Demand Queue Call for Input (CFI) | National Energy System Operator
Summary
NESO launches a call for input targeting customers with existing transmission-level demand connection agreements and co-located generation-demand sites, seeking project data to address queue management challenges. The initiative follows a 460% surge in demand applications exceeding forecasts, creating connection delays for viable projects. Responses are due by 5pm on 5 December 2025.
Why it matters
This represents NESO gathering intelligence before implementing more significant demand queue reforms, as the current first-come-first-served system cannot handle the application surge from data centres and industrial electrification. The exercise sets up future rationing mechanisms by establishing which projects are genuinely viable versus speculative, creating winners (ready projects with real financing) and losers (speculative applications without substance).
Key facts
- •Demand connection applications surged 460% beyond forecasts
- •Consultation closes 5 December 2025 at 5pm
- •Targets existing transmission-level demand agreements and co-located sites
- •NESO begins contacting customers 6 November 2024
- •Issued parallel to Ofgem guidance on demand connections
Timeline
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
What this is about
NESO is collecting project information from demand customers as preparation for more significant queue management reforms. Demand connection applications have surged 460% beyond forecasts, creating a bottleneck that delays viable projects behind speculative applications. The current first-come-first-served system cannot handle this volume.
This call for input targets customers with existing transmission-level demand connection agreements and co-located generation-demand sites. NESO is gathering intelligence on project viability, financial readiness, and delivery timelines before implementing reforms that will likely ration queue access. The exercise runs parallel to Ofgem's guidance on demand connections reform.
Options on the table
No distinct policy options are presented in this call for input. This is an information-gathering exercise preceding substantive reform proposals.
Questions being asked
The consultation requests information across five themes but does not publish specific questions in the source material. Based on the stated objectives, participants will be asked about:
Project Details
Basic project information including capacity, technology type, and connection requirements.
Connection Status
Current position in the connection process and any agreements already in place.
Project Timelines
Expected delivery milestones and readiness to proceed with construction and commissioning.
Financial Readiness
Evidence of financing arrangements and ability to proceed with the project (distinguishing viable projects from speculative applications).
Project Maturity
Technical development status and regulatory approvals obtained.
How to respond
NESO began contacting eligible customers on 6 November 2024. Customers with multiple relevant projects must complete separate forms for each project. Those who believe they should have received communication but have not heard from NESO by 7 November should contact box.connectionreform@neso.energy.
Deadline: 5pm on 5 December 2025
Method: NESO will provide forms directly to eligible customers holding existing transmission-level demand connection agreements or co-located generation-demand agreements.
Source text2,685 words
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Maybe later [Go to your account](/user/dashboard) # Demand Queue Call for Input (CFI) There has been a recent surge in demand connection applications which exceeds even the most ambitious forecasts for future demand. This trend creates challenges, particularly for the timely connection of viable demand projects in the queue. In collaboration with government and Ofgem, NESO is working at pace to identify and implement solutions that ensure fair and efficient access to the transmission network. A critical part of this effort is ensuring that decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date data about the existing queue. To support this, we are launching a Call for Input (CfI) today, aimed at customers with an existing transmission-level demand connection agreementas well as those with directly connected generation agreements that include demand technologies. This is being issued in parallel with [Ofgem's guidance](https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/guidance/demand-connections-update) on demand connections, which sets out expectations for reform and highlights the need for improved transparency and data quality across the queue. This CfI is your opportunity to help shape how the demand queue is understood and managed. By providing information on key themes, such as project details, connection status, project timelines, financial readiness, and project maturity, you will help shape how future connections are managed and ensure fairness across the queue.  ## Why respond? Your input will: * Ensure your project’s readiness and viability are correctly reflected in queue data assessments * Help identify potential opportunities to accelerate viable demand connections * Inform policy and process improvements that support fairer outcomes ## Next Steps Today (6 November), NESO will begin contacting all customers who hold an existing directly connected transmission-level demand agreement, as well as those with directly connected generation agreements that include demand technologies (i.e. co-located sites), to request their input. If you have multiple relevant projects, please complete a separate form for each project to ensure each one is accurately represented. If you believe you should have received this communication, because you hold an existing connection agreement with NESO linked to a directly connected demand-technology type, but haven’t heard from us by 7 November, please get in touch at [[email protected]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c98ba6b1e7878c9a86babdbba8bdacaea0aaadaca4a8a7adaaa6a7a7acaabda0a6a7ba89a7acbaa6e7aca7acbbaeb0). 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