Electricity Grid Connections 2026-03-24
2026-03-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrat MP is concerned about delays in the grid connections reform process, which was intended to improve investor confidence by removing zombie projects and prioritising shovel-ready projects.
What recent progress has been made on improving connections to the electricity grid? The grid connections reform process was designed to boost investor confidence but repeated delays from NESO mean developers are still waiting for gate 2 connection offers even for projects due in 2026 and 2027. This is damaging investor confidence, so how will the Government ensure NESO and network companies work at pace to issue those connections?
We have cleared out 300 GW from a queue of over 600 GW, but delays remain. The first gate 2 offers are going out now with NESO and transmission owners working together to expedite the process. I will ensure this happens.
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Assessment & feedback
The timeline for issuing gate 2 connections was not specified in concrete terms.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns arise over delays in the grid connections reform process, impacting investor confidence.
The grid connections reform was intended to improve investor confidence by removing zombie projects and prioritising shovel-ready ones. However, repeated NESO delays mean developers are still waiting for gate 2 offers even for projects due in 2026-27. Given the importance of connection reform for clean power 2030 ambitions, will the Minister ensure NESO and network companies issue these connections as soon as possible?
Over 600 GW was in the queue, with 300 GW cleared. The process has delayed due to complexity but is now moving faster with NESO and transmission owners partnering to expedite issuing gate 2 connections. I will ensure this happens.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify a clear timeline for future improvements.
Response accuracy