Hiring grid connection engineers who claim to have led DNO negotiations can expose projects to delays and costly technical setbacks if those claims are not real. LSP Renewables explains the biggest CV red flags to watch for and how to verify genuine grid connection experience before you hire.

Key Takeaways:

Many engineers exaggerate DNO negotiation experience, so check who they engaged with and which stages they led

Real grid connection work includes direct liaison with Distribution Network Operators and National Grid

Watch for vague titles, missing approvals and unclear project metrics

Verifying connection experience early prevents overruns and re engineering cost

LSP Renewables helps hiring teams screen for proven technical leadership

What Hiring Managers Look For in DNO Grid Connection Experience

Searches such as “how to verify grid connection engineers” and “what to ask about DNO negotiations” are common among hiring managers. They want practical ways to confirm that grid connection experience is genuine, not just a buzzword on a CV.

This is where structured screening makes a difference. Instead of relying on job titles, you focus on who the engineer worked with, which documents they handled and what outcomes they delivered.

Why DNO Negotiation Claims Are Hard to Trust

If you recruit transmission or grid engineers, you will have seen CVs that claim “led grid connection negotiations with DNOs.” It sounds impressive, but the reality is often more limited.

Grid connection is a specialist skill involving regulatory coordination, planning and live engagement with Distribution Network Operators. In many cases, candidates only contributed to internal reports or feasibility studies. The gap between involvement and leadership is where most exaggeration appears.

At LSP Renewables, we regularly see hiring managers assume that “grid connection” means hands on negotiations with a DNO. Unless you probe deeper, it is easy to overestimate a candidate’s exposure.

Common CV Red Flags in Grid Connection Claims

Missing DNO Names and Project Specifics

A clear warning sign is the absence of specific DNO names. Engineers with genuine grid connection experience comfortably reference operators such as UK Power Networks, Northern Powergrid or Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

If a CV only states “liaised with utility providers,” you should question the depth of that experience. Authentic engineers know which DNO they dealt with, which network voltage they worked on and what the project outcome was.

Vague Language Around Negotiations

True DNO negotiation covers connection offers, contestable works and the balance between technical and commercial terms. Phrases such as “assisted negotiations” or “supported discussions” usually signal that someone else led the process.

A quick insider tip: if a candidate cannot clearly explain contestable versus non contestable works, their negotiation role was likely limited.

No Reference to Connection Offers or National Grid Approvals

Engineers who have managed real grid connection work typically mention Offer Letters, Budget Estimates or Acceptance stages. If there is no reference to these, they may not have handled live approvals.

At senior level, you should also expect references to ENA G99 processes or National Grid Statements of Works. These are strong indicators of transmission level exposure.

Overstated Job Titles

Project engineers sometimes present themselves as grid connection leads when they only supported a manager. Check project voltage levels and megawatt capacity to understand their real scope.

For guidance:

• Around 132 kV and above suggests transmission experience
• Around 33 kV and below tends to indicate distribution level exposure

The distinction between DNO and National Grid work matters. DNO projects focus on lower voltage regional networks, while National Grid manages high voltage transmission. Confusing one for the other can lead to misgrading and misaligned salary expectations.

No Mention of Stakeholders

True grid connection engineers work with planners, design consultants and utility engineers. A CV with no stakeholder references is another red flag. Ask for examples of cross team coordination, DNO meeting attendance or multi party workshops.

How to Verify Real Grid Connection Experience

Experienced hiring managers verify claims through specifics rather than job titles.

LSP Renewables recommends screening for these indicators:

• Named DNOs: which operator, which region and which network type
• Stages handled: feasibility, design, negotiation or acceptance
• Technical documents: G99 applications, connection studies or Statements of Works
• Stakeholder scope: direct DNO contact or internal liaison only
• Project outcomes: approved, rejected or pending connection status

If these details are vague or missing, it is worth validating experience further before you schedule interviews.

How to Verify Grid Connection Experience Before Interviewing

The outcome of this process is simple. You quickly confirm whether an engineer genuinely led DNO grid connection negotiations or only supported the work in the background.

You can use a structured approach:

1. Ask for project examples and DNO names. Start with “Which DNOs have you worked with and what connection types did you handle”

2. Request documentation. Genuine engineers can discuss connection offers, G99 studies or acceptance letters in detail

3. Check voltage levels. Transmission projects typically start at around 132 kV and higher, while lower voltages are usually distribution networks

4. Confirm the negotiation role. Ask who attended DNO meetings, who approved offers and who made the key technical calls

5. Look for regulatory awareness. Candidates should reference ENA guidance, National Grid coordination or Ofgem frameworks when relevant

6. Test scenario knowledge. For example, “How did you respond to a rejected offer” and “What steps did you take next”

7. Cross check with references. Validate that DNO contact points and project roles match what the CV claims

8. Document findings so each candidate is assessed consistently and you can justify hiring decisions

Following this process reduces mis hire risk and supports a more robust due diligence trail.

Why Accuracy Matters in Energy Sector Hiring

False or inflated claims in renewable energy CVs can create serious operational and financial damage. Hiring an engineer without real DNO negotiation experience can delay a project by several months and add significant re engineering cost.

Energy infrastructure recruitment demands accuracy and accountability. Engineers who cannot navigate DNO processes raise the risk of project overruns, compliance gaps and strained client relationships.

LSP Renewables places structured verification at the heart of its process. Checking for National Grid approvals, connection offers and clear DNO contact history is not just about paperwork. It is about protecting your project timeline, budget and reputation.

FAQs About DNO Grid Connection Experience

Q: How can hiring teams confirm if an engineer truly led DNO grid connection negotiations
A: The best way is to ask for project specifics such as DNO names, voltage levels and connection documentation. Genuine leaders can explain who they engaged with, which decisions they made and how offers progressed.

Q: What are the most common red flags in grid connection CVs
A: The most common red flags include missing DNO names, vague job titles, unclear project details and no mention of G99 or Statement of Works documents.

Q: Why do engineers exaggerate grid connection experience
A: Some engineers exaggerate grid connection exposure to appear more senior or to broaden their opportunities, especially in fast growing renewables markets where responsibilities vary widely between developers.

Q: How can recruiters check technical credibility in transmission engineers
A: Recruiters can request examples of connection offers, studies or DNO correspondence. Engineers with genuine experience are usually comfortable sharing specific details and discussing how they resolved issues.

Q: What are the risks of hiring someone with fake grid connection experience
A: Risks include project delays, additional cost from design rework, pressure on client relationships and weaker performance in future framework bids if technical delivery falls short.

About the Author

This article was prepared by a specialist consultant at LSP Renewables with deep experience screening grid, transmission and electrical engineers across the UK and international energy markets. Their work focuses on helping hiring teams verify technical credibility, identify genuine DNO and National Grid experience, and reduce mis hire risk in critical infrastructure roles.

Hire Verified Grid Connection Talent With Confidence

LSP Renewables specialises in renewable energy and transmission recruitment, with deep experience verifying genuine DNO and National Grid expertise. If you want confidence that your next hire has real grid connection experience, speak with a sector specialist today who understands the technical detail and the demands of project delivery.