Ofgem has unveiled a package of reforms aimed at fixing Britain’s often slow and confusing electricity connection process, with tougher standards for network companies and greater transparency over available grid capacity.
The regulator published two consultations on today covering the customer experience and the quality of connections data.
Developers have repeatedly complained about inconsistent service, unclear offers, poor visibility of progress and little accountability when projects are delayed.
Ofgem says its new proposals are designed to address those problems as demand for connections grows from renewable generators, storage projects, electric vehicle infrastructure, data centres and electrified heat.
The first package, Transforming the Connections Experience, would set clearer minimum service standards for network companies throughout the process.
Networks would be expected to provide better-quality connection offers, communicate more effectively with customers and set ambitious but realistic connection dates. They could also face stronger accountability where avoidable delays occur.
Ofgem wants customers to receive a more consistent service regardless of which part of Britain’s electricity network they are trying to connect to.
The second consultation, Transforming Connections Data, focuses on the information available before and during an application.
Network companies would be required to publish more of the connections data they already hold, improve its accuracy, update it more frequently and make it easier for developers to use.
Eleanor Warburton, Ofgem’s Director for Energy System Design, said: “Britain’s electricity system is changing rapidly as we connect new generation and storage, support the electrification of transport and heating, and enable investment in major new infrastructure.
“Delivering that transition requires not only more network investment but a connections system that works for customers.”
Ofgem says customers are often forced to make investment decisions without a clear picture of network capacity, constraints or where connections are more likely to be available.
Better data could allow developers to choose sites more intelligently and avoid spending time and money progressing projects in areas where the network cannot accommodate them.
It could also reduce pressure on network companies by improving the quality of applications entering the system. These reforms follow earlier changes aimed at clearing speculative and stalled projects from Britain’s connections queue.
Ofgem is now shifting its attention from who gets a place in that queue to what happens once customers enter it.
The regulator says a better system should help viable projects connect sooner, reduce unnecessary delays and give investors greater certainty about where infrastructure can realistically be built.
Warburton added: “Together, these reforms are designed to create a more transparent, efficient and customer-focused connections system that works better for developers, networks and ultimately consumers.”
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