What does the term ‘contestable works’ mean?
When applying for a new electricity connection – the work that is needed to be completed in order to fit a new supply can be split into contestable works, and non-contestable.
It is a strange differentiation to make, that is true. There are certain types of reinforcement works that can seriously affect the day-to-day operation of DNO networks. Because of the sensitivity and risk-potential, these works fall into the classification of ‘non-contestable’. This means that it is only the DNO who is legally able to complete these works.
The other group of work – the contestables – have emerged in response to the introduction of competition within the UK electrical distribution network. This is all of the work that can be legally completed by accredited ICPs or IDNOs. Generally speaking, the nature of work included in this category has a much lower potential for risk for DNOs.
Source: UK Power Solutions
Common terminology
We have included some of the more commonly used acronyms in this article below, to refer back to.
| Acronym | Stands For |
| DNO | Distribution Network Operator |
| ICP | Independent Connection Providers |
| IDNO | Independent Distribution Network Operators |
| NERS | National Electricity Registration Scheme |
What are contestable works?
Contestable works can be classified as connection works that can legally be undertaken by ICPs or IDNOs instead of just the DNO. We have created a non-exhaustive list that includes some common scenarios of contestable works:
- Design for the network extension and any contestable reinforcement of the existing network.
- Any procurement and provision of equipment and materials to DNO specifications for an extension.
- Any trenching and/or preparation work for the site in question, including the circuit routes between the area of development and connection point.
- The construction of the network extension as well as any contestable reinforcement and diversions.
- Any recording of works completed as well as the location of cable routing and other equipment on site. The provision of this information to DNO is also included.
- Reinstatement of the site, including circuit routes. This included both temporary and permanent.
- Provisions for the installation of meters or metering equipment.
- Legal consents.
Source: Enwl
What are non-contestable works?
Non-contestable work can be classified by works only legally allowed to be completed by Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This is decreed by the Electricity Act (1989) in an effort to keep customers and workers safe. We have created a non-exhaustive list that includes common scenarios of non-contestable works:
- Processing of customer application and organisation of equipment.
- Connection of the extension reinforced or diverted equipment to the distribution system and their energisation.
- The process of any works needed to reinforce the distribution system where contestable work conditions are not met.
- Any planning, design, specifying and carrying out work associated with diversion of distribution equipment where contestable work conditions are not met.
- Any removals or repositioning of any existing electrical equipment or cables.
- The process of agreeing and obtaining any required legal consent.
- The operation of, repairs, and maintenance of any electrical equipment and electric cables.
- The inspection, monitoring, or testing of any contestable work.
Source: Enwl
Non-contestable works recently opened to competition
Although the work outlined below is technically speaking non-contestable, recent changes to the competition in connections code of practice have opened this type of work up to accredited contractors.
- Determination of the point of connection to the new distribution system.
- Approval of contestable designs for new connections and contestable reinforcements.
Source: Enwl
What is an ICP?
An ICP (Independent Connections Provider) is a National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) certified company that is legally allowed to build electricity networks. Any electricity network constructions need to meet the specification and quality outlined in the agreed standards.
If you would like to search for all available ICPs then this is a handy tool to use: www.lr.org
What is an IDNO?
An IDNO (Independent Distribution Network Operator) is a NERS accredited company that can build their own local network. IDNOs will usually continue ownership of their local network, as-well as provide any and all ongoing network services. This usually includes most maintenance work and 24-hour fault repairs. IDNOs are connected to the DNO either directly, or through another IDNO.
Often IDNOs will step in to provide supplies to new housing, commercial developments, or rural areas – all who are not able to be supplied directly by DNO. Although IDNOs are regulated by Ofgem like others in the energy sector, their services are often associated with slightly higher prices than if they were to be carried out by DNO.
We have included a list of IDNOs within the UK later in the guide.
What can a NERS accredited ECP do?
Any NERS certified Independent Connections Provider is legally allowed to carry out work that is classified as contestable. Contracts for registered NERS providers are awarded through the contestable connections market. Once a connection has been installed, the host DNO will adopt the connection for the remainder of its lifetime. For help with identifying what work is classed as ‘contestable’ we have compiled a short list later on in this article.
Source: UK Power Networks
What is the NERS?
The NERS has been set up to allow ICPs to carry out connection work. For anybody wishing to carry out contestable connection work, they must be accredited under this scheme. Ofgem is the regulatory body for the energy industry and the ones who enforce this rule.
All DNOs on mainland UK recognise this scheme – and hold it in high regard.
The benefits of registering for the NERS are as follows:
- Accreditation that is recognised by all UK DNOs.
- Independent assessment and registration process.
- Assignment of accreditation mark that will represent your achievement of incredibly high technical skills, quality and safety standards.
Source: Safety Compliance UK
List of ICPs
| List of all NERS accredited ICPs in the UK |
| 33KV LTD |
| ABB Limited |
| Addison Project Plc |
| Advance Utilities (Scotland) Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| AG Cable Jointing Ltd |
| AIM Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Air Utilities Ltd |
| AIS Utilities Ltd |
| AK Lighting and Signs Ltd |
| Alconex Infrastructure & Solutions Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Alken Construction Services Ltd |
| ALS Civil Engineering |
| Altitude Services Ltd |
| Ameon Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Amey Highways Ltd |
| Amey Utility Services Ltd |
| Andel Plant Ltd |
| Applebridge Construction Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Approved Power Services Ltd |
| Aprenda Ltd |
| Aptus Utilities – MURS ACCREDITED |
| Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd |
| ARC-Tech MU Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Aspire Utility Solutions |
| Athena PTS |
| Avon Utilities and Generation |
| Balfour Beatty Living Places |
| Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions |
| Balfour Beatty Vinci Joint Venture |
| Barhale Ltd |
| Barratt Energy |
| Beehive Contractors Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Belac Ltd |
| Bethell Utility Services Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| BGS Ltd (Birchwood Gas Services Ltd) – MURS Accredited |
| Blu-3 (UK) Ltd |
| BOUYGUES-ES SOLUTION Ltd |
| British Power International |
| Bryan J Rendall (Electrical) Ltd |
| Burns & McDonnell |
| C and P Engineering Services Ltd |
| C Spratt Multi UtilityLtd |
| C&D Resource Solutions Ltd |
| Cable Connections Ltd |
| Cable Test Ltd |
| Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure |
| Carris Utility Solutions Limited |
| Catsurveys Ltd |
| CBZ Utilities – MURS Accredited |
| Central Power Ltd |
| Centre Great Ltd |
| Civil and Fibre Ltd |
| Clancy Docwra |
| CNX Utilities |
| Compass Infrastructure UK (CI UK) Ltd |
| Complete Utility Solutions Ltd |
| Connect It Utility Services Limited – MURS Accredited |
| Couch Perry & Wilkes |
| CP Civil Engineering (UK) Ltd |
| Crown Highways Ltd |
| CS Cable Jointing |
| CX Utilities Ltd |
| DaCI Utilities Engineering Consultancy Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Datom Utilities Ltd |
| Delta HV Power Services |
| Dewhurst Utility Services Ltd -MURS Accredited |
| Distribution Cable Jointing Ltd |
| DNO Consulting Ltd |
| DT Civils Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| DT Hughes Contractors |
| Dutton Contractors |
| E Donald & Associates Ltd |
| Eclipse Power Networks |
| Eco-Drill Ltd |
| EDES Ltd |
| EKFB JV |
| Electrical Jointing Services |
| Electrical Testing Ltd |
| Electricity Asset Service Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Electricity North West (Construction & Maintenance) Ltd |
| Electricity Solutions Ltd |
| Electricity Supply Solutions Ltd |
| Electricityworx Ltd |
| Elm Surfacing Ltd |
| Elmeridge Cable Services Ltd |
| EME Power Connections |
| Energetics, Design and Build Limited – MURS Accredited |
| Energy and System Technical Ltd (East Solutions) |
| Energy Assets Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Energy Network Services |
| energypeople |
| Engineered Systems Electrical (ESE) Ltd |
| Entity Power Ltd |
| Envevo Limited |
| E-ON Energy Solutions Ltd |
| ESM Power Ltd |
| eSmart networks |
| Estate Lighting Solutions Ltd |
| Eta Projects Ltd |
| Ethical Power Connections Ltd |
| Excalon Ltd |
| Falco Construction Ltd |
| Fastflow Pipeline Services Ltd |
| FES Support Services Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Fincher Utilities Limited |
| Firdale Construction Ltd |
| First Connect Utility Solutions Ltd |
| FJ Infrastructure Services Limited |
| FM Conway Ltd |
| FMJ Solutions Ltd |
| Fosse Civil Engineering Ltd |
| Freedom Power Solutions |
| Fulcrum – MURS Accredited |
| Fusion JV |
| G2 Energy Ltd |
| Galldris Services (trading as Galldris Construction Ltd.) |
| Gas and Utility Technology Limited |
| Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions Ltd |
| GMac Utilities Ltd |
| GMP Contracting Services Limited |
| Granite Engineering Ltd |
| Green Frog Connect |
| Grid Team Services Lltd |
| Groom Design Services Ltd |
| GTC Infrastructure Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| H&MV Engineering Ltd |
| H&MV Engineering Services Ltd |
| Haddon Power Services |
| Harlaxton Engineering Services Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| High Voltage Engineering Services Ltd |
| High Voltage Substation Services Ltd |
| High Voltage Systems and Services (HVSS) |
| Highways and Konnection Services Ltd |
| Hilton Main Lighting & Connections Limited |
| Hollybox Ltd |
| HV Energy Systems Ltd |
| ICP Design Solutions Ltd |
| ICP Services Ltd |
| IDEC Technical Services (incorporating IDEC Power Services) |
| Infrastructure Gateway – MURS Accredited |
| Ingenious Power Engineering Ltd |
| Instalcom Ltd |
| Instrument and Control Services Ltd |
| Integrated Utility Services – MURS ACCREDITED |
| Integrum Power Engineering Ltd |
| IP (In Phase) Electrical Engineers Ltd |
| Ipsum Power (Licensed Networks) Limited |
| IQA Group – MURS ACCREDITED |
| J Browne Developer Services Ltd |
| J Geraghty Limited |
| J Murphy and Sons Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| J T Utilities Ltd |
| J. McCann & Co. Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| JCM Groundworks Ltd |
| JK Jointing Ltd |
| JK Jointing Services Ltd |
| JN Civils Ltd |
| Jones Lighting Ltd |
| JPB Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| JSM Construction |
| Keltbray Distribution & Transmission Ltd |
| Kelvin Power Consultants & Kelvin Power Structures |
| Kier Integrated Services Ltd |
| Kirby Group Engineering |
| Kirkman Utility Services Ltd |
| KOR Energy Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| L A Clark Civil Engineering |
| L J Heffernan Utilities Ltd |
| Land and Power Ltd |
| Levertech HV Engineering Limited |
| Linbrooke Services Ltd |
| Live Line Power |
| LMJV |
| LPC Construction Limited |
| LSTC |
| LV Connections Ltd |
| Lydon Contracting Ltd |
| M and A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd |
| M&M Contractors (Europe) Ltd |
| M.B. Power Services (Essex) Ltd |
| Mac Civils Ltd |
| Man Power Connections |
| Mason Street Furniture Ltd |
| Matrix Networks Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| MB Power Services (Essex) Ltd |
| McAndrews Utilities and Civil Engineering |
| MCD Utility Solutions Ltd |
| MDF (Services) Ltd |
| MDH Utility Services Ltd |
| Megson Utilities Limited – MURS accredited |
| MES Power Engineering |
| Metricab Power Engineering Ltd |
| Milestone Infrastructure Ltd |
| MM Miller (Wicks) |
| Modus Utilities Ltd |
| Monaghan Civil Engineering Ltd |
| Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastrucuture Ltd |
| Morrison Energy Services |
| Morson Projects |
| Mulholland Contracts Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Multi Connex Networks Ltd – MURS ACCREDITED |
| Multi Utility & Surfacing Ltd |
| Multi Utility UK – MURS Accredited |
| National Energy Direct – MURS Accredited |
| Natta Building Company Limited |
| NDC Utility Services Ltd |
| Neary Construction |
| Network Plus Multi Utility Ltd |
| Network Plus Services Limited |
| Network Power Connections Ltd |
| Networx Utilities Ltd |
| Nexus Utilities Ltd |
| NG Contracting Ltd |
| Nicol of Skene Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| NorPower Ltd |
| North West Multi Utilities Ltd |
| Novus Utility Services Ltd |
| O’Connor Utilities |
| Omnific Civil Engineering & Outdoor Electrical Ltd |
| Optimum Technical Services Ltd |
| Options Energy Group Ltd |
| OPUS Utility Solutions Limited |
| Pascon Ltd |
| PBU (UK) Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| PDI (Utilities Design and Management) Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Pegasus Utilities Ltd |
| Pegasus Utility Services Limited |
| Phoenix ME Ltd |
| Phoenix Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| PI MacDonald and Son |
| PJ Carey (Contractors) Ltd |
| PJ Southall LTD |
| PMK Civil Engineering |
| PN Daly Ltd – MURS ACCREDITED |
| Power Distribution Support |
| Power Jointing Distribution Services Ltd |
| Power Lines, Pipe & Cables Ltd(PLPC) |
| Power On Connections |
| Power One Ltd |
| Power Supply Projects Limited |
| Power Testing Ltd |
| PowerComm Engineering Ltd |
| Powersystems UK Ltd |
| Powerteam Electrical Services UK Ltd (trading as Omexom) |
| PowerTek Utilities Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Prenco Professional Energy Consultants Limited t/a Prenco Utilities |
| Prestige Utilities Ltd |
| PWG Connections Ltd |
| Quantum Power Connections Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Quartzelec Ltd |
| R & D Network Design |
| R&M Construction Services Ltd trading as R&M Lighting |
| Radius Utilities Ltd |
| RCD Utility Services Ltd |
| Reach Active |
| Renewable Energy Systems Ltd |
| Ringway Infrastructure Services |
| RJ Power Connections Ltd |
| RM Power Services Ltd |
| Roadbridge UK Ltd |
| Robelec Ltd |
| Rock Power Connections Ltd |
| Rogers Civil Engineering Ltd |
| Rosgal Ltd |
| S&E Engineering (Elec) Ltd |
| S&R Construction Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Sapphire Utility Solutions Ltd |
| SAS Utility Services Ltd |
| SBS Highways Ltd |
| Sedona Civils Ltd |
| Serconnect Ltd |
| Shadow Utilities Ltd |
| Sienna Construction Ltd |
| Sinewave Energy Solutions Ltd |
| Site Energy Ltd |
| Skanska Construction UK Ltd |
| Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd |
| SmOp Cleantech Ltd, |
| SMS Energy Services Limited |
| SOS Electricals & Services Ltd |
| Sparkx Ltd. |
| SPEC Ltd |
| SRM Utilities Ltd |
| SSE Contracting Lighting Services |
| SSE Enterprise Contracting (HV Services and Civils) |
| SSE Enterprise Utilities – (a trading name of SSE Utility Solutions Ltd Company reference 6894120) |
| Stone Utility Services Ltd |
| Success Connections Utility Consultancy & Engineering Services Ltd |
| Swat Security & Electrotech Systems Ltd |
| T&M Cable Services Ltd |
| Taylor Plant Ltd |
| TClarke Contracting Ltd. |
| Tesford Ltd |
| The Dunamis Group Ltd |
| The Electricity Board Ltd |
| The ICP |
| Thompson Civil Engineering |
| Total Excavation Services Ltd |
| Total Utility Connections Ltd |
| TriConnex Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Trust Utility Management Limited |
| UCP ChoiceLimited |
| UCSL (Utility Connections Solutions Limited) |
| UK Power Networks Services (Commercial) Ltd |
| UK Power Solutions Ltd – MURS Accredited |
| Utilex Connections Ltd |
| Utility Consultancy and Engineering Ltd |
| Utility Engineering Solutions Ltd |
| Utility Infrastructure Solutions – MURS Accredited |
| Utility Select Ltd |
| VIA East Midlands Ltd |
| Vital Energi |
| VolkerSmart Technologies (VST) |
| Voltz Power Services Ltd |
| VUS Limited |
| W & N Adams Ltd |
| Waitings Drainage |
| Walker & Watts Limited |
| Water & Pipeline Services Ltd |
| WSP UK Limited |
| Wyson Ltd |
Source: Lr
List of IDNOs
The UK has been split into different geographical regions to be managed by DNOs. Within these geographical areas (which can be quite large) IDNOs own and operate smaller networks. These IDNO ran networks are usually extensions to the DNO network – focussing on serving new housing, commercial development, or rural areas.
We have included the current list of all registered IDNOs below:
- Eclipse Power Limited
- Energy Assets Network Limited
- Last Mile Electricity
- ESP Electricity Limited
- Fulcrum Electricity Assets Limited
- Harlaxton Energy Networks Limited
- Independent Power Networks Limited
- Leep Electricity Network Limited
- Murphy Power Distribution Limited
- The Electricity Network Company Limited
- UK Power Distribution Limited
- Utility Assets Limited
- Vattenfall Network Limited
All of these IDNOs will be regulated in the same fashion as the DNOs. However, the IDNO licence does not have all of the same conditions as the DNO licence. IDNO pricing for customers is controlled by Ofgem (regulatory body) via ‘Relative Price Control’. This has resulted in IDNO charges being capped at a level roughly consistent with the equivalent DNO price.
Source: Ofgem
How to make your money go further
If you have just finished this article and have been left wondering what on earth all of these acronyms mean, or even just complete utter confusion – don’t worry, we are here to help.
We believe in doing things differently at Energy Solutions. We create guides like this for our customers because for too long businesses in the energy sector have hidden behind complex terminology, acronyms, and jargon. Not us.
It is a difficult ask for anybody to tackle the planning and undertaking of electrical based construction work – that is where we come in.
We have been in the business of energy for well over twenty years now, so know the ins and outs of every facet of this industry. Looking for someone to procure the best possible energy for your business? Yep.
Looking for an energy expert to advise your next move? Yep, that’s also us.
Feeling overwhelmed and just want a friendly chat with an industry professional to set your mind at ease? Of course, that’s us too.
So, if you would like to arrange a quotation for one of our services – get in touch today!
You can email us at nick@energybrokers.co.uk or call us on 0131 610 1688 during all normal UK office hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Google Snippets
What is an ICP?
ICPs are Independent Connection Providers. They are accredited companies that can build electricity networks to agreed standards. They are owned by either a DNO or IDNO
What is an IDNO?
IDNOs are Independent Distribution Network Operators. IDNOs develop, operate, and maintain local distribution networks. IDNOs are always directly connected to the DNO directly or indirectly through another IDNO.
What is a NERS?
NERS stands for National Electricity Registration Scheme. It has been developed to allow providers (ICPs) to carry out contestable connection works. Anybody who desires to carry out this type of work must be accredited under the scheme.
What does ICP stand for?
ICP stands for Independent Connection Provider.
What does IDNO stand for?
IDNO stands for Independent Distribution Network Operator.
What does NERS stand for?
NERS stands for National Electricity Registration Scheme.