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Connections Reform

Find out more about the Connections Reform project and how it seeks to address challenges currently facing Connections customers.

NESO Updates

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the challenges facing connections customers and the need to update the connections application process. As a result, they launched the Connections Reform project to address these challenges and put customers and stakeholders at the heart of this change.

Get the latest update from NESO

ENA Updates

Over the past few months, the DNOs and the ENA have been actively collaborating with Ofgem and DESNZ to review the process for distribution projects that don't meet the NESO Gate 2 requirements. We are all diligently working through the specifics of a distribution Gate 1 process, which we believe will closely mirror the transmission Gate 1 process. We will keep you informed as this progresses, with the next update expected following the publication of Ofgem's decision.

See the details on the ENA site

Latest documentation

To keep our customers informed we will be publishing the latest documentation here.

A high amount of documentation will be driven from NESO, please do check the link above for any recent news and information that may have been published.

NESO Transmissions Pause - What it means for our customers

NESO Announcements on Securities

Connections Reform FAQs

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 in March 2025 for NGED customers and in Q2 2025 for NESO customers, we encourage you to commence your preparation and evidence gathering. This will ensure that you are ready once NGED is ready to receive applications. Whilst the evidence criteria is not yet finalised and could be subject to tweaks through the final decision process made by Ofgem. Please note that we are developing a tool to help you to submit your evidence and we will be in touch with more information once we are ready to receive evidence. The expected evidence that you will need to submit to us is detailed in the Gate 2 methodology PowerPoint Presentation and summarised below:

Land rights

3 year option agreement with a lease or,
Existing ownership or,
Existing lease

Proof of Development consent order planning (DCO) if required

A red line boundary showing the location, installed capacity and minimum acreage (as per the NESOs guidance found here download)

A declaration form (this will be provided when you apply)

If you feel that your project meets one of the protection clauses (as per section 6.2 of the Gate 2 methodology), then evidence of submitting planning, obtaining planning consent, having a live Capacity Market Agreement or Contracts for difference contract will also be required.

Please note that if you meet the land rights evidence but have also either submitted or obtained planning consent please provide this also when submitting your evidence even if your project does not fall into the protections clauses. This will help to evidence that your project meets the readiness criteria.

G99

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:

Guidance Document

Application form

Connections Reform Webinar

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 8th April 2025.

You can also find the slide decks from the previous webinars below.

Connections Reform Webinar – December 2024

Connections Reform Webinar – January 2025

Connections Reform Webinar - February 2025

Connections Reform Webinar - March 2025

Additional Supporting documentation

Connections Reform
Clean Power 2030: Advice on achieving clean power for Great Britain by 2030
Clean Power Data Workbook

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