CMP330/CMP374: Allowing new Transmission Connected parties to build Connection Assets greater than 2km in length
What is being proposed
To amend the definition of Connection Assets in section 14 of the CUSC to allow cable and overhead line lengths over 2km to be contestable where agreed between the Transmission Owner and the User.
Current status
The Panel met on 13 December 2019 and agreed that it goes to a Workgroup. Workgroup meetings commenced on 21 September 2020 (note this was de-prioritised by Panel whilst the Modifications to address Ofgem's Targeted Charging Review decision were being progressed). At June 2020 Panel, Panel determined that the priority of this was Medium to High. CMP330 Workgroup Consultation launched on 26 January 2021 and closed 5pm on 16 February 2021 with 10 responses received and following this, the Proposer sought to widen the defect to cover the wider area of contestability and therefore raised CMP374 and sought to amalgamate this with CMP330. The Panel met on 28 May 2021 to discuss CMP374 and agreed that it goes to a Workgroup. They also agreed to amalgamate CMP374 with CMP330. A CMP330/CMP374 Workgroup Consultation was run between 17 December 2021 and 17 January 2022 and there were 8 non-confidential responses. Workgroup Report was presented to April 2023 Panel and Panel agreed that the Terms of Reference have been met and agreed for CMP330/CMP374 to proceed to Code Administrator Consultation. The Code Administrator Consultation was published on 1 June 2023 and closed at 5pm on 29 June 2023, 6 non-confidential responses were recieved. At the July 2023 CUSC Panel, Panel recommended unanimously that the Proposer’s solution and WACM1 better facilitate the CUSC Applicable Objectives. The Final Modification Report was sent to Ofgem on 10 August 2023. CMP330/CMP374 had an expected decision date of 08 March 2024 as per Ofgem's update to the August 2023 CUSC Panel. CMP330/CMP374 had an expected decision date of 08 May 2024 (previously 08 March 2024) as per Ofgem's published update on 29 January 2024. CMP330/CMP374 had an expected decision date of 31 July 2024 (previously 08 May 2024) as per Ofgem's update to the May 2024 CUSC Panel on 31 May 2024. CMP330/CMP374 does not have an expected decision date as it is depended on the sendback FMR of CMP414 and CM079 (previously 31 July 2024) as per Ofgem's update to the August 2024 CUSC Panel. (06/03/2025) This modification expected decision date is to be confirmed.
Details
Timeline
Analysis
CMP330/CMP374 proposes to allow transmission-connected parties to build their own connection assets longer than 2km, where previously only assets up to 2km could be built contestably. The modification removes the arbitrary 2km length restriction on contestable connection works, requiring only agreement between the transmission owner and connecting party. Decision expected but currently delayed pending resolution of related modifications CMP414 and CM079.
Why it matters
This removes an arbitrary constraint that forced developers to use transmission owner services for longer connections, potentially reducing connection costs and timescales for large projects. The restriction had no economic basis — connection asset ownership should depend on efficiency and risk allocation, not cable length.
Key facts
- •Removes 2km length limit on contestable connection assets
- •Requires agreement between transmission owner and connecting party
- •Panel unanimously recommended approval in July 2023
- •Decision delayed indefinitely pending CMP414/CM079 resolution