The National Energy System Operator (NESO), Transmission Owners (TOs), Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and wider delivery partners have confirmed updates to the Connections Reform delivery timeline following the identification of technical and engineering matters after queue formation that required further review.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has announced that the 'Gate 2 to Whole Queue' evidence submission window closed at 11:59 pm on 26 August 2025, with distribution network operators (DNOs) completing their evidence gathering. NESO will begin notifying customers of the outcomes of initial checks on all submitted evidence from 28 August 2025. Customers who pass the initial checks will automatically proceed to the next phase, requiring no further action. Those who do not pass the initial checks will have four working days to resubmit evidence via the Connections Portal, with NESO committing to issue a final decision within four working days of resubmission.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced that the newly formed National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been commissioned by energy ministers from the Scottish, Welsh, and UK governments to produce the first strategic spatial plan (SSEP) for Great Britain. This plan aims to reduce grid connection waiting times, provide stability for investors, lower overall system costs, and accelerate the government’s clean energy mission. NESO will publish its consultation on methodology later this year, with the first iteration of the plan expected to be published in 2026, focusing on electricity generation and storage, including hydrogen assets.

Ofgem announced that National Energy System Operator (NESO) has commissioned an independent external investigation into allegations concerning actions taken and the reporting of data between 22–26 June 2026 during a period of extreme heat. The investigation follows concerns raised by Claire Coutinho member of parliament regarding poor record-keeping, including whether system risk data was hidden, and alleged improper influence on decision-making. Ofgem stated that, as NESO's regulator, it will ensure that the review is transparent, impartial and supported by appropriate terms of reference to establish the facts.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has launched a consultation seeking views from customers and stakeholders across Great Britain on the proposed methodology for developing Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs). The consultation aims to establish a consistent approach to designing and delivering the first set of 11 RESPs covering Scotland, Wales and nine English regions. These plans will underpin the national strategic energy framework by integrating local priorities within the wider Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and Centralised Strategic Network Plan. NESO intends the RESPs to accelerate progress towards net zero through joined-up, whole-system planning of electricity and gas distribution networks. The consultation runs from 17 November 2025 to 16 January 2026.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has opened its Connections Methodologies Annual Consultation, seeking views on proposed updates to the Connections Methodologies ahead of submitting revised versions to Ofgem in spring 2026. NESO proposes minor, clarificatory and material changes identified through its periodic review, including updates linked to experience from the Gate 2 to Whole Queue (G2TWQ) process, adjustments to the Project Designation Methodology, and refinements to the Gate 2 Criteria Methodology and the Connections Network Design Methodology. The consultation also invites views on areas where NESO is not currently proposing change—such as attrition, hybrids, and repowering—as well as broader questions on issues including the CMP435 removals baseline, battery oversupply and emerging government policy on demand connections. The consultation closes on 14 April 2026.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has extended the notice period for the closure of the one-off ‘Gate 2 Whole Queue’ exercise. It has confirmed that it will provide ten working days' notice before closing the window, with this notice to be issued no earlier than 4 August 2025.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has extended the evidence submission window for the one-off ‘Gate 2 Whole Queue’ exercise by at least five working days beyond the original deadline of 29 July 2025. The extension follows a letter from NESO’s Chief Operating Officer, Kayte O’Neill, issued in response to industry feedback regarding the connections reform evidence submission window process and challenges experienced with the Connections Portal. A new closure date will be announced with a minimum of five working days’ notice.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has finalised a working agreement with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-e). Under this agreement, NESO will represent all British transmission network operators in ENTSO-e coordination meetings, focusing on electricity security, offshore energy planning and interconnector efficiency. This follows similar arrangements between UK gas transmission operators and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG), as well as between Ofgem and the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has issued a Call for Input (CfI) seeking industry feedback on proposed reforms to balancing, settlement and dispatch arrangements, as part of the wider Reformed National Pricing (RNP) package. The reforms are intended to support a secure and cost-effective clean power system, align with efficient investment signals and deliver enduring value for consumers. NESO is inviting views on the effectiveness of the proposed balancing reform package in reducing balancing costs, influencing market behaviour and addressing distributional impacts across market participants, as well as on the proposed implementation pathway. The consultation closes on  14 April 2026.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has launched and is now fully operational, seeking to deliver electricity decarbonisation and whole system planning to achieve net-zero. Operationally independent from the government, the NESO will have strategic oversight of the electricity and gas systems, ensuring that Great Britain’s energy infrastructure is secure, resilient, flexible, and future proof. One of the NESO’s first actions will be to deliver guidance to the government on delivering a clean power system by 2030.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has launched a Call for Input (CfI) in response to a recent increase in transmission-level demand connection applications, which has far exceeded even the most ambitious of previous forecasts. The CfI forms part of a broader initiative, developed in collaboration with government and Ofgem, to support the management of the demand queue following the TMO4+ grid connection reforms approved earlier this year. NESO’s transmission-related CfI opened on 6 November 2025 and is directed at customers with existing transmission-level demand connection agreements, as well as those with generation agreements that include demand technologies (such as co-located sites). NESO is seeking updated information on project characteristics, including connection status, timelines, financial readiness and maturity.