Direction to NESO on Network Options Assessment and Centralised Strategic Network Plan methodology

To ensure the successful development and implementation of National Energy System Operator’s (NESO’s) strategic network planning, we are allowing extra time to incorporate recent changes, such as Connection Reform, into NESO’s refresh of their second transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan (tCSNP2r). This will support well-informed funding decisions for the network build needed for the 2030s. Therefore, we are directing that publication of the Network Option Assessment (NOA) and Electricity Ten Year Statement (ETYS) will move from January to June 2026.

NESO’s upcoming Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) and Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) will identify future interconnection opportunities strategically. We have therefore decided to suspend the NOA for Interconnectors to avoid potentially conflicting results. 

As the CSNP cannot start until the NOA process concludes, and recognising the CSNP’s increased scope and complexity, with the addition of hydrogen networks and offshore connection designs, we have decided to allow additional time to publish the CSNP methodology, to ensure it is comprehensive and robust. 

NESO had submitted requests to implement these changes in line with the relevant Independent System Operator and Planner license conditions: C13, C12, C17 of the Electricity System Operator and C12 of the Gas System Planner licences. Accordingly, we are publishing our decision and directions to NESO to approve these requests.