control team.

Any connection or operational activity to a non-standard network, the ICP shall demonstrate that their Jointer, AP or SAP has sufficient knowledge and experience in working on these networks. An example of a non-standard network could be the LPN normally interconnected network or the Croydon LV Scott network.

CON 08 115e provides clarity on roles & responsibilities for work by ICP’s on the UK Power Networks HV/LV Networks. The HSS Bulletin NB 171, has now been withdrawn and incorporated into CON 08 115e

Regulation



Where cases of difficulty are encountered the details will in the first instance be referred to the Competition in Connections Manager and the Regulation Manager, Connections for decision.

Other

The ICP is not permitted to use ducts indicated as ‘spare’ on UKPN drawings without the specific agreement of UKPN.

In cases where a connection requires the removal of a steel pipe, UK Power Networks will attend site and remove the steel pipe/s as necessary. This will be a chargeable service. The ICP must submit a request into the CiC Delivery Team. For steel pipe removal during normal working hours, UK Power Networks will attend site usually within 48hours. For steel pipe removal outside normal working hours, a date will be agreed upon request.

An ICP shall notify UK Power Networks and seek acceptance for instances where standard depth cannot be achieved on UK Power Network cables, either for new cable installations or to existing cables that are affected as a result of the ICP’s works. Before options such as the installation of steel plates or steel pipes are considered, the ICP must provide evidence that no other alternative route is viable. It should be noted that the installation of mitigation strategies for shallow cables/assets is considered to be “special engineering difficulties”. As such, standard solutions are not detailed on the company G81 specifications. Referral to UK Power Networks is required in every case.

For LV IDNO exit points, the Point of Isolation shall be achieved by the installation of a link-box, which will be funded by UKPN. For instances where a direct feed from an LV Distribution cabinet/pillar/board is preferred by the ICP/IDNO, agreement must be sought by UKPN before constructing a design in this manner.



8.2 Process Maps
