Contestable vs Non-Contestable Works
Your dual offer contains two types of work:
- Contestable Works: Connection works that can be carried out by NIE Networks or by an accredited Independent Connections Provider (ICP). You have a choice when deciding who shall complete these elements of your connection.
- Non-Contestable Works: Connection works that can only be carried out by NIE Networks for the safety and security of the distribution network. You cannot choose who completes these elements of your connection - it must be NIE Networks.
See a list of connection works that have been classified as contestable works or non-contestable works below. All work that needs to be carried out on the existing distribution network, such as system reinforcement and the determination of the point of connection to the network, is non-contestable.
| Non-Contestable Works |
Contestable Works |
| Determining the point of connection to the existing distribution system |
Detailed design |
| Designing upstream reinforcement works |
Route and site selection |
| Determination of ownership boundary |
Procuring materials for contestable works |
| Designing diversionary works |
Land rights negotiations with third party land owners including site acquisition |
| Reviewing the design for the contestable works |
Attaining planning permission, wayleaves and easements on behalf of NIE Networks |
| Plant and materials specifications |
Trench excavation and duct installation |
| Producing wayleave/easement documentation |
Construction of substation buildings |
| Protection and control systems which relate exclusively to the existing transmission or distribution system |
Cable laying and jointing for contestable works |
| Design and installation of communications systems |
Substation plant installation for contestable works |
| Jointing to existing distribution system |
Excavation for joint bay |
| Reinforcement/diversionary work on the existing distribution system |
Preparation and provision of contestable works 'as built' records |
| Quality assurance inspections |
Pre-commissioning on contestable works |
| Commissioning and connection of contestable works to the distribution system |
| Metering requirements |
| Operation, repairs, maintenance |
If you are unclear about any of the works or costs listed in your dual offer you can contact the Planning Engineer for your project using the phone number listed on the terms letter you receive from us, contact us directly or request a call back.
Where is the boundary between the Contestable and Non-Contestable Works?
The boundary between the contestable works and non-contestable works will be different for each job as set out in your dual offer. In general, the boundary where the contestable works end and the non-contestable works begins is where work must be carried out on the existing distribution network. Below are some examples showing the boundary between the connection works (in green) that can be constructed by an ICP (contestable works) and the connection works (in orange) that can only be carried out by NIE Networks (non-contestable works).
Underground supply to a new house connecting to an existing overhead line
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- New work on existing assets (installing a new transformer and transformer earths on the exisiting pole) is non-contestable
- Making the final connection to the existing network is non-contestable
- Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
- The installation of the proposed service cable is contestable work
- Trenching on public property is contestable work
Overhead Line to a new house connecting to an exisiting overhead line
- New work on existing assets (installing a new cross arm and stays on the existing pole) is non-contestable
- Constructing the first span of overhead line from the existing pole to the first new pole is non-contestable
- Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
- Installing the new line (excluding the first span), new transformer and the proposed service cable is contestable work
- Trenching on public property is contestable work
High voltage supply connecting to an existing high voltage underground cable
- Making the final connection to the existing underground high voltage cable and all cable testing is non-contestable work
- Any reinforcement work needed upstream of the Point of Connection is non-contestable
- The installation of the proposed high voltage cables is contestable work
- Trenching on public property is contestable work