Connections
At NESO, we manage the contracts for connecting and generating power through the electricity transmission system. If you would like to connect to the gas transmission system, please refer to National Gas.
We work with companies that own the transmission system, called Transmission Owners (TOs) to help customers connect. Here, you will find all you need to know about the connections process and connecting to, or using, the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS).
An evolving electricity system
In recent years, we’ve made improvements towards using greener energy and because of this, more people want to plug into the main power grid.
The electricity system used to depend on power plants that burned fossil fuels, however, now with our range of power sources, the system must adapt to meet new demand.
The challenge
To keep up with the pace of demand, we need to make changes to how projects connect to the electricity transmission system, to deliver benefits to consumers as soon as possible.
As of July 2024, there were projects aiming to connect to the grid that could produce over 550GW of electricity – far more than the nearly 90GW of connected generation that was already on the system!
In the financial year 23/24, there was a 4% increase in connections requests so for NESO, ensuring the electricity system can adapt to meet these demands has become a key priority.
What are we doing now?
Queue management
On the 13 November, Ofgem approved the Code Modification CMP 376- Inclusion of Queue Management process within the CUSC.
Our five-point plan
We recognise the challenges around connections and the application process. As a result, we have launched a five-point-plan to help improve the connections process in the short-term.
Connections Reform
All formal Connections Reform Consultation responses received are now under review, and we will be going back out to our stakeholder governance groups in September to establish our final recommendations.
Demand Queue Call for Input (CFI)
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.
Transitional Offers
Following Ofgem’s decision on 21 August 2024, any new directly connected transmission application made from 2 September 2024, will receive a Transitional Offer.
Connections process
NESO’s role in Connections
As the National Energy System Operator, it’s our job to move electricity safely and efficiently through the system.
Your Connections journey
The Connections Portal has been designed to transform the connections journey and account management for all customers.
Connections Portal
The Connections Portal has been designed to transform the connections journey and account management for all customers.
Connections Offer Process
Our step-by-step guide takes you through the entire connections offer process, from pre-application to contract signature. You’ll also find links to information that will help you submit an application.
Customer Connection events
In this section, we’ve got everything you need to get involved with our customer connection events.
Connections 360
Connections 360 was created to make data clear and improve applications.
Compliance Process
This page summarises the Operational Notification and Compliance Process (ONCP) facilitated by NESO in respect of new generation connections.
Reports and registers
This page has contains Connections registers, reports and other relevant publications prepared by our Connections team, Including the TEC, Embedded and Interconnector registers.
DRC Generator Portal
The Data Registration Code (DRC) Generator portal is a platform designed to allow Generator Users to submit their data as part of compliance under the Grid Code.
Connections help and support
We’ve brought together some tools and resources that we think will help you along your connections journey.