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NESO Transmission Pause - What it means for our customers
Background
The existing connections process was developed and designed over 20 years ago when the energy landscape was far less complex than it is today. The volume of projects in recent years, both applying and connecting to the electricity system has grown exponentially. The existing ‘first come, first served’ approach to connections projects joining the queue means that the connections process has not kept pace with the rapid changes occurring in the energy sector. Combined with the need to meet Net Zero targets has meant that a new process needed to be developed.
What is Connections Reform?
Given the clear and urgent need to reform the electricity network connections processes, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) launched a project in 2022(Connections Reform) to address the need. The reform project is part of a longer-term vision for change to the connections process, but short-term initiatives to speed up connections to the grid, have also been introduced, via NESO’s five-point plan and the ENA’s 3 point plan . We are now in Phase 3 of Connections Reform (previous phases of reform can be found here), for which a consultation is open and details are below.
What is Clean Power 2030 (CP30)
A new consideration within Connections Reform is the government’s ambition to have a clean GB power system by 2030. On the 5th November 2024, NESO published the CP30 advice to government which outlined that whilst clean power by 2030 is possible, it requires Network Operators to invest, build and connect at an accelerated pace. CP30 also signals renewed importance for Connections Reform and is likely to necessitate the adoption of a ‘first ready and needed, first connected’ approach by selecting the technologies that will best serve the network and consumers for any given location.
Preparation for Connections Reform (Project Evidence (Gate 2)
In readiness for Gate 2 Reform implementation, which is expected to begin by Q2 2025, although an earlier submission window may open, we encourage you to commence your preparation and evidence gathering. This will ensure the processing of your projects is not delayed when reform begins. Whilst the evidence criteria is not yet finalised and could be subject to tweaks through the ongoing industry consultation process, the expected evidence that you will need to submit to us through our portal early next year is as below. Further information will be sent to you on the specific submission process ahead of Q2 next year.
1. Evidence of Land rights secured or Submission of Planning Consent - More detail about what you need to do to meet the Gate 2 Readiness Criteria can be found in the Gate 2 Methodology consultation.
2. Advancement Request Date - where applicable, for each project, NESO will require this information.
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As a result of the Ofgem and DESNZ Connections Action Plan which was published in November 2023, the Strategic Connections Group led by the ENA has been working with Distribution Network Operators (DNO) to streamline the application process (CAP Action 3.1) and raising the barriers to entry requirements for all Generators 1MW and above The objective is to prioritise projects that are progressing and have a greater likelihood of successful completion to meet government targets and rejecting speculative applications that lack sufficient detail. The ENA have now published their final consultation which now means that any application to the DNO’s with effect from 01 January 2025 will be required to submit the revised application form along with the relevant details.
The revised guidance document and application form can be found on the ENA website:
If you do have any questions or require any further information, details of how to contact us can be found at the bottom of this page
We recognise that this is a period of change and want to ensure that you are kept informed. This monthly webinar is for customers and stakeholders who would like to keep up to date with Connections Reform changes. This webinar is interactive, and we would like to hear your views during the call.
Date of Next Webinar: 10 - 11am, Tuesday 11th February 2025.
Register for the Connections Reform Webinar
You can also find the slide decks from the previous webinars below.
Connections Reform Webinar – December 2024
Connections Reform Webinar – January 2025
Additional Supporting documentation
For further information, please reach out to our dedicated inbox: box.connectionsreformnged@nationalgrid.com
