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UK to overhaul power grid queue
- 8 days ago (2025-02-14)
- David Flin
UK energy regulator Ofgem is likely to approve a proposal by the National Energy System Operator to change the priority system for power generation projects looking to connect to the network.
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The new rules will eliminate the current “first come, first served” principle that is causing unnecessary delays. Instead, NESO will prioritise projects that are considered ready and needed for the country’s decarbonisation plans.
Long wait times to connect to the electricity grid are seen as a major roadblock to the government’s Clean Power 2030 plan, which would almost eliminate fossil fuels from the power mix. The new rules would see the government-owned grid operator take a more active role to speed up urgent projects.
Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem, said: “This is a step-change in tackling delays and shortening queues on what is currently an outdated and unwieldy system. Britain will not get a clean power grid by 2030 unless an unprecedented volume of new renewable power and storage is connected to electricity networks.”
The revised rules could come into effect by Spring 2025, NESO halted new applicants joining the queue at the end of January in anticipation of new procedures.
Ofgem will consult until March 14, and then make a final decision.