NERS Accreditation

National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS)

The National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) has been developed to allow providers (commonly known as independent connections providers) to carry out contestable connection work. ProGuard Consulting will help with strategic planning, financial management, or anything in between. We pride ourselves on our personalised approach and our commitment to delivering results that exceed our clients' expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business succeed.

Several power cables sticking up showing internals

Achieve Your Business Goals with NERS Accr

What is NERS Accreditation?

If you wish to carry out contestable connection work within the contestable market, as defined by OFGEM, you must be accredited under this scheme. Our NERS Consultants can assist you in ensuring your management systems are fully compliant with NERS accreditation requirements and will pass any 3rd party assessment. The scopes of registration are as follows:

Design
Project Management
Design
Cable laying (LV,11kV, 33kV, 132kV)
Cable jointing (dead LV, live LV,11kV, 33kV, 132kV)
Overhead lines wooden pole and/or steel tower (up to 132kV)
Substation installation (up to 11kV/415V)
Substation installation (11kV, 33kV, 132kV)
All associated civil engineering works including excavation, cable laying and backfilling
Network switching and intrusive cable identification

Why ProGuard Consulting & what can we offer?

Develop/update your current management system to ensure full compliance with NERS requirements, undertake a gap analysis audit against NERS accreditation/requirements and provide you a report identifying where your current management system is compliant and where improvements need to be made. Attend the third-party audit supporting you through the process. Act as your competent health and safety and NERS consultant/advisor.

NERS BENEFITS: FOR YOUR BUSINESS

All Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) on mainland UK recognise this scheme and, provided that the NERS providers hold the appropriate UK utility schemes accreditations, the NERS provider can compete for work within the contestable connections market. When awarding contracts to registered NERS providers, the developer, who is usually the client organisation, can be confident that once the work has been completed, the host DNO will adopt the connection for the remainder of its lifetime. All contractors who wish to undertake any part of the contestable connections process including project management, design, cable installation etc require the relevant accreditation.

Accreditation

Recognised by all UK DNOs

Independent

NERS Accreditation, assessment and registration process

Assignment

Of an accreditation mark which will represent the achievement of a high technical, quality and safety standard

LRQA

Website listing of registered service providers

Broader Business Opportunities

NERS accreditation allows contractors to undertake work directly for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and other independent organisations. With the accreditation, companies can demonstrate they have met rigorous safety and competence standards, which can unlock a wider range of projects and contracts within the electricity distribution sector. ebsite listing of registered service providers

Elevated Credibility

Gaining NERS accreditation bolsters a company's reputation and standing within the electricity sector. It's a clear indication that the contractor meets stringent industry standards, which can enhance trust among clients, stakeholders, and industry peers.

Efficient Work Approvals

With NERS accreditation, contractors can benefit from a more streamlined process when seeking approvals for electricity network projects. This recognition across the industry reduces the need for multiple and repeated assessments by different DNOs, leading to faster project initiation and less administrative overhead.

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Did you know we could also help with MURS accreditation?

If you are considering NERS, WIRS, and GIRS for your company, it is crucial to take into account the benefits of also obtaining MURS (Multi-Utility Recognition Status). MURS is not a standalone accreditation; rather, it complements existing certifications. Only companies holding NERS (at 1st tier level), GIRS, and WIRS, while meeting the scheme requirements, will be eligible for automatic inclusion in the MURS register. Although they will not directly hold MURS accreditation, being on the MURS register signifies a higher level of competence and multi-utility capability.

By implementing MURS, the utility industry can eliminate redundant procedures and validation processes that commonly exist across different utility schemes. This streamlines operations and brings several advantages:

MURS (Multi-Utility Recognition Status)

NERS + GIRS + WIRS = Streamlined validation processes

Reduction in the number of annual surveillance visits, which eases the administrative burden on companies while ensuring compliance with standards.
A revised approach to the 3-yearly re-appraisals will enhance efficiency and effectiveness, leading to smoother evaluations and continued improvements.
Companies awarded MURS will be promoted for their multi-utility capability through scheme-specific web listings, boosting their visibility and credibility in the industry.
The implementation of MURS will involve a designated assessor who will liaise with the utility provider and coordinate the input of scheme-specific assessors, ensuring a unified and standardised evaluation process.

Opting for MURS alongside NERS, WIRS, and GIRS will not only enhance your company’s reputation but also streamline validation processes, reduce surveillance visits, and promote your multi-utility capabilities, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and excellence in the utility sector – reach out to the ProGuard Consulting Team if you feel this is something you would like to consider!