Tools / Regulatory tracker / Connections reform: Gate 2 and the reordered queue
Regulatory tracker · United Kingdom · Grid and power
Connections reform: Gate 2 and the reordered queue
Ofgem approved NESO's reform of the connections queue: a firm date now depends on meeting readiness criteria, and the whole queue is reassessed.
In force Approved by Ofgem on 15 April 2025 (the TMO4+ package, including CMP434, CMP435 and CM095).
What it does
The rule in brief
The reform replaces first come, first served with two gates. Gate 1 gives an indicative offer; Gate 2 gives a confirmed queue position and connection date only to projects that meet the readiness criteria, such as secured land rights or sufficiently progressed planning, and the existing queue is reassessed against them (Gate 2 to Whole Queue). Demand projects, including data centres, are treated as needed, so for them readiness is the test. Demand connecting to the transmission network is within the reform; demand connecting to distribution networks stays on the existing process.
Timeline
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 15 April 2025 | Ofgem approves the connections reform package |
Primary sources
Read it at source
Cite as: InfraCompute regulatory tracker, “Connections reform: Gate 2 and the reordered queue”, checked 27 October 2026, https://www.infracompute.co.uk/tools/regulatory-tracker/gb-connections-reform-gate-2.
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Method
Each entry is written from the official text and the government, regulator or legislature pages listed above, never from secondary commentary. This entry is checked by hand at each content review. Status and dates can change after the review date, so check the source before relying on it. General information drawn from public filings. It is not legal advice on any transaction, and using this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Views are personal.
