What is Connections Reform and why should you care about it?

(Note: this article is from August 2024 and does not reflect all subsequent changes to the Connections process)

Connections Reform is the long-term solution for a connections process that is no longer fit for purpose. The queue to access the national transmission network is currently overwhelmed with more than 700GW of projects waiting to connect. 

With the queue set to increase to 800GW by the end of the year, the projects waiting to connect would quadruple the capacity required to meet the UK’s forecasted electricity demand for 2050.  

As a result, the delivery of critical renewable projects is being stalled which risks jeopardising the UK’s climate targets.  

Over the last few months, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) has been liaising with industry via working groups set up to design the new system. The reform intends to move the process to a ‘first ready, first served’ approach by adopting a gated structure whereby projects will need to meet criteria around land and planning rights to obtain a connection offer. 

There are two key strands to this new approach that will support delivery of the Connections Reform. 

The first is the Code Modification Proposal 434 (CMP434) (Implementing Connections Reform). CMP434 will introduce new processes and definitions to implement the 'first ready’ approach and accelerate viable projects.  

Secondly, CMP435 (Application of Gate 2 Criteria to existing contracted background) will explore how to apply this new process to the existing, contracted queue of applicants via Gate 2 criteria.  

CMP434 and CMP435 are both under discussion via the working groups. Industry will be able to give their views on the final proposals of both working groups via an ESO consultation at the end of July. 

Who will Connections Reform affect? 

Connections Reform will affect all developers who have projects looking to connect or already have a connection agreement to the UK’s transmission network. As such, the reform will also affect distribution projects that impact transmission.  

When will the Reform be implemented? 

The Reform is set to be introduced in January 2025. Once consultation responses from industry have been received and assessed around the working group proposals, the ESO will apply for final approval from Ofgem with a decision expected in November 2024.   

What can I do to have my voice heard? 

Once the CMP434 and CMP435 working groups conclude in the next few weeks, the ESO will issue a consultation to industry around its proposed changes at the end of July. Due to tight timeframes, the consultation will only be open for around two weeks. We strongly urge all members to consider the proposals and submit any thoughts via a formal response.

Scottish Renewables is closely following RenewableUK’s process of developing a response with the connections consultancy Roadnight Taylor who are observing the ESO/industry working group discussions. 

We will alert all Grid & Systems Forum members to the publication of the consultation once it is released. If you have any questions or would like to discuss Connections Reform in greater depth, please contact our grid team Stephen McKellar or Holly Thomas.

Resources: 

• For a more detailed explanation of the Connections Reform history over the last six to twelve months, see our longer Connections Reform Explainer.  
• Register to join the ESO’s monthly connection forum to hear the latest Connections Reform updates. 
• A detailed explanation of the Connections Reform, including the TMO4+ process, and the ESO’s justifications for pursuing it can be found here. 
• General resources around Connections Reform from the ESO.

• Blog by Holly Thomas, Grid & Systems Policy Manager