GC0103: The introduction of harmonised Applicable Electrical Standards in GB to ensure compliance with the EU Connection Codes
What is being proposed
To set out within the Grid Code the compliance obligations in the EU Connection Codes as they relate to Electrical Standards
Current status
The Panel met in August 2017 and agreed that it goes to a Workgroup. Workgroup meetings commenced on 18 September 2017. July 2022 Panel priorited the modification as low on the prioritisation stack and therefore Workgroup went on hold. February 2023 Grid Code Review Panel adjusted the prioritisation of the modification and requested Workgroups be restarted. Workgroup nominations closed on 26 May 2023. The June 2023 Grid Code Review Panel approved the updated Terms of Reference for GC0103. The GC0103 Workgroup met on 10 August 2023 to scope how to assess the technical feasibility of harmonising the Relevant Electrical Standards (RES), as requested by the GC0103 Workgroup. A verbal timeline update was given to the August Grid Code Review Panel. A revised timeline will be issued to the Grid Code Review Panel for approval as soon as possible. An update was given to the February 2024 Grid Code Review Panel that analysis is currently ongoing regarding the possibility of harmonisation of the Relevant Electrical Standards, noting that the November 2023 Autumn Statement has recommended that an ENA-led forum meet to discuss harmonisation of equipment standards. It is currently unclear on how this will interact with GC0103, noting that it has not been possible to provide an updated timeline. The Panel agreed to receiving a timeline update in due course, and requested regular updates on the progress of the modification until that point. The Panel received an update on this modification in May 2024. Following a timeline update being presented to the March 2025 Grid Code Review Panel, GC0103 Workgroups have reconvened. The Workgroup Consultation opened on 21 May 2025, closed on 12 June 2025 and received 3 responses. At the November 2025 Panel meeting, the Panel agreed GC0103 had met the Terms of Reference and could proceed to Code Administrator Consultation. The Code Administrator Consultation opened on 05 December and will close on 12 January.The Draft Final Modification Report will be presented to the Panel in January 2026. 06/02/2026 The Panel agreed that further work needed to be done to the Applicable Electrical Standards, before they could vote, therefore the Draft FInal Modification Report will be presented at a future Panel meeting.
Details
Timeline
Analysis
GC0103 proposes harmonising UK electrical standards with EU Connection Codes within the Grid Code, affecting compliance obligations for generators and network operators. The modification has been in development since 2017 but repeatedly stalled due to low prioritisation, with the Panel requiring further work on Applicable Electrical Standards as of February 2026. It impacts transmission owners, generators, and network operators across medium-scale operations.
Why it matters
This represents continued regulatory alignment with EU standards despite Brexit, creating potential compliance costs for connected parties while maintaining technical interoperability. The eight-year development timeline with multiple restarts reveals the administrative burden of harmonising standards without clear economic benefits driving the process.
Key facts
- •Modification initiated July 2017, repeatedly deprioritised until 2023
- •Code Administrator Consultation ran December 2025 to January 2026
- •Panel meeting February 2026 required further work before voting
- •Medium impact on transmission owners, generators, and network operators