Ofgem has published a decision, approving the modifications to the connections reform transitional arrangements proposed by the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The changes, effective from 29 January 2025, include a ‘pause’ in accepting or processing connections applications received from that date, limiting the existing transitional offer process to new directly connected demand projects until 21 March 2025, and introducing an exceptions process to the pause to continue issuing firm offers for certain critical modification applications. Although the distribution application process will remain open, projects will not be forwarded to NESO for assessment after 29 January 2025. Ofgem's approval of these arrangements is limited to 31 May 2025.

Ofgem has published a decision, approving a one-year extension for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to implement stage 1.3 of the Common Information Model (CIM) within the Long Term Development Statement (LTDS). The extension also applies to subsequent stages 2 and 3. This decision follows a request from DNOs, citing challenges such as the absence of formal governance mechanisms for addressing CIM adoption issues, unreadiness of required software tools, and technical issues raised by vendors. Under the revised timeline, DNOs are required to submit and publish stage 1.3 deliverables by 28 November 2025, with the deadlines for stages 2 and 3 extended to 29 May 2026 and 30 November 2026, respectively

Ofgem has published a decision, announcing its approval of the policy framework for Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs), following its July 2024 consultation. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) will oversee the development of 11 RESPs, covering Scotland, Wales, and nine regions in England. The framework outlines the guiding principles, components, governance structures, and boundaries of the RESPs. The RESPs will facilitate coordinated energy planning at national, regional, and local levels by modelling strategies to meet projected energy generation and demand over a ten-year period. They also aim to focus on developing infrastructure needed for decarbonising heating, transport, industrial clusters, and hydrogen plants. NESO plans to consult on the methodology for developing the RESPs in late 2025. Additionally, Ofgem intends to consult on proposed licence changes and guidance to assist NESO and network companies in integrating the RESPs into network planning processes in 2025. Transitional RESPs are expected to be published in early 2026, with the full set anticipated by late 2027.

Ofgem has published decisions, approving several code modification proposals to support the implementation of the Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) arrangements. These include the approval of Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA) modification proposal DCP445, which ensures the introduction of appropriate obligations, processes, and provisions for the new MHHS arrangements into the DCUSA. Ofgem has also approved the Retail Energy Code (REC) modification proposal R0209, comprising revisions to 12 existing REC Schedules, the replacement of the Metering Operations Schedule, and the creation of a new MHHS Migration Schedule. The Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) modification proposal P478 was also approved, introducing necessary obligations and provisions into the BSC to facilitate the transition to the MHHS governance and operational arrangements. Additionally, Ofgem has approved BSC modification proposal P482, granting Elexon greater flexibility in splitting BSC agent services and establishing appropriate contracts for MHHS delivery.

Ofgem has approved six code modifications—CM086, CM087, CMP403, CMP404, GC0159, and GSR031—to enable the introduction of Competitively Appointed Transmission Owners into the UK’s electricity transmission system. These modifications update the System and Transmission Code, Connection and Use of System Code, Grid Code, and Security and Quality of Supply Standards.

Ofgem has approved two System Operator - Transmission Owner Code Procedure (STCP) modifications. The first modification, PM0142, introduces STCP 18-8, a one-off, time-limited procedure to facilitate the introduction of the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC) Modification Proposal CMP435 by establishing contractual relationships between the National Energy System Operator and Transmission Operators. The second modification, PM0143, aligns the STCPs with the broader connections reform work. Both modifications facilitate the implementation of the TMO4+ proposals, which were approved by Ofgem on 15 April 2025.

Ofgem has launched a call for input on updating the time-of-use methodology used to calculate the multi-rate energy price cap. The review follows the implementation of Market-wide Half-hourly Settlement (MHHS), which is expected to increase differences in electricity costs and consumption patterns as consumers adopt low-carbon technologies and time-of-use tariffs. The call for input outlines the challenges associated with retaining the existing methodology and presents three potential approaches to updating it. Ofgem is seeking views from energy suppliers, industry bodies, consumer groups, charities and consumers on the proposed approaches and their implications for price protection. Responses must be submitted by 20 November 2026.

Ofgem has published a call for input seeking views on its intended positions for the special licence conditions applicable to long duration electricity storage (LDES) Window 1 projects. The publication follows a March 2026 call for input on draft special licence conditions, with Ofgem having since set out the changes it intends to make to the licence framework, updated the draft licence and identified areas requiring further feedback. The call for input closes on 18 August 2026.

Ofgem has issued a call for input seeking stakeholder interest in joining the Charging Transitional Arrangements Group (CTAG) under the Reformed National Pricing (RNP) programme. The initiative follows the UK government’s July 2025 decision to retain a single national wholesale electricity price. Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) are continuing work through the RNP programme to review electricity market arrangements and examine potential options for reforming the electricity transmission network charging regime. The CTAG will support them in considering whether any new regime should apply to all generators or whether establishing a transitional or legacy arrangement would better serve consumers and align with Ofgem’s statutory duties. The call for input closes on 24 March 2026.

Ofgem has commissioned the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to review and provide advice on National Gas Transmission (NGT)’s RIIO-GT3 business plan, in accordance with section 171(1) of the Energy Act 2023 (EnA 2023). The review will focus on the alignment of NGT's plan with the UK’s long-term energy system needs during the transition to net zero. NESO is tasked with assessing the consistency between NGT's Network Capability Assessment and NESO's Gas Network Capability Needs Report, the necessity of proposed asset health investments, and how these investments support broader energy system objectives. In addition, NESO will evaluate NGT's strategies for managing network constraints and NGT's position on the retention, re-purposing, or decommissioning of gas transmission network sections. NESO must submit its advice report to Ofgem by 15 April 2025.

Ofgem has conditionally approved the National Energy System Operator (NESO)’s Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) Methodology, confirming that it meets the licence conditions in condition C17 of the Independent System Operator and Planner Electricity System Operator Licence Conditions (ESO C17) and condition C12 of the Independent System Operator and Planner Gas System Planner Licence Conditions (GSP C12) and aligns with Ofgem’s CSNP guidance. Ofgem considers the methodology establishes a sound framework across electricity, gas and hydrogen, including modelling future supply and demand, identifying system needs and appraising network designs, supporting delivery of a clean, affordable and secure energy system in Great Britain using inputs such as the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP). Approval is subject to targeted, time‑bound conditions requiring further detail on areas including option delivery dates, CSNP change control, monetisation of environment, community, deliverability and operability criteria and sensitivity analysis.

Ofgem has published its decision on administering mid-scheme changes to the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), following its April 2025 consultation. The decision sets out implementation approaches for multiple insulation measures under GBIS, smart thermostat installations, and the process for reassigning ECO4 annual bill savings (ABS) to GBIS.