Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of waiting times in distribution connections reform.

Distribution-level projects can face significant connection delays, particularly if they could impact on the transmission network. The reformed transmission connections process, currently being implemented, should accelerate connections for many viable distribution-level projects. Furthermore, Ofgem has recently raised the threshold for distribution projects in England and Wales requiring a Transmission Impact Assessment from 1MW to 5MW, which should accelerate connections for connections below the new threshold.[1] More widely, Ofgem is reviewing the connections regulatory incentives and obligations applied to National Energy System Operator and network companies. This aims to reduce connection times where possible and improve customer service.[2]

The equivalent thresholds for Scotland are under ongoing review by the Scottish network companies.

[1] Decision to approve CMP446: 'Increasing the lower threshold in England and Wales for Evaluation of Transmission Impact Assessment' | Ofgem

[2] Connections end-to-end review of the regulatory framework | Ofgem