GC0173: Consistency of Technical and Compliance Requirements between GB and European Users
What is being proposed
This modification is designed to ensure alignment between the Grid Code Connection Conditions and European Connection Conditions and interactions with the Compliance Processes and European Compliance Processes in addition to a data clarification in the Planning Code in respect of thermal storage technologies.
Current status
The Proposal was raised and submitted to the June 2024 Grid Code Review Panel along with GC0169. The Panel unanimously agreed that both GC0169 and GC0173 should follow the Standard Governance route and proceed to a single joint Grid Code/Distribution Code Workgroup. The Panel approved the Terms of Reference for both modifications and Workgroup Nominations opened on 02 July 2024 and closed on 23 July 2024. The Workgroup Consultation was published on 20 March and ran until 10 April, receiving 4 responses. The second Code Administrator Consultation opened on the 26 September 2025 and closes on 26 October 2025. 06/01/2026: The Final Modification Report was sent to the Authority on 10 December 2025.
Details
Timeline
Analysis
Grid Code modification GC0173 aligns GB connection conditions with European standards and clarifies thermal storage technology data requirements in the Planning Code. The modification follows standard governance with a joint Grid Code/Distribution Code workgroup, receiving four consultation responses. Final modification report was submitted to the Authority in December 2025.
Why it matters
Administrative alignment that standardises technical requirements without changing market structure or connection costs. The cross-border consistency reduces compliance complexity for developers operating in both GB and European markets.
Key facts
- •Joint Grid Code/Distribution Code workgroup established
- •Workgroup consultation received 4 responses
- •Final modification report submitted December 2025
- •Medium impact on NESO, Grid Code Users, Transmission Licensees