Transmission Connections

Within the GB energy landscape, we are seeing the evolution of our network towards a greener, more resilient and sustainable future.

As we make our network smarter, more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges of the everchanging energy market, we want to support our customers to navigate through these changes in our industry. Whether it is keeping you up to date with NESO’s Connections Reform, changes within our network or connections processes you can find a whole host of information on our website.

Connections Reform

SPT continues to fully support the development of Connections Reform, otherwise known as TM04+, and wants to support our customers in receiving the latest information on the changes coming to industry.

What is happening in the coming months?

SPT will begin detailed power system studies and prepare revised connection offers for projects in the queue. This will all be dependent on receipt of the newly created Construction Planning Assumptions and queue data from the NESO. Our engineering teams are focused on delivering the most economic, coordinated, and efficient solutions for the whole network.

Additionally, NESO has started notifying customers of their application outcome as of 8^th December 2025 and is expected to issue the Gate 1 offers (for self-declared projects, failed to submit application and failed initial checks) by the end of 2025. The Gate 1 offers for projects failing detailed checks and strategic alignment are expected to be issued by the end of Q1 2026.

For the Gate 2 projects, NESO expects to issue the Gate 2 offers for protected transmission projects (with 2026/2027 dates) in Q1 while the remaining phase 1 Gate 2 projects (with dates up to 2030) are expected to be issued no later than end of Q2 2026.

You can find out about the other key milestones through NESO’s Connections Reform timeline.

What can you do right now as a customer?

While SPT carries out system studies and prepares revised offers, there are a few important steps you can take to stay informed and prepared:

Watch for updates from NESO
We advise our customers to keep an eye out for emails from the NESO to ensure that you don’t miss any important notification.

Read the NESO Connections Reform Post-Notifications Customer Handbook
Furthermore, while you wait for your revised offer, we encourage all our customers to read NESO’s Connections Reform Post Notifications Customer Handbook to gain a better understanding of the notifications, what actions you may need to take and reform processes.

Stay connected for the latest updates
We also advise our customers to regularly check both, our website and NESO’s website for new information, updates, and timelines. Staying informed will help you plan effectively and avoid delays.

Please note that NESO will not expect customers to take any action between 19^th December and Sunday, 4^th January. However, NESO’s channels will still be open for any incoming messages and enquiries.

Previous Updates:

On 2^nd October 2025, NESO updated their Connections Reform timeline for the delivery of Connections Reform across 2025 and 2026, outlining all the key milestones, deadlines and customer notification points. We encourage our customers to see this updated timeline.

NESO is hosting several in-person and online events, the details of these webinars can also be found on the Connections Reform Help Centre and Event Calendar. SPT recommends all customers attend these to gain a better understanding of latest updates.

We would like to highlight to our customers that to provide a fair and equal service to all, NESO will only be accepting queries and complaints regarding Connections Reform exclusively through their two dedicated channels. NESO will not be responding to any

Customer Connections Portal

Our portal is an easy to use platform, whether you need a connection to our distribution or transmission network. For more information click the link below.

Customer Connections Portal

Pre-Application Customer Engagement (PACE)

Please note that as of March 2025, we are not taking any new PACE requests to prepare for NESO’s Connections Reform.

Please note that as there is no open application window at the moment, SPT is not holding any Pre- Application Customer Engagement calls at this time. This is a consistent approach across all of the TOs.

We at SPT, understand the importance of these discussions and we will be opening the pre-application window in line with the NESO re-opening the ability to apply for a grid connection.

We will continue to work with NESO and monitor any developments closely to provide you with regular updates.

Meanwhile, we recommend checking the NESO’s website (Transition to Connections Reform | National Energy System Operator) regularly to keep informed about the pause and other changes in relation to Connections Reform.

Roles Within Transmission Connections

SP Transmission (SPT)

SP Transmission is a Transmission Owner (TO). Whilst we retain ownership of our transmission assets, such as substations and transmission towers, we have a licence obligation to maintain, design, develop and deliver new or modified connections to our network.

National Energy System Operator (NESO)

National Energy System Operator (NESO) are the designated System Operator (SO) in England, Scotland and Wales. As the SO, NESO is responsible for ensuring the stable and secure operation of the whole transmission system. The SO is also responsible for balancing the electricity demand across the whole of Great Britain with electricity supplied by generating stations on a minute-by-minute basis. As the SO, NESO provides transmission services to generators, electricity suppliers and large customers and will deal with all aspects of the contracts for the connection to and use of the electricity transmission system.

SPT Interactive Investment Maps

If you would like information on our current projects across the SP Transmission Network please click on the following link to our Interactive Investment Map. If you have any enquiries about any of the investment projects shown, please contact gettingconnectedupdate@spenergynetworks.co.uk

View the SPT Interactive Investment Map

Transmission Heat Map

Are you interested in a transmission connection? Using our transmission heatmap you will be able to see if your project falls within our boundaries as well as the connected and contracted projects in relation to the closest grid supply point (GSP).

Before we can connect you, we need to have an understanding of the current constraints on the network and what infrastructure and/or upgrades may be needed to the grid to support this new connection.

Since 2024, we have seen an unprecedented volume of applications, meaning an increase in the number of customers looking to speak with us directly about specific GSPs, estimated costs, timescales, and solutions to reach connection. To aid your knowledge prior to submitting your application, we have created our heat map to give you a high-level view of our network with data taken directly from the NESO’s Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) register monthly.

Transmission Heat Maps Terms - SP Energy Networks

Need some guidance on how to best use our heat map? Watch this video, where we walk through the functionalities of our SP Transmission Heatmap. We’ll explore the different types of information available and how to make the most of this powerful tool to navigate our transmission network.

View this video along with other transmission connection videos on the transmission connections video gallery.

Transmission Connections Guidance Leaflet

The aim of this leaflet is to provide a plain English overview of the Transmission connections process. If you have feedback or questions on this leaflet please send an email to Joanne.Madden@spenergynetworks.co.uk.

Charging Statement

SPT is obliged, under Special Condition (SC) 9.12 of its electricity Transmission Licence, to prepare a statement approved by the Authority setting out the basis upon which charges will be made for the provision of transmission services in such form and detail as shall be necessary to enable NGESO to make a reasonable estimate of charges to which it would become liable for the provision of SPT’s services. These services include the planning, development, construction, maintenance and operation of new and modified connections to the licensee’s transmission system.

Read the full charging statement

The Application Process

The current application process is subject to change due to NESO’s upcoming Connections Reform. We are actively working with NESO and will update the application process as soon as we get more information.

To read the previous application process explained, including connection offers and processes, please select the link below:

View Application Process Explained

To read about connection registers, reports, policy updates, and industry guidance documents for understanding the connection process further, please select the link below:

View the Connections Register page here

Transmission Owner Reinforcement Instruction (TORI) Quarterly Update Report

Our Transmission Owner Reinforcement Instruction (TORI) Quarterly Update Reports are available to download. The documents are designed to update our Transmission system users and connecting parties, following feedback from our stakeholders. Please use the links below to access our reports. If you have any questions or feedback on the report, click here to email us.