G99/NI Fast Track application limit raised to 60A per phase

NIE Networks changed the parameters of G99/NI Fast Track applications on 1 May 2026, raising the capacity that can be applied for to 60A per phase, up from 16A per phase¹. The export limit stays at 16A per phase¹.

The Fast Track route is the streamlined process for connecting generation such as solar panels or wind turbines, with or without battery storage, to the electricity network in Northern Ireland³. Under the new parameters, a generator's Total Installation Capacity (TIC) can be up to 60A per phase with a maximum inverter size of 32A, which NIE Networks translates as a TIC of 13.8kW with a maximum inverter size of 7.36kW³. Individual inverter size is limited to 32A per phase and export is limited to 16A per phase². Anything above those levels requires a full G99/NI application³.

NIE Networks said the change widens what can be connected even though the export ceiling is unchanged¹:

"The export limit will remain at 16A per phase however the diversity of what can be connected has been improved."

The three application categories now sit as follows²:

NIE Networks states that G99/NI Fast Track is not a "Fit and Inform" process and that approval must be granted before installation begins². Applications must include an electrical schematic showing how export is limited to 16A per phase, export limiting scheme details complying with NIE Networks Policy 21/007 and EREC G5/4-1, and either a G100 test certificate or a manufacturer's Statement of Compliance³. Application fees apply to all generation applications except G98/NI submissions, set either as a fixed fee from Schedule 2 of the Statement of Connection Charges or on the outturn cost of studies, design and issuing a Terms Letter, with VAT included². NIE Networks advises applicants to check the ENA Type Test Register to confirm an inverter is approved for use in Northern Ireland, noting that G98/NI type-tested inverters and G99/NI Type A type-tested inverters are permitted for installations up to 16 amps per phase².

Why it matters for households

The change affects what a household in Northern Ireland can put through the simpler Fast Track application rather than the full G99/NI process. A home can now apply to install generation with a Total Installation Capacity of up to 60A per phase, or 13.8kW, where previously the Fast Track ceiling was 16A per phase¹. Because the export limit remains at 16A per phase, the larger permitted installation does not mean more power can be sent to the grid¹. The practical effect is on how a system is sized and operated on site: a larger array or battery can be connected and used in the home, with export capped at the same level as before. NIE Networks describes this as improved diversity of what can be connected¹. Approval is required before installation begins, so the sequence of application and consent is unchanged².

What happens next

NIE Networks states it will be able to accept applications for generation export from Tuesday 15 September 2026². For applications designated to connect into Limavady Main substation, temporary rules apply to applications on 15 September 2026 only; applications received before that date will not be considered for the export capacity and applications received after it will not have the temporary rules applied². Milestone deadlines remain in place: a planning milestone of 120 calendar days after the connection offer is issued, a longstop milestone of 24 months after the Scheduled Completion Date, and a utilisation milestone of 24 months after completion of the connection works, with export capacity subject to retraction or reduction if these are missed². Quotations must be accepted within 90 days².

Sources3 cited

1. Connect a new home, business or property to our network | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, nienetworks.co.uk
2. Connect a new home, business or property to our network | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, nienetworks.co.uk
3. Connect a new home, business or property to our network | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, nienetworks.co.uk