While the electricity industry has been acting to reform the ‘queue’ of new generating capacity connecting to the network, it has taken its eye off the ball on increasing connections for new and large energy users. Applications to expand electricity connections to meet higher customer demand, such as transport and industry wanting to electrify operations, have jumped so high over the last 12 months that the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published a ‘call for input’ to understand the surge, while energy regulator Ofgem has announced plans to reform the queue.

Ofgem said the surge in demand connection applications since November 2024 was “misaligned with the most ambitious demand forecasts”. NESO said the large number of requests had created challenges to speeding up connection of viable demand projects. It said it is “working at pace to identify and implement solutions that ensure fair and efficient access to the transmission network”.

NESO added, “A critical part of this effort is ensuring that decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date data about the existing queue.” It has launched a Call for Input (CfI) open until 5 December, aimed at customers with an existing transmission-level demand connection agreement and those with directly connected generation agreements that include demand technologies. It contacted such customers directly between 5-7 November and invited those that have not been connected to get in touch.

It said this was an “opportunity to help shape how the demand queue is understood and managed. By providing information on key themes, such as project details, connection status, project timelines, financial readiness, and project maturity, you will help shape how future connections are managed and ensure fairness across the queue.”

Ofgem warned that, “If not addressed, this risks delaying the timely connection of demand projects that are ready to unlock tangible benefits for consumers and citizens. These benefits include stimulating economic growth, lowering energy system costs, and supporting decarbonisation.”

The regulator said it was preparing to reform demand connections. It is “exploring a range of regulatory levers to enable timely and efficient connections for demand projects”. That would include curating a “viable queue” and prioritising “strategic demand connections” following a similar reform as that now under way for generation connections.

Janet is currently the editor of New Power (www.newpower.info), a monthly report and database on UK power sector development and the UK’s evolving energy industry. She has been a journalist covering the power and energy sector for 25 years, covering technology, policy and politics as editor of magazines including Power Engineering, Asian Electricity, Middle East Electricity and Utility Week.View full Profile

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