Connections Reform update: Preparing for the Gate 2 queue
We’re now approaching the next key milestone in Connections Reform, the release of the updated Gate 2 connections queue from the National Energy System Operator (NESO). At National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), we have been preparing for this moment and appreciate how important this is for our customers.
The teams within NGET have been working hard to ensure that once the Gate 2 outcomes are shared with us, we can progress with the restudying and reissuing of connection offers to NESO with clarity and efficiency. We know this process is complex and challenging, so we are continuing to engage closely with NESO, DNOs and other industry partners through the Connections Reform governance groups.
In this newsletter, we share how we’ve been preparing behind the scenes, what we’ve learned, and outline how we’ll continue to support customers through the next phase of the process.
Background
The ambition of the reformed queue is to prioritise projects that are both “ready” and “needed” – those with land rights, planning progress, and strategic alignment with the UK’s decarbonisation goals.
How we’ve been preparing
Since our last newsletter, we’ve developed digital dashboards to provide real-time insights such as engineering study outcomes, ensuring our engineering and commercial strategies are robust and ready to respond quickly once we receive the updated connections queue from NESO.
We’ve run a series of internal regional workshops to focus on solutions to managing the anticipated contracted queue. These brought together Power System Engineers, Project Development Engineers, and other relevant teams across NGET, to align on technical requirements, refine processes and strengthen resource planning.
Through these workshops we’ve reviewed around 2,000 connection contracts spanning 230 substations, 130 connection nodes and over 100,000 data points. This process has provided engineering recommendations across our network based on our best view of post reform outcomes so that we are as prepared as we can be for next steps.
Want to see what this looks like in practice? Join us behind the scenes at our recent South Wales engineering workshop, where colleagues share how they’re preparing for the Gate 2 queue.
The workshops have emphasised the criticality of the background system planning assumptions. These background assumptions are provided by NESO to the TOs, and drive what works are required on the network before a customer can connect. They are critical to determining connections timescales for customers, and delivering outcomes which meet the objectives of Connections Reform.
We are sharing insights, challenges and lessons learned from the workshops with NESO, and through the industry govnance process that has been established, for consideration as they prepare to confirm both the finalised background assumptions that we should be using, as well as the reformed queue.
Next steps
As soon as we receive the revised connections queue from NESO, we’ll act accordingly to restudy, and reissue offers. We understand the importance of transparency and clarity, which is why your dedicated Relationship Manager will remain your main point of contact - keeping you informed and supported. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Timely updates: Once we’ve completed our deliverability assessments and submitted offers to NESO, we’ll provide clear updates on what to expect next.
- Portfolio-level insights: For customers with multiple projects, we aim to provide a consolidated view to help you understand the broader impact.
- Ongoing collaboration: We’ll continue to work closely with DNOs and share updates at key milestones to ensure transparency across the system.
We will continue to share updates at key milestones and maintain close collaboration with industry to ensure transparency.
For the latest information on Connections Reform, visit NESO’s dedicated page: www.neso.energy/industry-information/connections-reform
