Open letter: update on reform to the electricity connections process following proposals from ESO
Summary
Ofgem open letter updating stakeholders on reform of the electricity connections process following NESO proposals. Predecessor to the TMO4+ consultation cycle.
Why it matters
Public signalling document from Ofgem about the direction of connections reform before the formal consultation process. Sets expectations for the industry on the scope of upcoming changes. Useful historical anchor for the Connections Reform timeline.
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
Open letter: update on reform to the electricity connections process following proposals from ESO | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Open letter: update on reform to the electricity connections process following proposals from ESO Publication type: Correspondence and other Publication date: 10 May 2024 Topic: Electricity transmission Subtopic: Connections Print this page Related links CAP: Ofgem and DESNZ announce joint Connections Action Plan Open letter: Open letter on future reform to the electricity connections process CDB blog: Preparing for a faster, more efficient electricity connections process Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Ofgem provides an update on reform to the electricity connections process following proposals from the electricity system operator (ESO) This letter sets out our expectations in response to the recent proposal by the ESO to reform the connections process. We believe the ESO’s proposal has the potential to deliver the goals set out in the joint Ofgem and DESNZ Connections Action Plan (CAP) . However it needs to be developed alongside a full assessment of risks and benefits, with a robust plan for regulatory and operational implementation. We also ask for stakeholder views on whether this proposal meets expectations, or whether further action is needed. Thank you to all those who responded. We have published all non-confidential responses. We acknowledge that these were tight timescales. This was an early opportunity to share views on ESO’s latest proposal but as we say in the letter, we encourage all interested stakeholders to continue to share their views with the ESO and engage with the code modification process in the coming months. To build a cleaner energy system, reduce GB’s reliance on volatile international energy markets and achieve our net zero goals, we need a more efficient connections process to ensure we are building new network capacity in the right place and at the right time. Currently, there is a significant queue of these projects. Customers seeking network connections are experiencing extensive lead times, with some customers being offered connection dates in the late 2030s. In November 2023, Ofgem and DESNZ published our joint CAP. This set out a framework of actions and further ambitions needed to tackle the growing delays customers are experiencing when seeking network connections. Despite some process improvements to date, the connections queue has continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. This is why we welcome the ESO’s proposal to move towards a ‘First Ready, First Connected’ approach and look forward to overseeing how this develops through the upcoming formal industry code change process. Main document 2025 Connections Reform - Open Letter - Updated Deadline [PDF, 176.78KB] Response documents Non confidential responses to open letter [ZIP, 4.14MB] Print this page Related links CAP: Ofgem and DESNZ announce joint Connections Action Plan Open letter: Open letter on future reform to the electricity connections process CDB blog: Preparing for a faster, more efficient electricity connections process Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close