We’re happy to announce the details of how Connections Reform will be implemented, to help speed up the connection of some projects in SSEN Distribution’s licence areas.
Put simply, Connections Reform will mean that projects which are ‘ready to connect’ to the network and that support the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 goals will now be prioritised, ahead of those which although further up the queue, are not currently ready to move forward (or aligned to Clean Power 2030).
The projects affected by these reforms will be those seeking to connect to local Distribution networks, and where what’s known as a Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) will need to be carried out. TIAs are generation or storage projects of 5MW or above in England and Wales, 200kW in Scotland and 50KW on Scotland's islands.
Now the reforms are going ahead, we need to assess what projects are ready to connect, and if they align with the Regional Capacity Quotas as set out by the UK Government in its Clean Power 2030 targets.
Our new 'Ready Portal'
Our Connections Reform ‘Ready Portal’ is now live, from the 20 May until the end of July, but we would encourage customers to submit their Gate 2 evidence as early as possible. To help prepare customers to navigate our portal, we've published video guidance on how to submit Gate 2 evidence, which you can see on on the right.
Between now and the 18th July, we're running a series of drop-in sessions to help you with the process of submitting your evidence. You can sign up for the dates listed at the links beside them.
2nd July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4556
4th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4557
7th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4558
9th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4559
11th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4560
14th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4561
16th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4562
18th July https://ssen.engage-360.co.uk/events/4563
Once we receive your evidence, we'll:
• Review the evidence provided in line with the checks required under TM04+.
• Share the information you provide to us with NESO, once their portal opens (likely in July). NESO will then validate the evidence and reorder the connections queue.
• Inform customers whether NESO has confirmed they have met the Gate 2 criteria. As NESO confirms timelines for its review, we will communicate these to you.
Please note, that advancement requests will result in a fee being charged by NESO of £11,250 per GSP. We will spread this fee across all customers who are deemed to be Gate 2 ready at the GSP, upon issuance of your varied contract'
How you can prepare for Connections Reform
Along with other Distribution Network Operators, we’re opening our evidence portal on 20 May for customers with existing agreements to submit their applicable evidence, and customers should start preparing for this now. The evidence customers will need to submit is detailed within NESO’s Gate 2 Criteria Methodology. This will depend on whether you have land rights or planning for your site:
Land rights
• Three-year option with a lease; or
• Existing ownership of the site; or
• Existing lease
In addition, you'll need a red line boundary showing the location, installed capacity and minimum acreage. NESO’s guidance on minimum acreage is available on the link below
LoA Guidance
Planning
• Proof of Development consent order planning (DCO)
In addition, you'll need a red line boundary showing the location, installed capacity and minimum acreage. NESO’s guidance on minimum acreage is available below
Readiness declaration template
Upcoming events and publications to support customers
NESO and Distribution Network Operators like SSEN have been developing detailed guidance to support customers in submitting evidence. This is available to view here. This will be sent to affected customers and available on our portal. The NESO have shared a registration of interest form for a webinar taking customers through this guidance and evidence requirements, available here.