Connections Reform: Britain approaches critical milestone

Great Britain stands at a pivotal moment. Our energy grid, the backbone of our economy and daily lives, needs a once in a generation overhaul to meet the demands of a secure, cleaner, and prosperous future. Connections reform isn’t just a technical fix for renewable energy, it’s a chance to reshape how we power our homes, businesses, and ambitions. It’s about making the system more strategic, efficient, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Matt Magill, our Director of Engineering & Customer Solutions Transformation, explains why Great Britain’s energy grid needs a once-in-a-generation overhaul and how NESO are freeing up space from those who have opted out of the process to ensure we are returning their securities to them as soon as possible. 

The problem 

Great Britain’s grid connection process was built for a simpler world, a handful of big fossil fuel projects lining up neatly - first-come, first-served. But the process hasn’t evolved to match today’s reality.  

The previous queue to connect stood at a staggering 800GW; more than four times what is needed for achieving the UK government’s target of clean power by 2030 and twice what’s required for net zero by 2050.  

It’s a testament to the incredible ambition driving Great Britain’s energy transition, from offshore wind farms to cutting-edge data centres and new housing estates. But this increased interest has outgrown the old system, leaving projects stuck in limbo, delaying progress, and frustrating developers who are ready to deliver.

A smarter, more strategic system 

After months of collaboration with industry, investors, the UK government and a green light from Ofgem six months ago, we are leading the charge at NESO to transform how projects connect to the grid. Last year, the new Government asked us to align this reform with its Clean Power Action Plan, ensuring we prioritise projects that are both critical to clean energy and ready to progress.

Here’s what the reformed process will deliver: 

• Priority for ready and needed projects: Projects that are shovel-ready and aligned get priority, cutting delays and unlocking billions in investment. 
• Energy security: More homegrown clean energy means less reliance on volatile global markets. 
• Paving the way to meet UK Government targets:: A focused queue ensures we hit the government targets 2030 clean power and 2050 net zero targets. 

This is a clear message to investors and developers: Britain is open for business, ready to lead the global clean energy race while driving sustainable growth. And I want to be clear that once the new project delivery schedule is confirmed this isn’t job done. We will then be handing over the baton to the network companies to connect these projects and to the thousands of engineers, and workers across Great Britain to build the projects of the future.  

What this means for you

We know these decisions matter deeply not just for projects, but for the people and communities behind them. While we must prioritise projects ready to deliver and aligned with the Government’s clean power goals, this is not the end of the process. Your project will have an opportunity to be considered again, and we’ll keep you updated on next steps, including new application window next year. Thank you for the commitment and effort you’ve shown we don’t take this lightly 

Self-selection offers start today 

We’re focused on moving things forward and returning securities to customers as quickly as possible. Starting today, we’re sending confirmations to those who either chose not to reapply or decided to leave the queue. 

This process will create immediate capacity for ready-to-go and needed projects, ensuring faster refunds for those opting out. 

To those customers, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your decision is helping the whole industry move faster, and it shows the kind of collaboration we need to make this reform a success. 

What’s next? 

By early December 2025, NESO will communicate the result of queue formation to those who applied directly to us, and to DNOs (who will then pass the information on to their customers thereafter). 

Upon receiving these notifications customers will get: 

• Confirmation of strategic alignment and readiness status  
• If strategically aligned, notice of whether the project is phase 1 or phase 2  
• Status of detailed checks 

This will roll out from December over the next six to nine months. We’ll also announce details of the next application window soon, giving everyone a chance to reapply.  

We are committed to clarity and support to help you navigate what’s ahead.

Join us for the journey 

This reform is a team effort, and your voice matters. Join our fortnightly webinars to stay in the loop, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

Register here 
 
Together, we can power change, for a brighter, secure and sustainable future across Great Britain.