Connections Reform | National Energy System Operator
Summary
NESO published guidance on its connections reform programme, including a new delivery pipeline prioritising 381.5GW of 'ready-to-build' capacity and announcing permanent leadership structure under new Director of Connections Colm Murphy from 13 April. The reform moves from a chronological queue to a delivery pipeline based on project readiness, with claims of unlocking £40bn annual investment.
Why it matters
This is implementation guidance for an already-decided reform, not new rules. The delivery pipeline represents administrative reordering rather than fundamental change to connection charging or processes — the same projects compete for the same constrained grid capacity, just in a different sequence.
Key facts
- •381.5GW of capacity designated as 'ready-to-build'
- •Colm Murphy appointed permanent Director of Connections from 13 April
- •Claims of £40bn annual investment unlocked
- •Existing Agreements register published for projects that applied for Gate 2
Timeline
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
Connections Reform | National Energy System Operator Show/Hide Menu Toggle Show favourites Close Close tooltip Sign in or register to manage your favourites Sign in or register Help You are now signed in Visit My NESO account to view and manage your dataset subscriptions. Maybe later Go to your account Image Connections Reform Add to favourites Close tooltip Sign in to add this page to your favourites Sign in or register New leadership for connections at NESO As we continue to focus on the critical task of delivering connections reform, improving customer trust and moving through our transformation journey to embed our enduring connections service, we're pleased to share with you an update on our senior team. From 13 April: Matt Magill will return to his role as Director of Engineering & Customer Solutions. Over the past nine months, Matt has led the connections reform team on an interim basis, through the transformation of the previous connections queue into Great Britain’s new delivery pipeline. Now is the right moment in the connections timeline for Matt to return to his enduring role in E&CS, where he will remain close to the delivery of grid connections for our customers. We would like to thank Matt for his leadership during this critical period and for the significant delivery he and the team have achieved. Colm Murphy will take up the new role of Director of Connections on a permanent basis. Colm brings over a decade of experience in the energy sector, having overseen the major transformation project that established NESO, as well as the programme to deliver new balancing systems into the Electricity National Control Centre. To operationalise the enduring connections model in a sustainable way, we recognised the need for a more permanent structure - Colm’s appointment is an important step on that journey. Colm is looking forward to engaging with you all and will reach out to you soon. In the meantime, please use established communications channels for any connections related questions. Clearing the gridlock: connecting Britain We’ve re-ordered and published the new connections delivery pipeline, ending years of gridlock by prioritising ready-to-go projects that can drive economic growth and deliver a secure energy system across GB. Our reforms, designed through a comprehensive programme of engagement and approved by the regulator, can clear the backlog, unlock billions in investment, and pave the way to a sustainable energy future. On this page, you’ll find: The full pipeline results Videos and insights from industry leaders Essential information for customers and developers in a new handbook Together, we’re clearing the gridlock and connecting Great Britain. Connections Reform: A Root and branch transformation Clearing the Gridlock: We’ve unlocked 381.5GW of capacity that’s ready-to-build, paving the way for Britain’s clean energy future and fuelling economic growth across Great Britain Certainty, not Delay: Prioritising shovel-ready projects aligned with national energy targets, giving certainty to our customers, developers and investors clarity. Driving Investment: Unlocking up to £40bn of annual energy investment, creating jobs, supercharging supply chains and enabling tomorrow’s technologies. Full screen Exit full screen Connections Reform Delivery Pipeline Your browser does not support iframes, but you can visit <a href="https://reports.neso.energy/connections-reform-delivery-pipeline/">Connections Reform Delivery Pipeline</a> Explore Britain’s new Connections Pipeline See how the reformed process is unlocking capacity and connecting Britain. View Connections Results What industry leaders are saying Connections reform isn’t just a technical fix it’s a game-changer for Great Britain’s sustainable energy future. Hear from investors, the energy regulator and industry voices on how the connections reform process can be transformational for Great Britain. Close Close Close Close Close Close Close Close Close What industry leaders are saying Connections reform isn’t just a technical fix it’s a game-changer for Great Britain’s sustainable energy future. Hear from investors, the energy regulator and industry voices on how the connections reform process can be transformational for Great Britain. Select a video to view Voices of connections reform 00:02:45 Fintan Slye, CEO, NESO 00:01:06 Kayte O'Neill, COO, NESO 00:00:52 Lawrence Slade, CEO, ENA 00:00:43 Minal Patel, Global Head of Infrastructure, Schroders Captial 00:00:51 Shevaun Haviland, CEO, BCC 00:00:48 Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 00:00:41 Dhara Vyas, CEO, Energy UK 00:01:20 Jonathan Brealey, CEO, Ofgem 00:00:44 Select a video to view Voices of connections reform - 00:02:45 Fintan Slye, CEO, NESO - 00:01:06 Kayte O'Neill, COO, NESO - 00:00:52 Lawrence Slade, CEO, ENA - 00:00:43 Minal Patel, Global Head of Infrastructure, Schroders Captial - 00:00:51 Shevaun Haviland, CEO, BCC - 00:00:48 Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power - 00:00:41 Dhara Vyas, CEO, Energy UK - 00:01:20 Jonathan Brealey, CEO, Ofgem - 00:00:44 Close Our Connections Reform Programme Outdated grid processes have long held us back, but our connections reform programme is changing that. The current queue is around four times what’s needed for 2030 and double 2050. By prioritising projects that are ready and needed, we're unlocking £40 billion in annual investment, creating jobs, and setting the stage for future developments. Watch our video to learn more. Connections reform timeline update We’ve have published our Existing Agreements (EA) updated interactive timeline for the delivery of Connections Reform across 2025 & 2026. View timeline EA register The Existing Agreement (EA) Register details all projects that applied for "Gate 2" in the Connections Reform process where consent was given for inclusion in the EA Register. Connections Reform and economic growth Read insights from Barclays on why connections reform is important for investment and economic growth. What's next for customers? Get help with the next stage of the process in our dedicated handbook. Have questions? Here to support Read more about how we can support you with any specific enquiries around queue outcomes or wider connections reform activity. Investor views See what a leading investor at Schroders have to say about the benefits of connections reform. About Connections Reform To achieve the government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition and support the transition to net zero, we must reform the way projects connect to the electricity network. Connection Reform webinars View our webinars and download our historic slides. Connections Portal Access the connections portal. Archived materials View previous guidance for reference Progression Commitment Fee (PCF) Learn more about this new measure designed to strengthen GB’s connections pipeline logo--facebook