The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has announced an updated timeline to overhaul the UK’s electricity grid connections process. The move aims to fast-track shovel-ready clean energy projects and support the country’s 2030 Clean Power target.
Developed in collaboration with the UK Government, Ofgem, and network companies, the roadmap provides clear milestone dates for developers, reducing project risk and giving investors and customers greater certainty. NESO estimates the reforms could unlock £40 billion in annual economic growth and create thousands of high-skilled jobs.
The updated timeline focuses on the latest expected milestone dates rather than fixed deadlines. This flexible approach accommodates data quality and assurance requirements while keeping projects on track. NESO has also incorporated customer feedback, particularly addressing issues with the previous evidence submission portal.
Priority is given to projects critical for the 2030 Clean Power target and ready to proceed, enabling developers to make confident investment decisions. The plan also safeguards key energy programs, including Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions and the Regional Energy System Plan (RESP), which support the future delivery of major clean energy infrastructure.
Starting in December, NESO and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will communicate directly with customers about which projects have secured a place in the reformed connections queue. Revised connection offers will first be issued for priority projects expected to connect in 2026 and 2027, followed by offers for 2030 and 2035 projects next year.
Kayte O’Neill, NESO Chief Operating Officer, said the updated timeline “delivers connection offers to our customers as we continue transforming our electricity network. It is a crucial step toward achieving clean power by 2030 and will help drive economic growth across Great Britain. By focusing on projects that are both critical for 2030 and ready to proceed, developers gain the certainty they need to make investment decisions.”
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