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Connections Reform
An overview of how we're changing the Connections process for the better following stakeholder feedback.

Breadcrumb

  • Industry information
  • Connections

We recognise the challenges currently facing our connections customers and the need to update the connections application process. As a result, we have launched the Connections Reform project to address these challenges and put our customers and stakeholders at the heart of this change.

There is common consensus across the industry that the current GB Connections process is no longer fit for purpose, and is no longer working effectively for connectees, network companies or the ESO as the UK drives towards delivering Net Zero. 

We are seeing a number of challenges: significantly increasing application volumes, many new types of connection customer, significant changes to the mix of technologies, greater interaction between Transmission and Distribution, greater complexity and uncertainty over network investment planning, and an ever-increasing need for a holistic, whole systems approach to planning network investment to ready Great Britain for Net Zero.


 

GB Connections Reform – Case for Change report

We have now finished pulling together your feedback for the GB Connections Reform – Case for Change. We’ve met with over 100 customer, stakeholders and industry participants to hear your views on the current connections process. 

This report pulls together all that feedback in to one central place to enable us to progress to Phase 2, which will investigate options.

Download the Connections Reform – Case for Change report


Key documents

Here you can find the latest documents around the connections reform project as they're published.

Case for change webinar recording - 10 January 2023

Case for change presentation - 12/13 December 2022

Case for change FAQs


 A reformed connections approach must:

 

The following trends have driven a need for connections reform, and shaped our overarching design objectives:

  • Increasing volumes of applications driven by the energy transition

  • Emergence of new types of customer, technology, and business models

  • Decentralisation of energy resources and rise in distribution-level connections and operability needs

  • A need for whole energy system coordination to deliver Net Zero rapidly and at best value for consumers

  • Inability of the legacy approach to effectively cope with the changing market needs


Project timeline

The GB Connections Reform project has been launched to address this fundamental need for reform. Phase 1 (the subject to this report) maps out the Case for Change. We are now moving into the Design Phase (Phase 2), and then finally into the Implementation Phase from the end of April 2023.

NGESO Checking phone at bus stop

Be the first to hear about Connections Reform

As the Connections Reform project progresses, we will be issuing key updates to stakeholders by email. Sign up to our mailing list by following the link below. 

Subscribe to our mailing list

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