What are ICPs and IDNOs?

Independent Connection Provider (ICP)

An ICP is an accredited company that can build electricity networks to agreed standards and quality required for them to be owned by either a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) such as Electricity North West or an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO).

For an ICP to carry out the contestable connection works they must be accredited to carry out that category of work under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) that is administered by LRQA Limited. 

 

Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO)

An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) is a company licensed by Ofgem, to own and operate electricity networks.

An IDNO network will be connected to the local power network, which is owned by us. However, the IDNO will be responsible for managing and operating their local network, including all future maintenance and fault repairs. Networks that are built by ICPs will be adopted by either a Distribution Network Operator such as Electricity North West or by an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO).

As a customer, you can choose to appoint an accredited ICP to carry out 'contestable' elements of the work, or ask us to complete all of the connection work for you.