Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), which run Britain’s regional electricity networks, are understood to be increasingly frustrated by the absence of engineering studies from NESO that were expected in September. Without them, network operators cannot assess whether spare capacity on the existing network could be used to bring forward connection dates for projects that are ready to build.
The delays follow the Chancellor’s Budget commitment to faster grid connections and cheaper electricity. He has since said the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction will only back projects that lower bills and can connect to the grid, putting renewed pressure on NESO to ensure investment-ready projects can progress.
NESO has already been given two extensions to its timetable for issuing new grid connection offers, most recently from 30 September to 31 October 2026. In its latest performance assessment, Ofgem identified connections reform as a key area of underperformance, finding that NESO had not delivered the objective or made sufficient progress towards it.
Enviromena has more than 300MW of solar and battery storage projects with planning consent, funding secured and supply chains ready. These projects can move to construction as soon as viable connection dates are confirmed.
The company has already shown that earlier connections are possible. In 2024 it delivered the UK’s first two Technical Limits connections, which allow projects to connect sooner by using spare capacity on the existing network within agreed limits.
Chris Marsh, CEO at Enviromena, said:
“The Government is right to prioritise cheaper electricity and faster grid connections. The network operators want to help deliver that, but they cannot act on opportunities to connect projects sooner until NESO provides the studies they were expecting in September.
“We have proved with Technical Limits that the solutions exist. What’s missing is urgency from NESO. Developers have projects ready to build and investors are waiting for certainty. At a time when families are struggling with energy bills, we cannot afford unnecessary delays to new low-cost generation.”
Dan Meredith, Director of External Affairs at Solar Energy UK, said:
“Securing quick connections to the electricity grid is of paramount importance not just to the solar industry but to the whole economy. Without them, the high energy prices we see today will linger, causing hardship and losing jobs and investment – and negating the speed at which solar can deliver the cheap, clean power needed to cut bills. We have already called for greater Government oversight of NESO and for greater transparency with developers.”
Enviromena is calling on NESO to complete the outstanding engineering studies as a priority, and to give developers greater transparency over connection timetables and over opportunities to bring forward grid access for fully funded, consented projects.
