UK energy regulator Ofgem said it will be working with NESO and transmission operators (TOs) to “ascertain the causes of widespread connection date delays” following last year’s Gate 2 to Whole Queue grid reform process.
The organisation said it was notified by NESO and the network companies last June of risks that certain projects due to have existing connection dates in 2026-27 “protected” in the queue overhaul may not be able to retain their original network dates.
It said details have now been provided of the affected projects, noting 210 of the 340 schemes (62%) that qualified for protections will have their existing connection date and/or point of connection changed.
“Whilst our engagement with NESO and TOs into the reason for these changes continues, around 135 of these projects will have their connection dates delayed due to some form of network-driven reason (either solely or jointly with developer delays), with 75 of these projects having their connection dates delayed due to developer-driven reasons,” Ofgem stated.
“We are both frustrated and disappointed that it is not possible for TOs and NESO to meet existing connection dates and points of connection for all projects qualifying for this protection, particularly given the widely recognised importance of ambitious and reliable connection dates.”
Ofgem has urged NESO and the network companies to issue the Gate 2 offers “as soon as possible” and, in cases where dates must be delayed, to offer protected projects their “best view of the most ambitious date possible, which should be realistic, accurate, and made in good faith”.