Making sure that generation developments can connect to our network is one of our primary responsibilities as the owner of the network in the north of Scotland and we have a huge job to do over the coming years to make sure that our network is capable of connecting the planned additional generation capacity. For this reason, we have a major programme of investment underway which involves upgrading and reinforcing the network and fundamentally changing its historic role.

Following Ofgem’s approval of NESO’s Connections Reform proposals on 15th April, we look forward to working with NESO and our customers to deliver the new connections process, which supports the delivery of Government’s Clean Power 2030 (CP30) Plan.

The reforms have been developed in response to the continued growth in connection applications, with the current connections queue standing at over 750GW, far in excess of what is required for the energy system in 2030, or even 2050. The new connections process is a move away from the old ‘first come, first served’ approach. In the new process, in order to join the queue, projects must first achieve two new criteria. The purpose of the criteria is to ensure that projects in the queue are needed (in order to achieve Government’s Clean Power 2030 Plan) and can demonstrate ‘readiness’ (to reduce the risk of stalled projects holding up other customers in the queue).

Projects will also be required to apply within defined application windows, which NESO will publicise in advance. The first stage of Connections Reform will be a one-off exercise, known as Gate 2 to the Whole Queue (G2tWQ), involving reassessment of all existing contracted projects in the connections queue.  Further information on what evidence customers need to provide for G2tWQ, and how they need to provide it, can be found on NESO’s website.

 

We make it easy to connect to our transmission network

  • A flock of sheep stand in front of transmission towers against a snowy Scottish landscape

    Motorway network of the energy world

    The transmission network transmits high voltage electricity over long distances through wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations.

     

  • An engineer is carrying out work on a transmission asset

    Who's who in the connection process

    Learn more about the different parties involved in delivering a new customer connection.
  • A group discussion at a round table

    Preparing your application

    With such huge interest and activity in renewable connections, it’s important that your connection application is prepared correctly. We’re here to help.

  • Engineers problem solving together

    Contact our Customer Experience team

    Your connection application and enquiries will be handled personally by your dedicated Offers Manager and Customer Relationship Manager.
  • An employee is communicating with customers

    Customer Experience Strategy

    Our Customer Experience Strategy has re-evaluated the requirements of customers pre and post connection, based on fresh insights, creating a comprehensive strategy, built upon customer and stakeholder feedback and expectations.
  • Engineer looking out at sea towards a vessel

    Making it easy for developers

    To make things as easy as possible for developers of large-scale generation, at voltages of 132kV and above, we act as intermediaries in delivering new connections, supporting you through the process and working with National Grid to put all the necessary arrangements in place. 

  • A transmission tower with power lines against the blue sky with clouds

    Transmission Owner Reinforcement Instruction (TORI) Quarterly Update Report

    SSEN Transmission’s Quarterly Update Report provides an update on our Transmission Owner Reinforcement Instruction (TORI) projects.  

     

  • A helicopter is flying, placing parts of a transmission tower into position

    Charging statements and information

    Each year we set out our charges, our allowed revenue, for investing in and maintaining transmission infrastructure. 

     

  • A series of transmission towers stand proudly across the Scottish Highlands against a snowy backdrop

    Our Projects

    We provide useful information about our current and proposed projects here online. Use our interactive map to a find the project you’re interested in to learn more.

  • Two members of the local community are reviewing plans with an SSEN Transmission employee at an engagement event

    Upcoming events

    We host a mixture of in-person and online events throughout the year to engage with our stakeholders and to help inform what we do. Preview our upcoming events and get involved.