The Background
In recent years, DNO connection queues have become increasingly congested, often filled with speculative or early-stage projects that are not yet deliverable. Consequently, network operators have struggled to prioritise viable schemes.
Therefore, the new requirements are designed to improve the quality of applications entering the queue by ensuring only credible, well-developed schemes progress.
In practice, this means a stronger link between commercial readiness and technical submission.
What’s Required from 1 June 2026
Under the new guidance, applications will need to include a clearly defined set of supporting information at the point of submission. Specifically this includes:
- A signed Letter of Authority (LoA) confirming permission to act on behalf of the client
- Heads of Terms (HoTs) demonstrating that key commercial and land arrangements are agreed in principle
- A site plan clearly showing the site boundary and any features relevant to the proposed connection
- A Single Line Diagram (SLD) setting out how the site’s electrical infrastructure connects to the DNO network
- A preliminary project timeline identifying critical milestones and demonstrating a credible route to energisation
These requirements represent a move away from outline or speculative submissions towards fully evidenced, delivery-focused applications.
What This Means in Practice
The impact is immediate for any project team:
- Incomplete or early-stage applications may not enter the queue
- DNOs will increasingly apply readiness checks as a filter
- Evidence of land rights or agreements will be expected before submission
- Schemes without a clear path to delivery are less likely to progress
In short, the bar for entry is now significantly higher.
A Shift in Approach
Given these changes, project teams will need to reconsider the traditional sequencing of grid engagement. Historically, some projects have sought a grid offer early, before land and commercial arrangements were secured. However, under the new framework, that approach carries more risk.
Instead, a more effective strategy is a two-stage approach:
Stage 1: Feasibility and Budget Estimate Early assessment of grid options, costs and programme to inform decisions
Stage 2: Formal Application Submission once the project has sufficient maturity, supported by HoTs, design information and a defined delivery programme
By taking this approach, applications are aligned with DNO expectations, and projects have the best possible chance of progressing efficiently.
The Opportunity
These changes do come with a clear upside, however. By filtering out speculative projects, the new regime will help:
- Improve queue quality
- Reduce competition from non-viable schemes
- Strengthen the position of well-prepared projects
For well-prepared project teams, this creates a genuine competitive advantage in securing capacity.
