Highlights and slides available from the ENA connections seminar

The event facilitated discussions so customers could to learn more about TMO4+, the new package of connections reform, and how it applies to their projects.

We were joined by representatives across National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). Director for Electricity Systems at ENA, David Boyer, kicked off proceedings by emphasising the networks’ collective focus on successfully implementing the reforms in order to accelerate customers and enable clean power by 2030. David also recognised the pace at which these reforms are being implemented and thus the importance of two-way engagement, such as the seminar event.

One of the key announcements on the day was the unveiling of the connections reform timeline, published on NESO’s connections reform landing page, which highlights the dates for the evidence window, assessment period and offers being sent to customers.

Call to submit evidence as soon as possible

NESO’s Kate Garratt announced that the Gate 2 evidence portal will open on the 8^th July and close on the 29^th July. As initial assessments get underway, NESO may get in touch with customers to ask further questions about their application. She recommended registered portal users to be contactable until the 6^th August.

Small and medium embedded generation customers with specific enquiries were reminded to get in touch with DNOs as their first point of call. Large embedded generation should contact NESO via two dedicated routes: by emailing box.connectionsreform@neso.energy or via the existing connections portal.

Kate also pointed applicants towards the joint ENA and NESO evidence submission handbook, their new weekly webinar series, and regular drop-in surgeries and webinars hosted by individual DNOs.

The conference underlined the importance of submitting evidence early. This gives NESO and DNOs more time and opportunity to assess and give feedback on applications before the deadline. Customers should also let their DNO know if they are not intending to submit evidence. All applicable transmission fees will be refunded, except for processing fees.

Diving into the details

There was notable interest and engagement in the evidence submission session, which included a deep dive into the requirements for the red line boundary, minimum acreage and land rights.

A question on red line boundary requirements was raised by an audience member, who asked if there is any flexibility. Each DNO will account for some allowable changes so it’s best to refer to your local network. To help with this, ENA directed customers to the allowable changes document.

Advice was shared on the readiness and strategic alignment criteria, including a reminder to check that directors are registered on companies house and to ensure that planning applications for queue reordering are validated. Plus, there are protections for projects that are essential for energy security, however, these must be approved by NESO before going submitting evidence.

It was highlighted that while the methods for evidence submission varies across each DNO, they will assess the same evidence. Our website contains a handy summary of each DNO’s process for collecting evidence.

Advancement fees and protections

Next, SP Energy Networks’ Claire Witty expanded on advancement fees. Projects that with current dates of connection after 2035 will need to request advancement in their readiness declaration, which incurs a non-refundable fee depending on location, as recently set out by NESO. There is no guarantee that projects will get an advancement offer and projects with current dates to connect before 2035 may also request advancement.

Attendees also heard the latest updates on the design of distribution Gate 1 through a joint presentation by National Grid Electricity Distribution and Northern Powergrid.

Queue management

Steffan Jones of Electricity North West presented the next steps on the queue management changes following the recent industry consultation. Thanking industry for the input, highlighting how this has helped shape the thinking and progression of the changes.

A breakdown of feedback received and next steps can be found below:

• Over three quarters of respondents (77 percent) agreed with the proposed ‘Milestone M4’ modification to align with the revised NESO TMO4+ assessment process, adding a 24 month requirement to achieve the milestone from acceptance of a distribution offer.
• A majority of respondents (82 percent) agreed with the proposal for a five-year trigger to switch milestones to a ‘look backwards’ approach, rather than the standard ‘look forwards’.
• There was a split response to switch from ‘tolerance’ to ‘remedy’. As most feedback focused on time, the networks will proceed with the change to remedy.
• There were concerns over the proposed realignment of ‘Milestone M5’, therefore networks will revert to submittal instead of approval.
• No changes will be made to ‘Milestone M1’ and the allowance of pre-planning requirements following concerns about the two-month duration.
• The proposed change to ‘Milestone M7’ will proceed following minimum feedback.

For more detail on how these proposals have changed following the industry feedback, please see the conference slides.

We are currently working on more detailed FAQs from the event and will update our website in due course.