GB’s transmission network operators will stop accepting applications for new generation to connect to the high-voltage electricity transmission network from 29 January. The ‘pause’ is intended to allow networks to implement a new connection process that should speed up new connections. The ‘pause’ does not apply to demand customers, who can continue to make connections applications.
The pause applies to connections to the high-voltage transmission networks, which would typically mean generation projects of 50MW or above. Distribution network operators (DNOs) will accept applications from generation or demand customers that connect to local (low voltage) networks. They will be progressed providing they do not have an impact at the transmission level, but where a transmission impact has to be assessed the DNOs will not pass the project to the transmission operator for analysis.
It will last until a reformed process for managing the connections queue (dubbed TMO4+) is agreed by the regulator and will end if Ofgem rejects the change, otherwise applications will reopen until 31 May 2025 ( =although networks can apply for further delay).
System operator NESO said “Grid connections applications have continued to grow over the last year to the point that it is no longer possible to deliver in-flight connections reforms in parallel with the existing connections process. In 2023/24 alone, NESO received over 1,700 queue applications, with more projects already in the queue than is required for the energy system in 2030 or even 2050.” In a decision letter accepting the need for the pause in applications, regulator Ofgem said “The transitional arrangements that were introduced from 2 September 2024 have proven to be insufficient in reducing the workload”.