Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question – answered at on 2 March 2026.
Julian Smith
Conservative, Skipton and Ripon
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps under the Local Power Plan to accelerate grid connections for small business-led renewable energy projects.
Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department continues to work closely with Ofgem, NESO and DNOs to ensure wider grid connections reforms benefit community and local energy projects, including: Ofgem starting to implement proposals in the End‑to‑End Review, a systematic review of Transmission Impact Assessment thresholds in Scotland, and ongoing work to explore remaining policy and regulatory issues.
Projects connecting to distribution networks in England and Wales (including the Majority of community projects) have benefited from a Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) threshold increase from 1MW to 5MW in May 2025, meaning more projects can now avoid the more complex, lengthy and costly transmission connection process.
The Department is committed to improving the grid connection experience for all connecting customers, including community and local energy projects.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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