Consultation Response - Connections end-to-end review of the regulatory framework - Ofgem
techUK welcomes Ofgem’s Connections End-to-End Review as a critical opportunity to streamline and modernise the UK’s grid connection process, ensuring that businesses, particularly in the technology sector, can access energy efficiently. The current system suffers from delays, lack of transparency, and inconsistent service standards, creating significant barriers for data centres, AI infrastructure, and other energy intensive industries. These inefficiencies hinder investment, slow economic growth, and threaten the UK's position as a leader in digital innovation.
To address these challenges, techUK supports reforms that increase transparency, improve service delivery, and establish fairer connection processes. Key recommendations include standardising data sharing protocols, enforcing binding connection dates, introducing structured dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensuring a harmonised approach across Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and Transmission Operators (TOs). Additionally, digitalisation of grid operations, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and investment in innovative energy solutions will be essential in making the UK’s energy infrastructure more resilient and future ready.
Key Recommendations
- Increase Data Transparency – Standardise real-time grid capacity updates and provide clearer connection timelines.
- Strengthen Service Standards – Assign dedicated managers to connection applications and introduce performance based incentives for network operators.
- Enforce Binding Connection Dates – Issue indicative connection dates within three months, with clear cost estimates and contingency plans.
- Standardise Connection Offers – Implement uniform contract templates, quality metrics, and performance tracking across DNOs and TOs.
- Improve Dispute Resolution – Expand Ofgem and NESO’s roles in addressing connection delays, introduce fast track resolution mechanisms, and define clear accountability measures.
- Enhance Grid Digitalisation – Utilise AI, automation, and real time data analytics to optimise grid efficiency and capacity planning.
- Encourage Innovation – Support pilot projects for energy storage, demand response, and grid flexibility solutions to accelerate modernsation.
You can read our full response here.
Teodora Kaneva
Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.
