Accelerating electricity network connections for strategic demand

From:: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Published: 11 March 2026

Summary

We're seeking views on proposals to amend the connections process to address speculation and prioritise future capacity for strategic demand, including data centres.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 15 April 2026

Consultation description

This consultation sets out proposals to use powers taken in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 to implement reforms to the process for managing demand-side connections to the electricity network.

It presents measures to address speculation and prioritise future capacity for strategic demand, including data centres.

It covers:

the rationale for intervention
the appropriate legislative vehicle
the scope of application
the potential timing of implementation

The consultation is open to all, but we would like views in particular from:

industry stakeholders
regulated parties
connecting customers
the wider public

Documents