As part of broader reforms to improve energy connections, Ofgem has made a relatively modest-sounding change that could have far-reaching consequences. On 12 May, the regulator confirmed the approval of a grid code modification that raises the threshold for projects assessed solely at the distribution level from 1MW to 5MW. This means energy projects up to 5MW can now bypass the transmission connections queue and instead go straight to the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for assessment, a shift that could unlock hundreds of community-led net zero initiatives.

Mollie Atherton, Project Manager at Advanced Infrastructure, examines the implications of this seemingly minor policy adjustment  and why digital innovation will be essential to its success.

At Advanced Infrastructure, we welcome this decision and believe it opens up new opportunities for councils, developers, and community groups to explore and deliver 5MW projects that can catalyse local growth and contribute meaningfully to climate goals.

While 5MW may appear small in the context of national energy generation, these projects can deliver significant local benefits. Under the previous system, these community-scale initiatives were often trapped behind large-scale schemes in the queue, with some facing decade-long delays to receive a connection offer. In real terms, a 5MW solar installation can mean tens of thousands of panels, while projects like Bristol’s Ambition Lawrence Weston 4.2MW wind turbine demonstrate the potential to power thousands of homes and deliver profits back to local residents, all while revitalising underserved areas.

The focus now must shift to identifying and developing these projects. It’s also vital to remove the backlog of existing sub-5MW schemes currently waiting in the transmission queue and transition them to the appropriate distribution networks. But implementation won’t be without its hurdles. Some developers may attempt to sidestep the rules by splitting up larger schemes, while the influx of new applications may strain DNO capacity or lead to less efficient use of grid infrastructure.

DNOs are preparing for an expected rise in applications and for those submitting them, it’s more important than ever to ensure proposals are well-researched and viable. A flood of speculative applications risks wasting the time of grid engineers and slowing progress for everyone. The emphasis should now be on submitting fewer, higher-quality connection requests that align with available capacity and strategic needs.

This is where smarter digital tools come in. Advanced Infrastructure’s LAEP+ Self-Serve Connections Portal, currently being piloted by ESB Networks, enables users including developers and local authorities to evaluate their demand connection requirements in advance. The platform offers indicative costs, lead times, and insights into available capacity, helping applicants avoid speculative submissions and improving turnaround times for all parties. In fact, the tool could lead to a 30% efficiency improvement for DNOs.

‍

‍

Meanwhile, the LAEP+ Customer Planning Platform, already in use with four of the UK’s six DNOs, offers a suite of planning and modelling features to support collaborative low-carbon infrastructure development. The platform helps pinpoint optimal locations for heat pumps, rooftop solar, and utility-scale renewables all while forecasting demand and identifying areas where network upgrades are needed to support resilience.

For developers and local authorities, these tools provide clarity on where projects are most likely to succeed. For DNOs, receiving a smaller number of better-targeted applications means engineers can focus on the projects that will deliver real impact, streamlining the connections process and fast-tracking viable initiatives.

The UK’s energy transition will be driven by both large-scale infrastructure, like offshore wind and small-scale innovation in towns and communities. Striking a balance between the two is key to delivering net zero goals fairly and efficiently. Ofgem’s latest reform gives community-scale projects a much-needed leg up, and we’re excited to see how it accelerates change from the ground up.

Read More: Unlocking Faster Grid Connections across Ireland with the LAEP+ Self-Serve Connections Portal