FAQs

Where do I find more information on the process of obtaining an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a generation station?
Where do I find more information on the process of obtaining licence to generate electricity?
Are there any exemptions in the licence and authorisation process for small-scale generators?
What is the validity period of an Electricity Generation Licence?
What network charges must a generator pay to connect to the network?

Where do I find more information on the process of obtaining an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a generation station?: To assist new generators with the authorisation application process the CER has published a Guidance Note to accompany the authorisation application form. The relevant documents can be downloaded in the Authorisation to Construct section of the website.
Where do I find more information on the process of obtaining licence to generate electricity?: To assist new generators with the application process the CER has published a Guidance Note to accompany the licence application form. The relevant documents can be downloaded in the Generator Licence section of the website.
Are there any exemptions in the licence and authorisation process for small-scale generators?: Under Regulation 13 of Statutory Instrument 60 of 2005 the CER authorises, by way of order, the construction or reconstruction of generating stations with installed capacities not exceeding 2 MW. The approval process is based on the assessment of specific information submitted by the person that is less than that required under the current application process.
What is the validity period of an Electricity Generation Licence?: An Electricity Generation Licence will be valid for 15 years, subject to the licence holder complying with the terms and conditions under which the licence is issued. At any time after that, if it so decides, the CER can provide 15 years’ termination notice in writing. This in effect means that the licence is valid for a minimum term of 30 years in all.
What network charges must a generator pay to connect to the network?: Generators connecting to either the transmission or the distribution system are required to pay for their full shallow connection. Generators connected to the transmission system and generators over 10MWs that are connected to the distribution system will also be required to pay an ongoing locational-based Transmission Use of System (TUoS) Charge. In addition, both transmission and distribution connected generators must pay an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) charge.