For the selected generator, the connection cost to the 33/11kV distribution substation has to be estimated. Prices tend to fluctuate and for this period would approximately vary as the following table.

Unit cost

Units

Total cost

Three Phase 630A, 11kV Circuit Breaker at the Distribution Substation

£25,000-£35,000

1

£25,000-£35,000

3cX70 mm2 aluminium conductor / XLPE insulated 11kV cable

£8-£12/m

1,500

£12,000-£18,000

11kV, Three Phase Cable Straight Joints

£300-£500

2

£600-£1000

Trackworks and high voltage cable installation (unmade ground)

£25-£35/m

1,500

£37,500-£52,500

Joint hole excavations for Straight Joints (unmade ground)

£150-£250

2

£300-£500

Small GRB building at generator site to house the 11kV switchgear and metering equipment

£3,000-£5000

1

£3,000-£5,000

11kV Ring Main Unit complete with import / export metering fitted to HV Circuit Breaker

£15,000-£25,000

1

£15,000-£25,000

500kVA 11,000/415V step-up generator transformer

£7,000-£12,000

1

£7,000-£12,000

630 mm2 copper conductor / XLPE insulated 415V cable

£50-£70/m

50

£2,500-£3,500

Trackworks and low voltage cable installation (unmade ground)

£30-£50/m

50

£1,500-£2,500

Three Phase 1250A, 415V generator Circuit Breaker

£3,000-£7,000

1

£3,000-£7,000

Total Equipment Cost:

£107,400-£162,000

Contingency @ 3%:

£3,220-£4,860

TOTAL CONNECTION COST:

£110,620-£166,860

Metering for this type of generation connection is usually installed on the 11kV Circuit Breaker at the generator site. The developer will therefore own the low voltage system and generator transformer. This is required to ensure that the electricity company does not end up paying for the significant losses associated with a step-up generator transformer.

Additional operational and maintenance costs should be considered in these calculations. Moreover, for a better estimation of the total connection cost CLICK HERE and enter present updated prices to the sensitivity analysis spreadsheet.