Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission: pre-construction funding and licence consultation

Details of outcome

In October 2025 we consulted on the Pre-Construction Funding (PCF) submission application by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHET) for the eight SHET projects and our proposed licence modification.

The allowance requested has been approved for SHET under the Accelerated strategic transmission investment (ASTI) PCF framework to support pre-construction activities for the eight SHET projects. This includes activities required to accelerate delivery of eight ASTI projects ahead of obtaining planning consent.  

Ofgem are not involved in planning decisions, and the award of PCF does not influence, nor should it be taken to assume, the outcome of any relevant planning processes. Stakeholders are therefore encouraged to engage directly with the planning process, which remains the appropriate forum for commenting on project design or scope.

Read the full outcome 

Original consultation

Who should respond 

We would like views from people with an interest in new transmission infrastructure, meeting the net zero challenge, and competition in onshore transmission networks. We particularly welcome responses from consumer groups, stakeholders impacted by the project, stakeholders with an interest in the costs of electricity transmission infrastructure, and transmission owners. We would also welcome responses from other stakeholders and the public.

Background 

The British Energy Security Strategy set out the Government's ambition to connect up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030. In December 2022 we introduced a new Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework that will assess, fund and incentivise the accelerated delivery of large strategic transmission projects required to deliver on the Government's ambition.

This consultation seeks input from stakeholders in relation to providing SHET with ASTI PCF to fund for Pre-Construction Works activities required to accelerate delivery of eight ASTI projects ahead of submitting planning consent. 

Why your views matter 

We want to hear your views on SHET’s PCF application. We encourage respondents to consider the specific questions outlined within this consultation. Your responses to this consultation will inform our decision. 

Consultation documents