Readiness declaration template
As part of Connections Reform, subject to Ofgem’s approval, NESO will shortly begin the ‘Gate Two to Whole Queue’ process: customers with existing agreements, who wish to apply for Gate 2 contracts, must submit evidence to show they meet the new ‘readiness criteria’, and will be assessed for strategic alignment.
NESO’s Gate 2 Criteria Methodology sets out the process and evidence requirements for project to show they are ‘ready’ to connect. A key part of the process is that customers with existing agreements, wishing to progress their project(s) to ‘Gate 2’, must submit their Readiness Declaration.
The Readiness Declaration that NESO (or DNOs and Transmission connected iDNOs) needs customers to complete, and sign, is required to declare and evidence that each project is ‘Gate 2 ready’, and eligible for a place in the new connections queue.
The Readiness Declaration needs to be submitted in the appropriate way and at the appropriate time.
We anticipate that NESO’s evidence submission window will open in the early summer, depending on Ofgem’s decisions and guidance. DNOs and Transmission connected iDNOs are likely to start to accept Readiness Declarations beforehand. Exact dates will be confirmed by NESO and the respective DNOs and Transmission connected iDNOs in the near future.
To support customers’ preparation for evidence submission, NESO has published a draft of the Readiness Declaration template. This is in Excel sheet format and contains handy notes to help and guide customers.
Please note, however, that when NESO’s formal submission/application window opens the Readiness Declaration will need to be submitted in a Portal format. DNOs and Transmission connected iDNOs will separately indicate the format in which they wish to receive their own Readiness Declarations.
Therefore, this Excel sheet is for early sight only and cannot be submitted. It is also draft and subject to Ofgem Decision – we will publish the final version of the template if and when Ofgem approves TMO4+ reforms, including any necessary and related amendments.