What ENW covers
Electricity North West (ENW) is the Distribution Network Operator responsible for Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria. The network covers the rural farming areas across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, parts of Cheshire (north). Every commercial farm PV install above approximately 17 kW within these areas connects via ENW's G99 process.
The G99 application process via ENW
The ENW G99 application is submitted via their connections portal (https://www.enwl.co.uk/get-connected/). Standard timeline:
- Application submission: within 14 days of contract signature (we submit immediately after the structural survey)
- Technical study: 65–90 working days typical response time
- Connection works: 6–14 months (longer on Cumbria and remote Lancashire feeders)
Current capacity context across ENW's network
Lake District and remote Cumbria capacity-constrained; Greater Manchester and central Lancashire generally available. We track current capacity availability across all six UK DNOs in our project planning. For farms on capacity-constrained feeders, the rational design path is "no-export" — sizing the PV system for 100% self-consumption with zero grid export. No-export systems connect via ENW in 6–8 weeks regardless of feeder capacity, since there's no export reinforcement required.
ENW-specific G99 requirements
ENW requires standard G99 documentation: system specification (panel and inverter make and model, total kW capacity); single-line electrical diagram; grid-code compliance certificate (inverter manufacturer certification); structural compliance confirmation; site address and grid reference; existing supply details (MPAN, contracted kVA, phase configuration). For installs above 250 kW, ENW typically requires additional fault-level study and harmonic distortion analysis.
Connection charges to expect on ENW's network
Indicative ENW connection charges for typical farm PV installs in 2026:
- Sub-100 kW: £3,000–£8,000 (study + contestable works + metering)
- 100–250 kW: £8,000–£25,000
- 250 kW–1 MW: £18,000–£70,000 (highly variable depending on substation works required)
- Above 1 MW: £50,000+ with potential substation reinforcement adding £100,000–£500,000+
For projects where the ENW quote is uneconomic, we typically explore: reducing system capacity to fit within existing feeder limits; no-export design eliminating export reinforcement; battery storage to absorb peak generation; staged commissioning where Phase 1 connects under existing capacity.
How to minimise ENW G99 timeline impact on your project
Three actions consistently shorten the G99 timeline:
- Submit early. We submit the G99 application within 14 days of contract signature, before detailed electrical design completes. The application can be updated as design firms up; what matters is being in the ENW queue.
- Pre-engage ENW where possible. For larger installs (above 500 kW), informal pre-application discussions with the ENW connections team can flag capacity constraints before formal submission, allowing design adjustments.
- Consider no-export design. For sites where export capacity is constrained, no-export design connects in 6–8 weeks rather than 12–18 months. The economic trade-off is moderate: SEG income lost typically £1,500–£4,000/year for a 200 kW system, against 6–12 months of saved project delay.
Working with ENW on combined re-roof + PV projects
For projects involving asbestos cement removal followed by PV installation, the G99 application is submitted at the same time as the asbestos removal contractor mobilises. Both workstreams run in parallel through the re-clad and into commissioning. ENW does not require coordination with the asbestos contractor — the G99 process is electrical-only.
What we do for ENW G99 applications
We handle G99 submission as part of every project scope. Specifically: we draft the G99 application from the structural and electrical design; we submit via the ENW portal; we manage the study response and any queries from ENW's technical team; we coordinate any contestable works planning; we manage the final connection commissioning with ENW's site team. The G99 fee is invoiced separately from our installation fee (typically paid by the farm direct to ENW).
Common questions
How long does ENW take to approve a G99 connection?
Technical study response typically 65–90 working days. Full connection completion 6–14 months (longer on Cumbria and remote Lancashire feeders). Lake District and remote Cumbria capacity-constrained; Greater Manchester and central Lancashire generally available.
What's the G99 connection cost on ENW's network?
For typical farm installs: £3,000–£8,000 for sub-100 kW systems; £8,000–£25,000 for 100–250 kW; £18,000–£70,000 for 250 kW–1 MW; above 1 MW potentially £50k+ plus substation reinforcement costs of £100k–£500k+.
Can we connect a farm PV system on a capacity-constrained ENW feeder?
Yes — using no-export design. The PV system is sized for 100% self-consumption with zero grid export. Connection completes in 6–8 weeks via ENW regardless of feeder capacity since no export reinforcement is required. The SEG income trade-off is moderate (typically £1,500–£4,000/year for a 200 kW system).
Does ENW have special requirements for large farm installs?
For installs above 250 kW, ENW typically requires additional fault-level study and harmonic distortion analysis. Above 1 MW, full grid-code compliance documentation. We handle these as part of standard scope.
When should we submit the G99 application to ENW?
Within 14 days of contract signature, before detailed electrical design completes. The G99 application can be updated as design firms up. What matters is locking in your queue position at ENW.