Consultation Response - Connections end-to-end review of the regulatory framework

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

Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems, techUK

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.

She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.

Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2016
Twitter:: @Teodora_K
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/teodora-k-2969b021

Read lessmore

Smart Infrastructure and Systems Programme activities

techUK champion the role of technology in driving positive outcomes in our built infrastructure; from hitting net zero goals to improving safety. In doing so, we also optimise the commercial and regulatory landscape to ensure innovation in infrastructure can flourish. Visit the programme page here

Upcoming events

Latest news and insights

President's Awards 2025 - Nominations Open!

Do you have a trailblazer in your team? Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver? Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.

Learn more and nominate

Learn more and get involved

Smart Infrastructure and Systems updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Smart Infrastructure and Systems programme.