Regen has responded to Ofgem’s consultation on the next steps of its end-to-end review of the electricity connections process. The review is a critical opportunity to strengthen regulatory oversight of how network operators deliver connections, and to improve confidence in the system for developers and investors.
Regen’s response draws on input from our members’ Grid Connections working group, which brings together developers, asset owners and other stakeholders to identify barriers in the connections process and propose practical solutions.
As new offers are issued and the pace of connections reform continues to accelerate, we believe the regulatory framework must ensure consistent standards, transparent data and clear accountability across network operators. In Regen’s view, Ofgem should introduce enforceable licence conditions requiring networks to publish accurate, complete and timely data on connections queues, available capacity and reinforcement timelines. Most operational network data should be open by default to improve transparency and enable performance benchmarking.
Prescriptive licence conditions should set clear milestones at key stages of the connections process to ensure consistent standards across network operators. These should focus on areas that most affect delivery confidence, including commissioning programmes, outage planning and communication with customers.
The framework for network performance in delivering connections on time should also be strengthened. Penalties for delays should better reflect the financial impact on projects and apply consistently across transmission and distribution networks. Minimum standards should be introduced for connection offers to ensure they contain clear technical, financial and operational information. Standardised templates would improve transparency and help developers make informed investment decisions.
To support effective implementation, Regen recommends that Ofgem sets out a clear delivery timeline, interim checkpoints and an early review (around two years) to assess whether the reforms are improving connection outcomes.
Regen will continue working with our members, policymakers and network operators to improve the electricity grid connections process and help unblock the pipeline of clean energy projects across Great Britain.
Our Grid Connections Working Group brings together Regen and Electricity Storage Network members to address grid connections across distribution and transmission networks. The group enables members to share live project issues, identify recurring barriers and shape collective priorities for engagement with network operators and regulators. If your organisation wants to help shape this work and contribute to the policy conversation, we encourage you to get involved. Find out about membership of Regen and the Electricity Storage Network here.
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