Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of grid capacity to meet the demand for projects that hold contracts for transmission entry capacity.

Electricity network companies are regulated to build and operate the grid to meet consumer demand by Ofgem, the independent energy regulator. Recognising the scale of the challenge to ensure grid capacity meets demand, government has already taken action to improve strategic planning and accelerate consenting and regulatory approvals. Nick Winser was appointed as the Electricity Networks Commissioner in July 2022 to advise the Government on how to further reduce the development timeline for new transmission network infrastructure. The Commissioner will deliver his recommendations in June, and the Government will respond with an action plan during 2023.