SSEN Distribution is set to open a new 'Ready Portal' on 20 May, 2025, allowing customers with existing grid connection agreements to submit evidence of their project's readiness. This marks a tangible step in implementing new Connections Reform rules designed to help speed up grid connections for eligible projects.

The core principle of the Connections Reform is to prioritise projects that are genuinely 'ready to connect' to the electricity network and that support the UK Government's Clean Power 2030 goals. These projects will now be advanced ahead of others in the connection queue that are not currently ready to proceed or do not align with decarbonisation targets.

The reforms affect generation or storage projects requiring a Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA). This includes projects of 5MW or above in England and Wales, 200kW or above in Scotland, and 50kW or above on Scotland's islands.

The 'Ready Portal' will serve as the central platform for customers with existing TIA-processed contracts to upload evidence demonstrating they meet the required 'readiness' criteria. It will also allow customers to indicate if they do not meet the criteria. The portal will be accessible from May 20th until the end of July 2025, and customers are strongly encouraged to submit their evidence as early as possible within this window. SSEN Distribution will be emailing all affected customers with a direct link to the portal and detailed guidance "next week" (commencing May 19th). Customers who believe their project is affected but have not received an email by the end of May are advised to contact [email protected].

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Evidence required for submission, detailed in NESO's Gate 2 Criteria Methodology, includes proof of either land rights (three-year option with lease, existing ownership, or existing lease) or proof of Development Consent Order (DCO) planning permission. In addition, all submissions must include a red line boundary showing the project location, installed capacity, minimum acreage (guided by NESO), and a completed NESO readiness declaration form. Detailed guidance from NESO to support submissions will be published on May 20th and available via the portal.

Once evidence is received, SSEN Distribution will review it according to the reform rules and share the information with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) when their own portal opens. NESO will then validate the evidence and reorder the connections queue. SSEN will subsequently inform customers whether NESO has confirmed they have met the criteria, communicating timelines for NESO's review as they become available.

Andy Scott, SSEN Distribution's Director of Customer Service, commented: "The launch of our 'Ready Portal' is a tangible moment of progress in the connections reform process. From 20th May, our customers whose projects are applicable under the rules will be able to give us the information we need to assess their project."

He added: "This is a big step in the journey to decarbonise our communities and economy; the changes will help unlock the very projects that will help cut emissions and put us on a path to a more sustainable future. I'd urge customers to start preparing their submissions and look out for our email with a link to the portal and industry guidance, which we'll be sending next week."

Customers with affected projects are advised to begin preparing their documentation now ahead of the portal opening and the upcoming email communication.