There is a persistent misconception that new electricity connections in the UK can only be delivered by the DNO. In fact, most of the work on a new connection is contestable, and any accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP) can compete to deliver it. On larger connections, using an ICP is usually faster and cheaper than going direct.
This guide explains what ICPs do, how the contestable market works, and how to decide which route is right for your project.
What an ICP Is
An Independent Connection Provider is a company accredited under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) to design, install, and commission new electricity distribution assets. Our guide on what an ICP actually does covers the day-to-day scope in more depth. ICPs compete with each other, and with the DNOs, to deliver the contestable portion of new connection work.
ICPs are not unregulated. They operate to the same technical standards as the DNOs, are audited under NERS, and must produce assets that meet the DNO’s specifications for adoption into the distribution network.
What Is Contestable
Under Ofgem’s connection charging framework, electricity connection work is split into contestable and non-contestable elements.
Contestable work includes:
Design of the service cable, switchgear, and substation.
Civil works: excavation, reinstatement, substation foundations.
Installation of the HV or LV cable to the point of connection.
Installation of the customer substation, transformer, and LV distribution.
Testing and pre-commissioning.
Non-contestable work includes:
The tie-in from the new cable to the existing DNO network.
Network capacity allocation.
Protection settings and HV switching.
Final commissioning of the point of connection.
Adoption of the new assets into the DNO’s distribution system (if adopted) or acceptance into an IDNO’s network.
An ICP can do all of the contestable work. Only the DNO can do the non-contestable work.
Why Use an ICP
Three reasons: cost, programme, and control.
Cost. ICPs compete on the contestable portion. On a larger connection, you can save 15 to 30 per cent compared to using the DNO for the whole job.
Programme. ICPs typically run design, civils, and procurement in parallel. DNOs, particularly on larger jobs, run them sequentially. An ICP-delivered HV connection is often four to eight weeks faster than the equivalent DNO-delivered job.
Control. An ICP is your commercial counterparty for the duration of the project. They are incentivised to hit your programme and budget. DNOs have statutory obligations but they are not a contract partner in the same way, and their internal priorities may not align with your site’s programme.
When to Use the DNO Directly
For some jobs, going direct to the DNO is the better choice.
Small domestic connections are often fastest and simplest through the DNO.
Very remote or unusual connections where the non-contestable interface dominates the scope.
Projects where the DNO’s incumbent position gives genuine technical advantages (for example, complex interactions with their existing network that need deep knowledge).
Planning-constrained projects where the local authority has a preference for DNO-led delivery.
How ICP Selection Works
For a standard commercial or development project, the process is:
Approach two or three ICPs for budget quotes.
Compare the quotes on scope, price, and indicative programme.
Shortlist one or two ICPs for detailed design and firm quotes.
Select the preferred ICP and place a contract.
The ICP then coordinates with the DNO on the non-contestable interface. You deal with the ICP as your primary contact, and the DNO interaction is managed by them on your behalf.
What to Look For in an ICP
Accreditation. The ICP must hold the relevant NERS accreditations for the scope of work (design, civils, jointing, commissioning).
Experience with your project type. An ICP that specialises in housing developments is not necessarily the right choice for an HV industrial connection.
Programme commitment. Ask for a written indicative programme as part of the quote, and compare it across providers.
Technical clarity. The quote should itemise scope clearly. Vague quotes are a warning sign.
Interface track record with your DNO. Different ICPs have different working relationships with different DNOs. Ask about recent projects in the same region.
Common Misconceptions
“The DNO has to do the whole job.” False. The DNO has to do the non-contestable interface. Everything else is contestable.
“Using an ICP voids the warranty.” False. New assets installed by an ICP and adopted by the DNO come with the same warranty and maintenance arrangements as DNO-delivered assets.
“ICPs are cheaper because they cut corners.” False. ICPs work to the same standards. They are cheaper because they run leaner project teams and compete commercially on the contestable portion.
“ICPs cannot do HV.” False. NERS-accredited ICPs can design, install, and commission HV connections up to 33kV. Some specialise in exactly that.
The Bottom Line
For any electricity connection above the very smallest domestic scale, getting an ICP quote alongside the DNO quote is standard good practice. On medium and large commercial connections, the ICP route is usually the better choice on cost, programme, and commercial control. The DNO’s role stays valuable on the non-contestable interface, but using them for the whole job is often the most expensive option available. For development sites, pairing an ICP-delivered build with an IDNO adoption route often unlocks further savings.