Energy & Utilities Energy and utilities UK-wide

Grid Connection Agreement

All electricity generators connecting to the GB electricity network require a connection agreement with either NESO (National Energy System Operator) (transmission) or a Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Guide summary

Apply for a grid connection agreement with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for smaller projects or with NESO for larger ones (typically over 50MW). From January 2025, new transmission applications follow a 'First Ready, First Connected' process with two gates. You must meet milestones for planning and land rights or risk offer termination and cancellation charges. Allow 6 to 36 months for connection depending on type and capacity.

  • Apply to your local DNO for distribution connections
  • For transmission over 50MW, apply to NESO under TM04+ from 2025
  • Submit evidence of planning progress and land rights for Gate 2
  • Meet milestones to avoid offer termination and cancellation charges
  • Allow 6 to 24 months for distribution connection
  • Allow 12 to 36+ months for transmission connection
  • Consider battery storage to manage grid constraints
  • Pay application fee plus connection charges
  • Connection queue exceeds 700GW — over four times needed by 2050
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Connection queue crisis

The transmission connections queue exceeds 700GW of projects - over four times the installed capacity needed by 2050. Major reforms are underway to address this backlog.

Connections reform: TM04+

From January 2025, new transmission connection applications follow the 'First Ready, First Connected' (TM04+) process with two gates:

  • Gate 1: Initial application with indicative connection date
  • Gate 2: Firm offer requiring proof of planning progress and land rights

Milestones and termination

Projects must meet milestones (planning submission, land agreements) within designated timeframes. Failure to meet milestones can result in offer termination with cancellation charges.

Distribution connections

Smaller generators connect via DNOs. For projects impacting transmission, DNOs submit applications to NESO on behalf of customers.

  1. 1

    Identify connection type

    Identify whether you need transmission (>50MW typically) or distribution connection

  2. 2

    Submit transmission application

    For transmission, submit application during open application windows

  3. 3

    Prepare Gate 2 evidence

    Prepare evidence of planning progress and land rights for Gate 2

  4. 4

    Apply to DNO

    For distribution, apply directly to your local DNO

  5. 5

    Allow connection time

    Allow 12-36+ months for connection depending on required reinforcement

  6. 6

    Consider battery storage

    Consider battery storage to manage grid constraints

NESO (National Energy System Operator) connections (opens in a new tab)