Ofgem approved the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) connections reform proposals on 15 April 2025, according to the UK Solar Roadmap published in June 20251. The approved approach is described as "first ready, first connected", intended to prioritise viable projects that meet the UK's strategic needs1.
The change sits within a wider set of grid reforms. From June 2025, all distribution network operators (DNOs) will be required to submit project information to NESO within the relevant Gate Two window1. The Roadmap states that fundamental reforms to the queue of projects waiting to connect to the grid are necessary if the Clean Power Action Plan's target of 45 to 47GW of installed solar capacity by 2030 is to be met1.
The Roadmap sets out the scale of the task. Installed solar capacity stands at over 18GW, against the 45 to 47GW sought by 2030, with scope to exceed the upper limit subject to system need1. NESO engagement with the DNOs indicates that an additional 9 to 10GW of rooftop solar projects, which are not subject to Transmission Impact Assessments, could deploy before 2030, meaning the 45 to 47GW range could yield 54 to 57GW depending on the pipeline of rooftop projects1.
The connections reform is one of several measures in the Roadmap touching on grid, planning and deployment. The document also records that the Government launched its AR7 contract consultation in March 2025, and that the National Policy Statements for energy were designated and came into effect in January 20241.
"Ofgem approved NESO's 'first ready, first connected' connections reform proposals on 15 April 2025"
Why it matters for households
The queue for grid connections determines how quickly new generation, including household and commercial rooftop solar, can be connected and paid for the power it exports. A queue ordered by readiness rather than by the date an application was lodged changes which projects proceed and how quickly capacity becomes available. The Roadmap notes that rooftop deployment has a unique role because it can reduce consumer bills immediately1. For a household considering solar, the practical relevance lies in whether local network capacity is released for smaller projects, and how the grid connection queue is managed by NESO under Ofgem's oversight. The Roadmap does not set out how the approved proposals will affect individual connection applications, and no household-level impact assessment has been reported1.
What happens next
From June 2025, all DNOs must submit project information to NESO within the relevant Gate Two window1. The Roadmap states that Government will publish the Future Homes Standard in Autumn 20251. A working paper seeking views on a mandatory community benefit fund scheme for low carbon energy infrastructure, and on facilitating shared ownership of renewable generation infrastructure, was published on 21 May 20251. The Roadmap also records that the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments jointly commissioned NESO to begin work on the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan in October 20241.
Sources1 cited
- UK Solar Roadmap 2025, assets.publishing.service.gov.uk