Accelerating electricity network connections for strategic demand
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The government response summarises the feedback received and sets out the government’s decisions on elements of the demand connections reform programme. This includes, confirming the introduction of prioritisation of strategic demand and strategic alignment of data centre connections, and next steps across the entire programme.
Detail of feedback received
We received 156 responses from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- demand project developers
- industry bodies and trade associations
- network operators and owners
- integrated generation and demand developers
- local and mayoral authorities
- consultancy services
- private individuals
- investors and financial institutions
- suppliers
- technology vendors
- government departments, a devolved government and an arm’s-length body
- non-governmental and research organisations
- generation developers
Original consultation
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