The REA has responded to Ofgem’s open letter (accessible here) on future reform to the electricity connections process. The REA regularly hears from its members about the delays caused by grid connections, with some members receiving an estimated grid connection date of more than ten years. Such delays are incompatible with meeting the Government’s aim of a decarbonised power grid by 2035.
The REA broadly welcomes this letter and Ofgem’s commitment to push ahead with reforming grid connections, and we welcome the approach that Ofgem has decided to take, alongside the action plans recently published by ENA and National Grid ESO. Our response highlights a couple of points, including the need for clear processes for working with DNOs and the relationship between DNOs and TNO, standardisation across DNOs, and the role of industry in having regular review points.