What the NESO Connections Reform Timeline Means For Landowners & Developers
Peter Cole
Oct, 20 2025NESO has announced the latest Connections Reform timeline.
What is Connections Reform?
NESO (National Energy System Operator) is overhauling how generation (e.g. Solar) and demand projects (e.g. battery) connect to Great Britain’s electricity network, to ensure that projects that are ready to connect, can secure grid access more efficiently, supporting UK’s net zero ambitions.
It also aims to remove any “zombie” grid offers from the grid system that are not being used but preventing other schemes from progressing.
NESO has set up a Gate system where you have to evidence information to qualify to get from Gate 1 to Gate 2. These includes matters such as progression with planning and evidence of land rights.
Key Milestones (2025-2026)
NESO has recently updated their timeline set out below on the Connections Reform process. It is important to understand progression for any development that is wanting a grid connection. The next big update will be the start of December where Developers will receive notification where their Gird offer will sit in the grid queue (Gate 1 or Gate 2) and timings of connection.
Why it Matters
Landowner and developers alike should be very conscious that should their revised grid offer be unsatisfactory for funders (e.g. connection date is too far away) this is going to break projects. Landowners should look to protect their position to try and ensure that this does not create any “stale” Option Agreements, where restrictions remain on the land. If developers confirm that the scheme remains viable, it is important to see evidence of this and understand the revised strategy with promoting the site.
Following the December results, we suspect there will be a flurry of interest in areas in the UK where grid capacity has now opened up. Developers will be reaching out to landowners in these areas and landowners need to be onboard and get advice on which development partner would be most suitable for them. Because the areas of opportunity are becoming more restricted, there is a shift towards more power with negotiations for the landowner where historically, the negotiation leverage was with developers around secured grid.
Landowners – we would be happy to guide you through which development partner would be right for you when contacted about an energy development scheme. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Developers – if there are areas in the UK where you are hoping to reach out to landowners, please get in touch – we would be happy to assist you in making those connections.
