Increasing transparency on connections offers

Transforming the way customers connect to the electricity network is a core part of Connections Reform. As we move from design into delivery, we recognise that transparency on progress is essential for customers.

That is why NESO is working with network companies and wider industry to improve visibility of how connection offers are progressing under the reformed process. A cross-industry dashboard, led by the Energy Networks Association (ENA), will shortly be published to provide a consistent view of progress across transmission and distribution.

While this dashboard is being finalised, we want to share an update on progress to date for the first tranche of protected offers.

First tranche of Gate 2 protected offers on track 

Significant progress has already been made. NESO has issued around 88% of Gate 2 protected offers in this first tranche, with the remaining offers now in the final stages of processing. This includes offers made by NESO to protected transmission-connecting projects, and the contractual instructions from NESO to DNOs that will enable DNOs to subsequently develop and issue offers to protected distribution-connecting projects.

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have also begun issuing their revised offers to customers, meaning the first DNO offers under the reformed process are already landing. 

The remaining activity required to complete this tranche is limited. Fewer than 10 Transmission Owner Construction Offer (TOCOs) per Transmission Owner are needed to enable the final offers to be issued by NESO.

NESO and all delivery partners remain on track to complete this tranche of protected offers by the published deadline of mid-April for transmission offers and mid-May for distribution offers.  

Where offers require any rework that present barriers to offers being signed, NESO and partners will work together to ensure that customers are not unfairly disadvantaged by contractual signing deadlines. 

Progress on Gate 1 offers and securities refunds

We also know how critical Gate 1 offers are for customers, particularly for those who need to begin the process of securities refunds and plan their next steps. In recent weeks, NESO has issued more than 1,000 Gate 1 offers, helping customers move forward with greater confidence while wider delivery activity continues across the reformed connections process.

Moving into the next phase of delivery

Once this tranche is complete, NESO will move into the next tranche of Phase One offers. These cover projects with connections offers prior to 2030.

As delivery continues, the forthcoming cross-industry dashboard will provide an additional layer of transparency, giving customers and stakeholders a clearer view of progress across the system.

Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operations Officer of NESO, comments:

“We know how important transparency is as offers move through the system, and we are committed to sharing progress clearly and consistently.

“The progress we are seeing on the first protected offers shows what is possible when industry works together. As we move into the next phase, we will continue to focus on pace, clarity and confidence for customers as we deliver the connections needed for a secure and affordable energy transition.”

The work to deliver offers, along with the current Methodology Consultation will pave the way for the next application window.

Numbers at a glance

Notes

• Data does not include offers being developed and issued by DNOs to distribution connecting projects; which are progressing separately as per industry timeline.
• The connections reform timeline that was revised on 13 February 2026 can be found here: Connections reform timeline | National Energy System Operator