Connections
The Energy Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network maintains the register of connections to the Network supply and assesses applications to connect sites, generating plant and storage. Every site of the Velocity Interoperability Network draws its supply through a connection recorded on the register, and every generating station serving the Network exports through one.
The register was compiled from the records of member organisations during the transition period and was published on 6 September 2026. Eleven connections are recorded: the six principal sites, the three generating stations that connect at their own switching stations, one accepted connection and one application under assessment. Smaller sites are supplied from the primary substation of the principal site nearest to them and are recorded against that site.
The register of connections. The register below records each connection, the point at which it joins the Network supply, its voltage, the agreed capacity and its type and status.
| Connection | Connection point | Voltage | Agreed capacity | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Exchange | Central Exchange Grid Supply Point | 132 kV | 130 MVA | Demand | Connected |
| Southbank Terminal | Southbank Primary Substation | 33 kV | 45 MVA | Demand and generation | Connected |
| Northgate Relay | Northgate Primary Substation | 33 kV | 40 MVA | Demand | Connected |
| Westbrook Distribution Site | Westbrook Primary Substation | 33 kV | 35 MVA | Demand | Connected |
| Eastfield Campus | Eastfield Primary Substation | 33 kV | 30 MVA | Demand and generation | Connected |
| Meridian Court | Meridian Secondary Substation | 11 kV | 12 MVA | Demand | Connected |
| Ridgeway Gas Turbine Station | Ridgeway Switching Station | 132 kV | 190 MVA | Generation | Connected |
| Fenmoor Wind Array | Fenmoor Collector Substation | 132 kV | 100 MVA | Generation | Connected |
| Coldwater Hydro Station | Coldwater Switching Station | 33 kV | 26 MVA | Generation | Connected |
| Eastfield Solar Array extension | Eastfield Primary Substation | 33 kV | 12 MVA | Generation | Offer accepted; connection 4 October 2026 |
| Central Exchange battery | Central Exchange Grid Supply Point | 33 kV | 30 MVA | Storage | Application under assessment |
Southbank Combined Heat and Power Station and Eastfield Solar Array export through the primary substations of the sites at which they stand, and so share the connection of those sites. Each principal site is connected through two transformers, either of which can carry the full agreed capacity, so that the failure of one does not interrupt supply.
Classes of application. Applications for a new or altered connection are assessed in four classes according to the capacity and voltage sought. The target time is the period within which the Department issues a connection offer, counted from receipt of a complete application.
| Class | Capacity and voltage | Target time for offer | Information required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Up to 100 kVA at low voltage | 10 working days | Site operator's confirmation of the installation |
| Class 2 | 100 kVA to 5 MVA at 11 kV | 20 working days | Single-line diagram and load schedule |
| Class 3 | 5 MVA to 50 MVA at 33 kV | 40 working days | Single-line diagram, load schedule, protection settings and site plan |
| Class 4 | Above 50 MVA, or any connection at 132 kV | 65 working days | Full design submission and system study |
Applying for a connection. The steps below apply to every application, in every class. Twenty-one applications were received during the transition period and are being assessed in order of receipt.
Step 1: Preliminary enquiry
Write to the Department giving the site, the connection point sought, the capacity required in kVA or MVA, whether the connection is for demand, generation or storage, and the date by which it is needed. The Department confirms the class of the application and the information required within five working days.
Step 2: Application
Submit the information required for the class. For generation and storage, include the export capacity and the protection arrangements. Applications are assessed in order of receipt within each class.
Step 3: Connection offer
The Department issues a connection offer within the target time for the class. The offer states the connection point, the agreed capacity, any reinforcement of the Network required, the works the applicant must carry out and the date on which the connection can be made. Offers remain open for sixty days.
Step 4: Acceptance and design approval
On acceptance the applicant submits the design of the installation for approval. The Department approves the design or lists the changes required, normally within fifteen working days.
Step 5: Construction and certification
The installation is built by a registered installer and certified under the installation safety regime. The Department carries out any reinforcement of the Network in the offer and schedules any planned outage needed to make the connection.
Step 6: Energisation and entry on the register
The connection is energised in the presence of an inspector of the Department, and the connection is entered on the register with its connection point, voltage, agreed capacity and type.
Generating and storage connections under the Renewable Programme follow the same procedure. Every connected installation is certified under the installation safety regime, and planned outages needed to make a connection are published on the Outages and Emergencies page. The number of applications received and offers issued is reported quarterly on the Statistics page. Enquiries and applications may be sent to contact@energy.gov.vin.