ENA Connections Blog: Reforms reach critical next step

It has already been a busy year for the connections industry – and it’s only just begun.

The end of January saw a pause on new applications directly connected to the transmission network.

The pause on new applications will allow transmission networks to focus on preparing for the implementation of TMO4+. It is important to note that distribution applications are still open and any applicant will still receive a distribution offer, however, if required upon acceptance, this would not be able to progress through a TIA.

Our Strategic Connections Group hosted a webinar earlier this month to highlight the key benefits delivered for customers through the work our strategic connections group carried out within 2024 and the plans for 2025.

Attendees also heard about TMO4+ impacts on distribution connection projects, one of the key connections queue reforms expected to go live later this year.

In this blog, we shall provide the latest update on TMO4+, including Ofgem’s minded-to decision, new code modification proposals and the connections end-to-end review.

Ofgem publishes minded-to decision on TMO4+

As we saw the close of the end-to-end connections review consultation, only a few days later Ofgem published a collection of consultation documents on the TMO4+ reform package, moving us one step closer to a first ready and needed, first connected approach.

This publication represents an important next step in creating a grid fit for the future. It’s important the consultations receive a full range of responses from the industry so I’d encourage you to share your views. You have until 14 March to submit a response.

The minded-to position also includes statutory consultations for distribution network operators, transmission operators and NESO licences. These include changes to all licences to incorporate TMO4+ and the new methodologies. Ofgem has also published a

New code modification proposal

There has also been progress made to improve the connections process for distribution projects that have minimal impact on the transmission network. NESO has proposed to increase the lower threshold in England and Wales for evaluation of transmission impact assessment.

Also known as CMP446, the changes, if approved, would mean that applications of smaller distributed generation projects under 5MW, including many community projects, would not need to be submitted for an impact assessment on the transmission network, therefore allowing for a faster and fairer connections process for these projects.

The current threshold is 1MW, meaning that many smaller projects face a long wait despite having a minimal impact on the transmission system.

The (latest connections) data is in

Looking at the latest data, networks are connecting customers at pace and the reforms implemented by all networks are set to deliver significant customer benefits.

• In the last financial year, the transmission and distribution networks delivered a record-beating 9.69GW of connections, including 7.5GW of generation and storage – equivalent to more than two Hinckley Point C’s in just one year
• 5.88GW of connections to the network have been energised since April 2024
• 10.4GW of projects have had their connection dates accelerated by an average of six years through technical limits and transmission non-firm storage offers
• 11.8GW of stalled ‘zombie’ projects have now been removed from the queue through distribution queue management and TEC Amnesty
• The queue currently stands at 753GW, which is largely dominated by renewables (348GW, 46% of the queue) and storage (262GW, 35% of the queue) far exceeding GB energy needs for net zero

Get involved

Stay tuned for details of our next webinar later in the next few months. Our Strategic Connections Group will explore the connections trends.

In the meantime, you can keep up-to-date with the latest connections data on our website