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.

As a part of connections reform, customers who wish to apply for Gate 2 offers must meet a new ‘readiness criteria’. NESO have launched their Evidence Submission Handbook which is a self-serving guide for customers. This is a comprehensive guide on how to submit evidence and complete the Readiness Declaration form. We strongly urge our customers to read the NESOs handbook. It is important to note, that we as the TO, do not accept any evidence.

In addition to the above, NESO are hosting several in-person and online events focusing on evidence submission and the Readiness Declaration Form. SPT recommend all customers attend these to gain a better understanding of the requirements of this process. Further information on preparing for evidence submission can be found on NESOs Readiness Declaration page.

On the 15^th of April 2025, Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain approved some of the NESO’s connections reform proposals. Read NESOs press release, highlighting the reforms and the next steps.

Furthermore, on the 15^th of January 2025, NESO published its open letter to industry providing information on the applications pause that began on the 29^th of January 2025 for all generation applications and 21^st of March 2025 for all new directly connected demand applications. We would encourage all our customers to read this.

Details of the open letter can be found here.

With regards to the Pause. NESO and the TOs requested an extension to the pause to cover off a short period between the backstop date included in the letter from 15/01/25 and the Connections Reform implementation date. This is hot off the press, but Ofgem have agreed to extend this to midnight on 9^th June, when the new Connections Reform criteria takes over from the old BAU process. You can see the letter sent to Ofgem and their response on NESO’s updated webpages:

Decision on extension to transition to Connections Reform | Ofgem

Transition to Connections Reform | National Energy System Operator

We would also encourage our customers to keep up to date with all Connection Reform updates using the NESO’s website, details of which can be found here.

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 due to NESO’s application pause.

We at SPT, understand the importance of these discussions and will continue to work with NESO and monitor any developments closely to provide you an update on when these may return.

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

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.