FAQs

In the electricity industry, ICP stands for Independent Connection Provider.

• An ICP is an accredited company that can design and build new electricity connections outside the traditional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)
• They operate in competitive parts of the utilities market, giving customers more choice when securing new connections

Dunamis is a leading ICP specialising in the design and build of High Voltage (HV) grid connections and networks.

• One of only a few ICPs in the UK on the LRQA NERS register, able to deliver projects up to 132kV
• We have successfully energised over 200 projects across the UK

ICPs manage the entire journey of a new electricity connection – from design to adoption.

• We design the network: Fully coordinated from day one to deliver best value
• We build the infrastructure: A joined-up installation to avoid clashes and mitigate delays
• We manage the adoption: Handling the process of transferring the network to a utility owner, whether that’s a regional incumbent or an Independent Network Owner

In brief: We design it. We build it. We connect it. We manage adoption – all to provide the complete and seamless delivery of your electrical infrastructure.

Dunamis is one of only a few ICPs on the LRQA NERS register, capable of delivering HV projects up to 132kV, and we have delivered over 200 successful energisations across the UK.

A High Voltage (HV) connection supplies electricity at higher voltages – typically 11kV, 33kV, 66kv or 132kV- for large-scale developments, commercial sites, or industrial facilities.

HV connections are needed when standard low-voltage supplies cannot provide enough power.

Why a site might need an HV connection:

• To supply large amounts of electricity reliably
• To reduce energy losses compared with multiple low-voltage connections
• To future-proof developments for growth or higher electricity demand

Dunamis specialises in HV grid connections up to 132kV and has successfully delivered 200+ projects across the UK.

A Point of Connection (POC) is the defined location where a development connects directly into the existing electricity network.

This is the interface where new High Voltage (HV) infrastructure, such as cables, switchgear, or substations, integrates with the wider distribution or transmission system.

A POC is a critical element of project design and approval, as it determines the capacity, configuration, and technical requirements for supplying power to the site.

Establishing the most suitable POC ensures:

• Safe, reliable, and compliant integration with the existing network
• Alignment with network capacity and load requirements
• Clarity of ownership, operation, and maintenance responsibilities
• Accurate planning for HV infrastructure, protection systems, and connection works
• Efficient coordination with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

Dunamis can support identify and secure of the optimal HV POC for your project, ensuring a robust and future proofed power supply.

Value engineering is designing an electricity network with cost and time efficiencies in mind, while still meeting safety and regulatory requirements.

It focuses on smarter, more flexible solutions to deliver projects efficiently, without compromising quality or compliance.

Why it matters:

• Delivers projects on time and within budget
• Identifies efficient solutions for materials, layout, or construction
• Provides flexibility compared to standard DNO requirements
• Ensures full compliance with regulations and safety standards

Typical activities:

• Optimising cable routes and substation layouts
• Selecting cost-effective equipment or materials
• Streamlining construction or installation methods
• Reviewing designs to reduce unnecessary complexity

Benefits:

• Saves time and money without compromising safety
• Supports innovative, flexible project delivery
• Ensures a high-quality, compliant network

Dunamis uses its expertise in value engineering to deliver efficient, flexible, and compliant HV projects.

These numbers represent standard voltage levels in the UK electricity network:

• 132kV: High Voltage Distribution
  • Transfers bulk power across regions
  • Connects Grid Supply Points (GSPs) to primary substations
  • Typically via overhead lines or major underground cables

• 66kV: Sub-Transmission Distribution
  • Transfers power from Grid Supply Points (GSPs) to primary substations where 132kV is not used
  • Common in regional, rural, and legacy networks, via overhead lines or underground cables

• 33kV: Intermediate Distribution
  • Moves electricity from primary to secondary substations
  • Common in urban, rural, and industrial networks

• 11kV: Local Primary Distribution
  • Supplies local substations, stepping down to 400V / 230V for homes and small businesses
  • Can supply larger commercial and industrial sites directly

Why do multiple voltage levels exist?

• Reduces energy losses over distance
• Ensures safe supply for end users
• Enables smooth integration between generation, substations, and local networks

Dunamis delivers HV connections and infrastructure up to 132kV, with over 200 successful projects.

Future-proofed electrical infrastructure is designed to meet both your current and future needs.

• It also handles growing energy demand and integration of new low carbon technologies (like EVs, battery storage, or renewables) without costly upgrades.

Why future-proofing your electrical infrastructure matters:

• It supports long-term growth in electricity demand
• It accommodates new low carbon technologies and developments
• It reduces future upgrade costs

Dunamis experts can help ensure your electrical infrastructure is future-proofed, flexible, and reliable.

Commissioning is the process of testing, inspecting, and verifying new electrical systems before full operation.

• It ensures all equipment, connections, and safety systems work correctly and meet standards

Typical activities include:

• Testing cables, transformers, and switchgear
• Verification of protection systems and safety devices
• Functional testing of control and monitoring equipment
• Coordination with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before energising

Dunamis provides complete commissioning services as part of the delivery of HV connections.

National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) accreditation is a formal certification for contractors and companies working on High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) electricity networks in the UK.

• NERS accreditation confirms that a company or individual has the skills, experience, and safety standards to work safely and professionally

Why being NERS accredited matters:

• NERS accreditation confirms a contractor is qualified and competent to work on live networks
• NERS accreditation ensures compliance with regulations and safety standards

Dunamis is one of only a few ICPs on the LRQA NERS register, capable of delivering HV projects up to 132kV, with a strong track record of successful project delivery.

In utilities, “contestable” refers to work that can be done by an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), while “non-contestable” work is restricted to the regional, large network operator.

Contestable works:

• Include the more practical aspects of a new connection, such as installing cables and substations, and can be carried out by Independent Connection Providers (ICPs)

Non-Contestable works:

• Include elements, such as the final connection to the existing network in the electricity sector, which must be performed by the network owner

As an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Dunamis can package and coordinate both Contestable and Non-Contestable elements. So even if the work is “Non-Contestable”, we can help.