- Region
- North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside
- Typical timeline
- 14-18 wk
- Application fee
- £300-500
- Network Study
- Above ~400 kW typical
What's distinctive about SP Manweb
Strong on substation upgrade requirements; sometimes requires Network Study for installs above 400 kW; active in voltage support requirements.
For FE college solar projects in North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, this means three planning considerations: (1) start the G99 application within the first 8 weeks of project kickoff — the DNO timeline is typically the critical-path item; (2) factor Network Study fees into the Salix energy savings calculation where installs are above 400 kW; (3) prepare the protection coordination documentation in detail with the design package, which speeds first technical response.
SP Manweb processing performance
Practical tips for SP Manweb college solar applications
SP Manweb is part of the ScottishPower Energy Networks group but operates as a separate DNO for North Wales / NW England. Welsh language signage requirements apply on physical infrastructure in Welsh territory.
FE colleges in SP Manweb territory
We've worked with G99 connections for installs at FE colleges across the SP Manweb network. Named providers in this territory include:
- Coleg Cambria (multi-site North Wales)
- Grŵp Llandrillo Menai (Bangor / Rhos-on-Sea)
- Reaseheath College (Nantwich)
- The City of Liverpool College
- Hugh Baird College (Bootle)
- St Helens College
- Knowsley Community College
Project sequencing with SP Manweb
- Week 0-2: Pre-application call with SP Manweb (recommended for installs above 250 kW); confirm point of connection and electrical design baseline.
- Week 3-4: Submit G99 application with full design package (single-line diagram, protection scheme, anti-islanding documentation, inverter specification).
- Week 5-12: SP Manweb technical review; clarifications addressed within 5-10 working days each round.
- Week 13-18: Network Study (if required) and connection agreement issued.
- Build phase: Per project programme — physical install scheduled into summer break window.
- Commissioning: SP Manweb witness testing — typically a single day; arranged 2-4 weeks after physical commissioning.