Electricity Grid Connection Delays
Recent grid connection reforms failing to reduce queue times, which continue to lengthen, hindering energy infrastructure development.
151 items
2 sources
Source spread
Where this theme appears
Electricity Grid Connection Delays has been flagged across 2 independent accountability sources:
150 committee recs
1 LGO/SPSO decision
This issue has been identified by multiple independent accountability bodies, suggesting it is a recurring concern.
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Committee Recommendations (150) — showing 50 strongest matches
#33 —
Recommendation: As well as considering the grid in Wales as part of a Great Britain enterprise, the UK Government must recognise the distinctive challenges and opportunities associated with the grid in Wales. The UK Government should engage directly and regularly with …
Gov response: The Government recognises that across the whole of Britain’s electricity network, different regions have different challenges and opportunities and that these often require different solutions. The Government is also conscious that each part of Britain …
Under Consideration
#32 —
Recommendation: Due to the urgency of the situation the UK Government needs to take control of electricity grid network design by setting deadlines and targets for Ofgem, grid Grid capacity in Wales 41 infrastructure owners and other significant bodies including National …
Gov response: The Government is committed to unlocking the required investment to deliver a secure, resilient, net zero-ready network in Wales and across Britain, engaging across industry with a range of stakeholders to do so in time-appropriate …
Under Consideration
#31 —
Recommendation: The grid network has been built piecemeal on the basis of the energy needs of the nation over time. The energy system in the UK is changing and electricity grid network design needs to adapt to meet this change. We …
Gov response: The Government is committed to unlocking the required investment to deliver a secure, resilient, net zero-ready network in Wales and across Britain, engaging across industry with a range of stakeholders to do so in time-appropriate …
Accepted
#30 —
Recommendation: In order to utilise the opportunities for renewable energy generation in Wales a system of anticipatory investment in grid infrastructure needs to be created and implemented urgently. In the government response to this report, we request further information on the …
Gov response: The significant opportunities in Wales for renewable energy generation will make a key contribution to the UK Government’s net zero target. The Government is supportive of the work that Ofgem is doing to ensure that …
Under Consideration
#3 —
Recommendation: To ensure that communities and business in Wales can decarbonise in line with government targets, grid infrastructure must be able to meet the projected increase in demand for electricity. The evidence we received suggested that the grid in Wales will …
Gov response: The British Energy Security Strategy (BESS), published in April 2022, committed to significantly reduce timelines for delivering strategic onshore transmission network infrastructure, with an aim of reducing the development times by three years initially, and …
Under Consideration
#10 —
Recommendation: Grid capacity is one of the biggest barriers to achieving Clean Power by
Response Pending
#13 —
Recommendation: The UK Government should focus on maintaining a close working relationship with the Welsh Government, particularly in regard to major energy systems challenges such a grid capacity and port infrastructure. To facilitate effective collaboration, where renewable energy projects in Wales …
Gov response: We recognise the important role for the Devolved Administrations in contributing to the expansion of renewable power in the UK. My officials will continue to work closely with officials in the Devolved Administration and those …
Under Consideration
#2 —
Recommendation: The grid is critical for renewable energy to reach consumers. Urgent investment is needed in the grid to ensure that net zero targets are met. The grid needs to be reinforced and expanded to ensure that renewable energy generated in …
Gov response: Government recognises the need for increased capacity on the grid to support our net zero ambitions. While enabling increased flexibility and storage can address this to an extent, we are acutely aware of the need …
Under Consideration
#29 —
Recommendation: The UK Government should use National Grid ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios to work with energy companies and grid infrastructure owners to determine areas where anticipatory investment in grid infrastructure would be justified to achieve net zero targets. Where anticipatory investment …
Gov response: We welcome Ofgem’s work to create a price control framework, through which network projects are approved, which enables strategic investment ahead of need, and its work to accelerate strategic transmission network infrastructure, through speeding up …
Accepted
#24 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the Government engage directly with community energy projects in Wales to understand the difficulties they face connecting to the grid. The UK Government should lead a working group made up of the Welsh Government, grid infrastructure owners, …
Gov response: The Welsh Government has responsibility for renewable energy projects under 350 MW in Wales, recognising that community energy projects will fall below this threshold. The Welsh Government also has responsibility for all onshore wind. Community …
Not Accepted
#23 —
Recommendation: We have heard that community energy projects face specific difficulties in connecting to the grid, and that the UK Government is not aware of those difficulties.
Gov response: The Welsh Government has responsibility for renewable energy projects under 350 MW in Wales, recognising that community energy projects will fall below this threshold. The Welsh Government also has responsibility for all onshore wind. Community …
Under Consideration
#9 —
Recommendation: Upfront connection costs can be prohibitive and prevent the development of energy projects. This results in a “chicken and egg” situation whereby developers wait for other developers to commit to the funding of connection costs.
Gov response: As the Committee notes, from April 2023, Ofgem, has decided to socialise a further proportion of network reinforcement costs for distribution network connection customers. This will reduce the upfront cost. Part of the rationale for …
Accepted
#8 —
Recommendation: We note the work by the Welsh Government to develop a long-term plan for energy networks in Wales and call on the UK Government to explain how it is engaging with this. The UK Government needs to explain how it …
Gov response: Strategic planning of the network will always take account of network needs in Wales along with other parts of Great Britain and longer-term strategic planning will be key to unlocking the required investment to deliver …
Accepted
#7 —
Recommendation: The Committee welcomes that Celtic Sea projects have been included in the list of infrastructure projects in the UK Government’s Growth Plan and notes the recent decision by The Crown Estate to seek to accelerate the leasing process where possible. …
Gov response: The Government recognises that across the whole of Britain’s electricity network, different regions have different challenges and opportunities and that these often require different solutions. The Government is also conscious that each part of Britain …
Under Consideration
#6 —
Recommendation: We recognise the strengths of an electricity grid that serves the whole of Great Britain. However, we conclude that there are distinct challenges and opportunities relating to grid infrastructure in Wales that require specific focus and intervention from the UK …
Gov response: The Government recognises that across the whole of Britain’s electricity network, different regions have different challenges and opportunities and that these often require different solutions. The Government is also conscious that each part of Britain …
Under Consideration
#5 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the UK Government task the new Electricity Networks Commissioner to determine the grid infrastructure necessary to enable industry, communities and businesses in Wales to decarbonise heat and transport in line with net zero targets.
Gov response: The British Energy Security Strategy (BESS), published in April 2022, committed to significantly reduce timelines for delivering strategic onshore transmission network infrastructure, with an aim of reducing the development times by three years initially, and …
Under Consideration
#4 —
Recommendation: While we understand that the UK Government must consider the energy and network needs of the UK as a whole, we consider that it would be inequitable if the UK were to benefit from Wales’ natural resources for renewable energy …
Gov response: Strategic planning of the network will always take account of network needs in Wales along with other parts of Great Britain and longer-term strategic planning will be key to unlocking the required investment to deliver …
Accepted
#45 — Enable National Grid ESO to require projects meet strengthened grid connection milestones.
Recommendation: The UK’s “first come first served” approach to grid connections is failing to deliver the volume of connections required. Projects which may be speculative or slow-moving risk being prioritised over those that are more viable. While we welcome National Grid …
Gov response: 148. The Government published its consultation on the Strategy and Policy Statement (SPS) for Energy Policy in Great Britain on 10 May 2023. The consultation will run for 12 weeks, concluding on Wednesday 2 August …
Under Consideration
#42 — Accelerate investment in future grid capacity ahead of need to prevent generation curtailment costs.
Recommendation: We join many other organisations from across the sector in calling on Ministers, Ofgem and network owners to help recover lost ground by accelerating investment in future grid capacity now ahead of need. The increasing costs associated with turning off …
Gov response: 136. [Response provided by Ofgem] Ofgem agrees with the committee’s recommendation to improve the visibility of the electricity network, particularly at low voltages. Ofgem’s view is that without effective visibility of the LV electricity network, …
Accepted
#41 — Inadequate grid network capacity and connection delays are hampering low-carbon power delivery.
Recommendation: A lack of network capacity and delays to securing grid connections are together hampering the delivery of low-carbon power and driving potential investments overseas. For too long, transmission and distribution network owners have been able to delay or avoid the …
Gov response: 135. [Response provided by ESO] The ESO recognises the size of the investment required in our systems to ensure that electricity system operation meets Great Britain’s net zero ambitions. Through its Open Balancing Program, ESO …
Accepted
#24 — Government delay in shore power policy for UK ports is unwelcome during grid connection challenges.
Recommendation: It is regrettable that the Government has changed course on its policy on the provision of shore power to UK ports. In a period where grid connections are currently at a premium and demand for electricity supply is increasing, the …
Gov response: The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is considering options on a call for evidence alongside its plan for the decarbonising the domestic maritime sector. It is important to understand and collate evidence on what …
Accepted
#19 — Electricity grid connection processes remain unfit for purpose, delaying charge point rollout
Recommendation: As with motorway service areas, many of these locations are limited by the strength of the local electricity network and the ability to enhance and connect to it. The Government recognises that the processes to receive electricity grid connections are …
Gov response: 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendations. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The government’s vision is that all drivers can charge conveniently for both daily and long-distance driving and that there is a compelling, and visible, …
Not Addressed
#18 — Complex electricity network decisions demand earlier strategic settlement and community involvement.
Recommendation: The complex judgments involved in evaluating different options for electricity network infrastructure not only raise a strong argument for settling these strategic considerations at an earlier stage, but also heighten the need for affected communities to be involved in those …
Gov response: NESO’s CSNP process will be transparent and inclusive allowing for stakeholder engagement, and it will include opportunities for stakeholders to submit electricity network proposals. It will assess community impacts as part of its analysis and …
Accepted
#17 — Review removing specific electricity distribution infrastructure from NSIP regime for faster delivery.
Recommendation: The Government should review whether some types of electricity distribution infrastructure should be removed from the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime and instead consented under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, to speed up delivery critical to Clean Power …
Gov response: 18. The complex judgments involved in evaluating different options for electricity network infrastructure not only raise a strong argument for settling these strategic considerations at an earlier stage, but also heighten the need for affected …
Under Consideration
#11 — Strengthen NPS guidance on grid connection weight and clarify future connection prospects assessment.
Recommendation: The National Policy Statements should give significant weight to the availability of a grid connection, as a paramount consideration in determining where electricity generation projects can be located. However, by the same token, where a project has not yet secured …
Gov response: The overarching energy NPS EN-1 contains guidance on how applicants should manage securing a grid connection for their proposed development and the interaction with their application for development consent. EN-1 Section 4.11 states that the …
Accepted
#10 — Review interaction between development consent and grid connection application processes for greater coordination.
Recommendation: There needs to be more coordination between the application processes for development consent and a grid connection, given that each is highly relevant to the other and both will be influenced by the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, the Strategic …
Gov response: There is already a strong interaction between the connections and development consent processes. Under the current reordering of the connections queue, projects that already have development consent are guaranteed to receive a ‘Gate 2’ connection …
Accepted
#11 — Strengthen National Policy Statement for Ports to support shore power and electric vessel charging
Recommendation: The Government should strengthen the National Policy Statement for Ports to better support the provision of shore power and electric vessel charging infrastructure as decarbonisation options, recognising the critical interface between ports and the energy grid. It would also assist …
No Published Response
#24 —
Recommendation: The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, having assessed a number of different scenarios for meeting net zero by 2050, has estimated that electric cars will increase electricity demand by around 20% by 2050 and we wanted to understand …
Gov response: 5.4 Preparing the electricity grid: The Energy White Paper (December 2020), sets out government’s plan to ensure electricity networks are prepared and able to integrate EVs at the same time as other technologies such as …
Under Consideration
#11 —
Recommendation: The electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy must set out: a) how the £950 million rapid charging fund will be spent to facilitate the implementation of charging infrastructure; and b) the measures that the Government is taking to identify and address …
Gov response: The Government partially accepts these recommendations. We agree that the public charging network needs to include both a reliable network of high powered chargepoints along major roads, and well-maintained local charging provision. To ensure the …
Under Consideration
#10 —
Recommendation: Project Rapid, which specifies the number of charge points on the strategic road network by 2023 and beyond, is welcome. However, the spending priorities for the £950 million rapid charging fund are currently obscure. Given the time and expense involved …
Gov response: The Government partially accepts these recommendations. We agree that the public charging network needs to include both a reliable network of high powered chargepoints along major roads, and well-maintained local charging provision. To ensure the …
Under Consideration
#17 —
Recommendation: The UK Government must recognise that Wales’ increase in renewable energy development and generation may be significantly hindered by grid constraints if action is not taken. To mitigate this risk, the UK Government must work in collaboration Renewable energy in …
Gov response: Regulation of the transmission and distribution network is a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator. Government is working with Ofgem to help ensure that network companies play a full role in meeting our net …
Under Consideration
#12 —
Recommendation: Effective collaboration and co-operation between the UK and Welsh governments will be essential if Wales is to achieve net zero by 2050. Significant issues such as grid capacity and port infrastructure, in particular, require cross-government working if they are to …
Gov response: We recognise the important role for the Devolved Administrations in contributing to the expansion of renewable power in the UK. My officials will continue to work closely with officials in the Devolved Administration and those …
Under Consideration
#18 —
Recommendation: We asked the Department when we will see progress on the ground with regards to wayleaves. It told us that although the Electronics Communications Code, which is where the wayleaves issue is addressed, was reformed in 2017, it can go …
Gov response: 4.3 In 2020, the government announced advice to telecoms operators regarding their use of Huawei equipment, including advice to remove Huawei equipment from the 5G network by the end of 2027. Under new powers in …
Not Addressed
#17 —
Recommendation: Stakeholders also suggested that there were areas where the Department’s approach to removing barriers to rolling out gigabit-capable infrastructure could be strengthened further.53 This was particularly the case regarding “wayleaves,” which are contractual agreements between landowners and telecommunications providers about …
Gov response: 4.2 To remove barriers to network deployment, the department has: • introduced the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill, to encourage stronger relationships between telecoms operators and site providers. The bill will tackle the issue …
Not Addressed
#11 —
Recommendation: The Department has yet to sign the gigabit infrastructure contracts with commercial suppliers under which it would provide public subsidy for them to build in areas that would otherwise not get coverage as they are less commercially viable.31 The dates …
Gov response: 3.5 In the latest Winter Update (published February 2022), BDUK reported that it has now launched its first six procurements for up to 187,400 premises. It also provided its procurement pipeline for up to 2.3 …
Not Addressed
#18 —
Recommendation: The UK Government should work with National Grid ESO, NGET, the DNOs and Ofgem to revise consenting processes to align the allocation of grid capacity with the application for planning permission. National Grid’s work should be expedited on reviewing commercial …
Under Consideration
#16 —
Recommendation: We are encouraged to see the new Electricity Networks Commissioner appointed with a remit to reduce timelines and look forward to understanding in more detail how this will be achieved. However, it is not clear that the UK Government appreciates …
Gov response: The Government recognises that a step change is needed in the planning and consenting process to achieve net zero goals and has set out actions in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework (ENSF) on cutting timescales …
Partially Accepted
#15 —
Recommendation: There is a multiplicity of different bodies involved in securing planning consent for grid infrastructure and this process needs to be streamlined. We welcome the commitment to cutting processing times by fifty per cent and appreciate the challenge that this …
Gov response: The Government recognises that a step change is needed in the planning and consenting process to achieve net zero goals and has set out actions in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework (ENSF) on cutting timescales …
Under Consideration
#10 —
Recommendation: We are encouraged that Ofgem is reviewing connection arrangements and we look forward to hearing more about the progress being made in the run up to 1 April 2023. We consider that due to the tight timeframes set by government …
Gov response: As the Committee notes, from April 2023, Ofgem, has decided to socialise a further proportion of network reinforcement costs for distribution network connection customers. This will reduce the upfront cost. Part of the rationale for …
Accepted
#1 —
Recommendation: We have heard that there are constraints on both the distribution and transmission grids in Wales. Julie James MS told us Wales does not have the grid capacity it needs “right now”. However, Rt Hon Greg Hands MP told us …
Gov response: It is worth noting at the outset that constraints are a normal part of a healthy electricity network system, as expanding the network to remove all constraints would never be cost efficient. However, excessive constraints …
Under Consideration
#9 —
Recommendation: We recommended in our July 2021 report on zero emission vehicles that some of the £950 million rapid charging fund be used to provide fully future-proofed grid capacity, and that the Government work with National Grid to map the electricity …
Gov response: The Government accepts these recommendations. The Government is committed to ensuring EV charging infrastructure is accessible, affordable, and secure for all EV drivers. The Government’s RCF will fund a portion of the cost of upgrading …
Accepted
#47 — Require Ofgem to ensure RIIO-ED2 mechanisms enable distribution network investment for low-carbon rollout.
Recommendation: We recommend that when a need for investment in the distribution network becomes clear, Ofgem ensures the uncertainty mechanisms included in the RIIO-ED2 framework are applied efficiently. Should these prove inadequate to respond to a rapid roll-out of low-carbon technologies, …
Gov response: 107. [Response provided by Ofgem] Ofgem’s RIIO-ED2 framework already provides for uncertainty mechanisms and an ability to accelerate investment to enable a rapid roll-out of low-carbon technologies, while ensuring that consumers are protected and receive …
Accepted
#44 — Establish a Minister-led infrastructure delivery group to expedite national network infrastructure build at pace.
Recommendation: We recommend that Ofgem sees the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework as a starting point to accelerate the delivery of the necessary grid upgrades required to meet the Government’s 2035 target. This work should continue beyond 2035 to ensure …
Gov response: 144. The Government published its first consultation on the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements in 2022, and published the summary of responses in March 2023. The Government has outlined options for reform it will explore, …
Under Consideration
#16 — Delays in grid connections for renewable projects impede energy security and investor confidence.
Recommendation: Delivery of renewable energy projects at pace, and securing their connection to the transmission network, is essential to achieving the generation capacity required under the Government’s strategy for energy security. The connection of generation capacity to the grid is being …
Gov response: As part of the consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which closed on 24 September, we consulted on proposals to increase planning fees for householder applications and other applications. The consultation also …
Under Consideration
#15 — Limited visibility of grid connections queue; recent reforms may initially lengthen waiting times.
Recommendation: Overall visibility of the grid connections queue is limited, and it is possible that the immediate effect of the reforms introduced has been to lengthen the connections queue as developers react to the new regime. While we welcome the Ofgem …
Gov response: The Government has worked with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to develop a definition and measures of green jobs. ONS now defines green jobs as employment in an activity that contributes to protecting or …
Under Consideration
#14 — Recent grid connection reforms have not yet reduced queue times, which continue to lengthen.
Recommendation: Ofgem and the Energy System Operator have sought to improve grid connection timeframes through reforming grid queue procedures and introducing milestones. Early evidence suggests that the reforms introduced to date appear not to have yet had the immediate and radical …
Gov response: Recognising the critical workforce challenges within the energy sector transition, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs (“the Office”) to focus on developing skills and …
Under Consideration
#15 — Current ultra-rapid charge point benchmark insufficient for future demand and power capacity
Recommendation: The Department stated that there was not necessarily a very scientific underpinning for using six ultra–rapid charge points as its benchmark today, however, meeting charge point demand in the longer term might require much more than this, and in July …
Gov response: 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 3.2 As set out in the NAO’s report, the number of chargepoints installed on and around the Strategic Road Network (SRN) that …
Not Addressed
#14 — Motorway ultra-rapid charge point targets missed due to optimistic planning and grid connection issues
Recommendation: The Department had an ambition that operators would install six ultra rapid charge points at every motorway service area by the end of 2023. However, only around half installed that many charge points by that time, and by January 2025 …
Gov response: 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 3.2 As set out in the NAO’s report, the number of chargepoints installed on and around the Strategic Road Network (SRN) that …
Not Addressed
#9 —
Recommendation: Successive administrations have chronically underinvested in the electricity grid. As a result, grid capacity has not kept pace with the expansion of renewables across the UK system. This causes the perverse outcome 51 of Scottish windfarms being switched off—sometimes more …
Response Pending
#4 —
Recommendation: We were concerned to hear from organisations related to electricity, nuclear and water infrastructure about the challenges posed by the Government’s proposed reforms. The Government should explain how it sees vital infrastructure being affected by its proposals. This should include …
Gov response: 9. The Government agrees with the Committee that the relationship between plans, national policy and the requirements placed on new development should be made clear. One way the Bill does this, and strengthens democracy as …
Under Consideration