What is Queue Management?
Queue Management ensures that projects with an accepted Connection Offer to connect to our Distribution Network are progressing as planned, so available network capacity isn’t held up by stalled developments. It’s an industry wide approach, guided by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) Queue Management User Guide, and it helps us move “ready to go” projects forward while treating everyone consistently.
What are Queue Management Milestones?
Queue Management Milestones are clear checkpoints on your path from offer acceptance to energisation. They reflect normal project development steps and are included in your contract. These milestones are described in the ENA Queue Management User Guide, but your Connection Offer sets out the exact evidence requirements for each milestone and we are on hand to support you through your connection journey where you have any questions.
How it works:
- Your Connection Offer includes key project milestones.
- We ask for evidence at each stage to confirm progress.
- If project milestones are missed, your Connection Offer provides a defined remedy period to submit evidence and get back on track.
- If project milestones still aren’t met or no alternative agreement is reached, we may review your offer and queue position in line with contractual terms.
Who does it apply to?
Queue Management Milestones apply to:
- Generation projects ≥ 1MW in England and Wales, ≥ 200kW in Scotland, and ≥ 50kW on Scottish Islands
- Demand projects ≥ 5MVA
- All projects requiring a Transmission Entry Assessment (by way of a Transmission Evaluation Application or Transmission Impact Assessment)
We reserve the right to apply Queue Management Milestones to other projects, so please read your Connection Offer carefully, which will set out if Queue Management Milestones apply.
What’s changed?
The ENA updated its Queue Management User Guide effective from 1 October 2025 to make the process clearer and more consistent for customers. Here are the headline changes you’ll notice in new or updated Connection Offers.
- Remedy Notice Period (replaces “tolerance”): If a milestone is missed, customers now have a fixed 60-calendar day Remedy Notice Period to provide the evidence and get back on track. This replaces variable “tolerance” arrangements and gives a simpler, uniform process.
- Backward‑facing milestones for longer‑dated projects: For projects with a connection date further out, milestones are now framed to suit the longer development runway - so the evidence you’re asked for is appropriate to where you are in your journey.
- Greater clarity of evidence and timescales: Evidence requirements and timings for each milestone have been sharpened throughout. Notable updates include alignment of Milestone 4 with the new gated transmission assessment process and (for example, “Gate 2”), so distribution and transmission steps fit together more cleanly. Your Connection Offer will make clear if any gated steps apply.
What if I fail to meet a milestone?
Queue Management Milestones are contractual terms. If delays are within your control, the 60-day Remedy Notice gives time to catch up. If delays are outside your control, exception routes are available. If milestones aren’t met, your place in the queue may be at risk - so please contact us early if you foresee issues.
Who do I contact for more information?
We are here to help and encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions about your project. Your Project Engineer is your main contact—details are in your Connection Offer. For general queries, visit our Contact Connections page.