New evidence handbook to guide projects through Connections Reform

We’ve worked with ENA and network colleagues to develop a comprehensive Evidence Submission Handbook to guide electricity projects of all sizes through the TMO4+ connections process ahead of the formal evidence window later this summer.

Alongside the handbook, Distribution Network Operators (DNO’s) will today open an evidence submission process for embedded generation on the regional distribution networks to provide information on the progress of their projects. 

This new evidence submission process will enable small and mediums sized projects on the regional distribution networks to provide evidence to their DNO. 

To further support customers, ENA are offering additional guidance on how to submit evidence to DNOs. It will also provide further insights and address any queries at the Connections Reform Seminar on 10 June. NESO, ENA and network colleagues will run a joint Evidence webinar on 23 May from 1 - 2pm to walk through the Evidence Submission Handbook.

Given the thousands of applications that need to be reviewed and reordered as part of connections reform, a critical step to the success of this stage of the process will be for developers of all sizes to proactively engage and make sure their contact information is accurately provided to DNOs and NESO. This will ensure that projects don’t miss out on future information on the next stages of connections reform.

Later this summer we’ll will open the formal TMO4+ transmission evidence window where DNOs will submit evidence to us, on behalf of embedded generation on their network. Projects connecting to the national transmission network will submit evidence to us directly at this stage. 

Once this evidence window closes, we’ll use the information submitted to reorder the connections queue to support a first ready, first connected model that will encourage projects to demonstrate their progression. The first new connections agreements under this reformed model will prioritise projects critical to the delivery of clean power by 2030.

Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform, NESO 

The success of connections reform to date has been built on close collaboration with industry through the design phase, as we move into implementation of reforms it is critical that we maintain this collaboration. The clear guidance in the evidence submission handbook represents a single point of truth for customers of all sizes. Throughout the delivery of connections reform, NESO aims to provide clear information that supports a fair and equal process.

It is vitally important that developers of all sizes engage with the evidence handbook and submit their evidence as early as possible during this process. Distribution network connection generation projects should engage with their DNO’s through this evidence submission process, so that they can benefit from this extra support.

David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems at ENA, said: 

“The transformation of the grid connection process continues to accelerate, focused on the needs of our customers. These changes will help optimise the queue and allow viable and urgently needed projects to connect, aligning with the government’s plan for clean power 2030. 

“Now is the time for distribution-embedded developers to submit evidence to their DNO, and for transmission customers to engage with NESO. We have collaborated with NESO to create this handbook as a one-stop shop, so customers of all types and sizes know how to proceed.” 

View the handbook

Join the webinar on 23 May