The Energy Transition | Ofgem issues update on the 'Connect' pillar of GB Connections Reform

This week we look at Ofgem's update on the "Connect" pillar of GB Connections Reform and the government's proposed regulatory changes to enable plug-in solar.

Ofgem updates on the 'Connect' aspect of GB demand-connections reform

Ofgem issued a call for input in February on demand-connections reform, organising its proposals around three "pillars". The regulator has now published an update on the "connect" pillar of the reform programme, which aims to ensure that the costs associated with connecting assets are reduced as far as possible and allocated fairly for both developers and consumers. 

The update covers two workstreams within the "connect" pillar: "Accelerate", which addresses self-build, ownership and transfer of high-voltage assets; and "Operate", which proposes contracting arrangements to allow increased demand capacity and mitigate the impacts of large demand on the grid. Both workstreams aim to increase the volume and speed of demand connections.

Accelerate workstream

The accelerate workstream concerns the self-build of high-voltage assets by developers. Central considerations include making legal requirements more transparent and introducing new ownership options, including a class exemption for certain types of projects.

In particular, Ofgem has proposed creating an Independent Transmission Owner (iTO) licence, similar to an Independent Distribution Network owner (iDNO) licence, to better enable asset owners to undertake contestable works and the transfer of high-voltage demand assets. Ofgem is also proposing "high voltage connection offers" for connection straight to the transmission system. 

Operate workstream

The Operate workstream is focused on how large demand users, particularly data centres, can be connected and operate in a manner that maintains system security while enabling more demand assets to access the grid.

Alongside the government and NESO, Ofgem is working towards various types of connection agreements. These include alternative connection agreements, characterised as "flexible, non-firm, and phased (ramped)", as well as operational and service flexibility agreements, which would also facilitate earlier connections.

The regulator is also considering operational controls such as mandatory curtailment during periods of system stress, alongside standardisation of infrastructure and engineering principles to ensure regulatory clarity. 

A consultation on proposals under both workstreams is expected in autumn 2026, before the next connections window opens. In the meantime, Ofgem welcomes stakeholder input on the scope and outcomes of an iTO licence.

UK government consults on regulatory changes to enable plug-in solar 

Earlier this year, the UK government announced plans to make plug-in solar products available to UK consumers. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has now opened a consultation on the proposed regulatory changes and interim product specification to enable the safe and legal use of plug-in solar.

Three focus areas

The consultation seeks views on amendments to the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994, as a UK-wide transitional measure, to allow plug-in solar to connect via standard BS 1363 plugs. Currently power-generating equipment is prevented from using these standard plugs and sockets. 

The consultation also introduces an interim plug-in solar product specification, setting out suitable technical requirements for plug-in solar products to be marketed. 

A third focus is consumer protection: the government seeks to ensure that consumers are suitably informed participants in any plug-in solar market and that risks of misuse, misunderstanding and unsafe adoption are properly mitigated. 

Longer-term policy

The government has also outlined its longer-term policy ambitions, including plans to amend the G98 engineering recommendation to allow plug-in microgenerators to connect to low-voltage distribution networks, subject to compliance with the interim product specification. 

The government also intends to amend the Electrical Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, which apply in Great Britain only and do not readily accommodate plug-in generation devices. The government has confirmed that this is being considered separately. Development of longer-term product specifications and regulatory changes is also planned.

Northern Ireland rules

Additionally, the connection requirements in Northern Ireland are governed by the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and the Engineering Recommendation G98/NI. The relevant Northern Ireland department will consider any changes following this consultation.

The consultation is open until 30 June.

This article was written with the assistance of Alice Smith and Maggie Hudson, Trainee Solicitors.