A spokesperson from Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said:
“We're pleased the Government has taken steps towards reforms that will speed-up the planning process for network infrastructure and make it fairer and faster for everyone. Today the UK's planning process represents a significant brake on progress towards the UK's decarbonisation goals and the delivery of significant infrastructure projects, so an overhaul is welcome.
"We are also glad to see the continued focus on shifting towards a 'first ready, first connected' system for grid connection applications - something that energy networks are already working to achieve. We look forward to working with government as more details emerge.”
Notes to editor
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is available online.
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
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