V2.0
Independent Connections Provider LV Metered Connections to Overhead Lines Pilot Procedure
OwnerName / Steve Rogers
Title / Competition in Connections Manager
Signature
Date / 15 May 2018
Authoriser
Name / Martyn Crocker
Title / Competition in Connections Operations Manager
Signature
Date / 02 May 2018
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 RecordVersion number / 2.0 / What has changed?
EBB 08-0061 withdrawn. EBB Approved and Prohibited Networks sections added to this document as new sections 9 & 10. References to EBB 08-0061 amended throughout and additional definitions added.
Form CON 08 118a reference to EBB 08-0061 amended.
Why has it changed?
Withdrawal of EBB 08-0061, incorporation of two sections into this document.
Date published / 16/05/2018
Next review date / 02/05/2021
Prepared by / K Newnham
Version number / 1.0 / What has changed?
New document to cover the pilot for ICP’s to carry out LV Metered Connections to Overhead Lines
Why has it changed?
Pilot successfully concluded for unmetered connections, so pilot moved to facilitate LV metered connections managed by the CiC team
Date published / 29/09/2017
Next review date / 22/09/2018
Prepared by / M Crocker
Version number / What has changed?
Why has it changed?
Date published
Next review date
Prepared by
Circulation
☐ All UK Power Networks Staff
☐ Asset Management
☐ Capital Programme & Procurement
☒ Connections
☐ Contractors
☐ Customer Services
☐ Finance
☒ G81 External website
☐ HR & Communications
☒ ICPs (Independent Connection Providers)
☐ IDNOs (Independent Distribution
Network Operators)
☐ Information Systems
☐ Legal
☐ Meter Operators
☐ SHE&TTA
☐ In Business safety team
☐ Safety Reps / ☐ Network Operations
☐ EPN
☐ LPN
☐ SPN
☐ Connection Services
☐ Distribution Capital Delivery
☐ Highway Services
☐ Logistics
☒ Network Control
☐ Powercare
☐ Transport Services
☐ Strategy and Regulation
☐ UK Power Networks Services
☐ Airports
☐ Rail
☐ Strategic projects
☐ HS1, DLR & Commercial buildings
☐ MUJV / Allenby
☐ Business Development
☐ Others (specify)
Contents
1.0 Introduction and Purpose 3
2.0 Scope 3
3.0 Objective 3
4.0 References 3
5.0 Definitions 4
6.0 Responsibilities 5
7.0 Records 7
8.0 Process Detail 7
8.1 General Principles 7
9.0 Procedure Approved Networks 12
9.1 Overview 12
9.2 Condition “A” LV Poles and Poles without Data 12
9.3 ABC Networks 12
9.4 Four-wire Open Networks 12
9.5 Five-wire Networks 12
10.0 Procedure Prohibited Networks 12
10.1 Overview 12
10.2 Condition “S” and “D” LV Poles 12
10.3 Shared HV/LV Poles 13
10.4 Four-wire Open Crossed Networks 13
10.5 Split-phase Networks 13
1.0 Introduction and Purpose
UK Power Networks is committed to supporting the principle of extension of contestability.
The purpose of this procedure is to detail the arrangements that will allow a pilot to be undertaken for ICPs to carry out Metered Connections to Overhead Lines in the EPN and SPN distribution networks.
2.0 Scope
The procedure applies for the connection of metered connections, by an ICP, to the existing live low voltage overhead line main/distributer operated by UK Power Networks.
The sections of the Overhead Line distribution network that are identified as permissible, and prohibited, as part of this activity are as set out in sections 9 and 10 of this document. For the avoidance of doubt the ICP is not permitted to access any pole that supports HV or EHV conductors or has HV or EHV conductors crossing overhead at a higher level.
It is not expected that the ICP will undertake any Operational Activity as part of this procedure, therefore no activity associated with CON 08 115 will be carried out by the ICP and it is anticipated that no Operational Activity will be provided by UK Power Networks.
2.1 Connections Activity
This will allow ICP’s to connect the following to the LV overhead line;
· Ground mounted metered assets where no underground LV main is present
2.2 Shrouding Activity
Where the work area is within the exclusion zone as specified in HSS 40 006, the ICP shall adhere to NOC 04 007.
For the avoidance of doubt an ICP should not provide any form of shrouding for the purpose of allowing any third party to work within the exclusion zone. All third party shrouding requests and application should be dealt with in accordance with HSS 40 006.
3.0 Objective
This document provides a high level overview of the process flow of low voltage metered connections to overhead lines carried out by ICP’s under an extension of contestability pilot.
4.0 References
HSS 01 067 / Working at HeightHSS 01 068 / Working and Climbing on Wood Poles
HSS 40 045 / Basic Requirements for Live Working on Low Voltage Apparatus
HSS 02 004 / Audit, Inspection and Monitoring of Network Connection Providers
HSS 41 006 / Assessment and Accreditation of ICP’s
HSS 41 008 / Authorisation of ICP Craftsmen by UK Power Networks
DSR 01 018 / Identification of LV Cables
NOC 04 007 / ICP Unmetered Connections to Overhead Lines
EOS 09-0100 / Site Recording of Cables, Plant and Equipment
CON 08 109 / Access to ICP eMAPS Portal Procedure
CON 08 115 / ICP Self-Connection & Operational Activity Procedure
CON 00 027a / Mandatory and advisory Document Checklist for ICPs
CON 00 010 / Extension of Contestability Policy
CON 08 118a / SORN Request Form – LV OHL Connection Activity
CON 08 117 / MPAN Generation Procedure
NOP 50 021 / Operational Control of UKPN Low Voltage Distribution Network
DSRs / UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules
5.0 Definitions
ABC / Ariel Bundle ConductorAgreement / The agreement between UK Power Networks and the ICP for the carrying out of metered connections to overhead LV mains including terms for adoption and for network access
Business Days / All days of the week excluding Saturday and Sunday and any public holidays in England and Wales
BTS / Bilateral Technical Statement
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
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 / Voltages above 1000V; generally used to describe 11kV or 6.6kV
distribution systems but may include higher or other legacy voltages
ICP / Independent Connections Provider
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).
RIGS / Regulatory Instructions and Guidance, specifically reason codes to provide full information relating to additions to or removals from the existing UKPN distribution network [code CNB4 used for additions and code DLC1 used for removals]
Site / Any specified part or section of the area at which the ICP is performing connections
SORN / System Operation Reference Number electronically provided by UK Power Networks to the ICP to identify the limitations of the Works
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 Eastern Power Networks
Tests / The voltage, insulation, polarity and loop impedance tests identified in the Agreement, and any other tests reasonably required by UK Power Networks
Works / The installation of a new single phase 230 volt service cable, cut-out and connection to UK Power Networks low voltage overhead distributing main
6.0 Responsibilities
UK 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.
UK Power Networks will provide each ICP with a copy of its Distribution Safety Rules, LV Cable Jointing Manual, relevant sections of its Overhead Line Construction Manual and Overhead Line Craft manual and any relevant procedures.
UK Power Networks will enable access to the LV 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 Connection 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. For the purpose of this pilot, this will include the following Lloyds NERS scope, or as modified by Lloyds NERS:
· Network Connections – Unmetered Overhead Lines, O/Head Wooden Pole LV
A new NERS scope for metered OHL connections will be developed when this pilot reaches a suitable review point. Where the ICP does not have full NERS accreditation it will be required to be in possession of partial NERS accreditation. NERS will be present on site when the work begins in order to carry out audits leading to full NERS accreditation.
7.0 Records
UK Power Networks
To monitor performance of any connection 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 the ICP staff in relation to the application of this procedure. An example of the data captured could be the failure to submit 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, within 2 business working days 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 not undertake the Works at a Site without first obtaining the consent of UK Power Networks to undertake the Works at that Site by way of Confirmed SORN.
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.