The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has extended the evidence submission period for Gate 2 grid connection applications by an additional week, citing ongoing technical issues with its online portal and calls from stakeholders for greater clarity.
The GB system operator confirmed it will not issue the 10-working-day notice for the closure of project registrations before 11 August. The notice was previously expected to be issued no earlier than 4 August.
The Gate 2 application process, part of NESO’s broader grid connections reform programme, aims to prioritise projects based on readiness. An initial three-week window for submitting supporting evidence was scheduled from 8 to 29 July. However, customer-reported difficulties with the online submission platform prompted NESO to adjust the timeline.
NESO said 779 of the approximately 1,800 projects have completed submissions to date.
“We have heard clearly from customers and trade associations that they can see the improvements being made,” said Matt Magill, NESO’s director of engineering and customer solutions transformation.
“They would also welcome more time for changes to bed in and confidence to build before we issue the 10 working days’ notice. That is why we are confirming today that notice will not be given any earlier than Monday 11 August,” he added.
Magill said progress is ongoing to resolve the technical challenges, and that feedback from the industry is helping to “shape a better process and ensure that no one is left behind.”
