Electricity distribution network charges: notice period options

Details of outcome

We received 27 responses to our consultation, mainly from energy suppliers and network companies. For the first year of ED3, stakeholder responses were broadly divided into suppliers, favouring 15 months' notice, and networks, favouring two months' notice. For the second year of ED3, there was an even split in first preference from respondents between 15 months' and 14 months' notice.

We have carefully considered the feedback and updated our assessment of the options. We have decided to maintain the existing (15-month) notice period for the first year of ED3 and reduce the notice period to 14 months for the second year.  

Read the full outcome

Original consultation

The next electricity distribution price control is due to start April 2028. We are consulting on options for the notice period to apply to network charges for the first two years.

Distribution networks companies have asked us to consider a change (called a derogation) from the current notice period of 15 months. They have proposed options for reducing the notice period.

The consultation outlines the options and our assessment of them. We want views from people, such as energy suppliers and non-domestic consumers, on the options and our assessment. We plan to make our final decision by the end of September 2026.