Today Ofgem published its decision to approve the CUSC code modifications “CMP434: Implementing Connections Reform” and “CMP435: Application of Gate 2 Criteria to Existing Contracted Background”. This is an important change to the grid connection process and has significant impacts on wider industry.
- Under the previous connections process the connection queue had grown roughly double in size compared to the capacity set out in the Holistic Transition Future Energy Scenario.
- The new process will move to a gated process with bi-annual application windows.
- It is expected to facilitate accelerated connections for projects which are ready to connect and are deemed needed.
Ofgem Decision
- Ofgem has approved CMP434 Workgroup Alternative CUSC Modification (WACM) 2.
- Ofgem has approved the original proposal for CMP345.
These decisions deviate slightly from the minded-to position published in February and no longer require the inclusion of a market self-regulating pause. The inclusion of WACM2 gives DNOs and iDNOs an absolute obligation to submit all valid Gate 2 compliance applications to NESO, as opposed to making a ‘reasonable endeavour’ to do so.
Ofgem also states that approval of the code modifications is subject to a recommendation to NESO. The recommendation is to provide projects scheduled to connect before 31st December 2027, who have achieved planning consent, further assurances on their connection dates and point of connection under protection clause 2a (projects which are significantly progressed).
What does the approval of GB Connections Reform mean for my project?
- A 56-day standstill period is expected to take place from approval to allow time for the license changes to go live followed by a four-week notice period.
- Projects due to connect to the transmission network will have to provide evidence to NESO of meeting the Gate 2 criteria for readiness and strategic alignment within a submission period. This is expected to open 4 weeks after the end of the 56-day standstill and stay open for at least 2 weeks.
- Projects due to connect to the distribution network will need to provide evidence of achieving the Gate 2 criteria for readiness and strategic alignment to their relevant DNO within a submission period which is expected to open in May.
- For small and medium generators with a connection date after 2035, an advancement must be requested from the relevant DNO for a pre-2035 connection date. Otherwise, the project will lose its transmission access, connection date, and point of connection.
- All large generators and transmission connected generators who do not meet the Gate 2 criteria will have their current connection agreement transitioned into a Gate 1 style offer with an indicative point of connection and connection date.
- By September 2025, NESO will indicate if your project has been successful in securing a place in the reformed queue.
- Revised offers will begin to be issued from Autumn 2025 with the aim being to issue all pre-2030 Gate 2 offers by early 2026.
- NESO will aim to open the first enduring application window under CMP434 before the end of 2025.
These dates are summarised below, with a little bit of our speculation about exact timing (e.g., we assume late 2025 might mean December in practice). The exact date for NESO’s Gate 2 Submission Window is still to be confirmed but it is expected in July.
How Can TNEI Assist?
TNEI has extensive experience in the grid connection process and an in-depth understanding of the accepted reforms. Grid Connection support services that TNEI can offer include:
- Independent assessment of Gate 2 evidence.
- Pre-application services (eg. grid-led site finding, site and technology assessments, and feasibility studies in line with the ‘needed’ technologies specified in CP30).
- Connection application preparation and submission within the application windows.
- Gate 1 and Gate 2 offer reviews.
If you would like to know more about the reforms or how they will affect you, please contact gridconnections@tneigroup.com.
TNEI’s Environment and Engineering team can also provide a range of services to help support your projects and navigate the Gate 2 readiness criteria for land and planning. If you would like to know more about these services please contact info@tneigroup.com.
