Long Term Development Statement direction

The publication of Long Term Development Statements (LTDS), describing the characteristics and development of GB electricity distribution networks, is a long standing obligation on distribution network operators (DNOs), mandated through a direction, pursuant to paragraph 25.2 of the standard conditions of the Electricity Distribution Licence and described in detail in the Form of Long Term Development Statement (FoS).

In accordance with paragraph 25.6 of the Licence, the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (the “Authority”) on 10 January 2024 gave notice to the Licensee (“the Notice”) and set out the proposed contents of this Direction.

The revised FoS introduces important new requirements for grid model data to be provided using the Common Information Model (CIM) and for the publication of Capacity Heatmap data. These changes build upon the work undertaken by the LTDS Reforms Working Group, and follow an informal consultation on the revised FoS that closed on 10 October 2023 and a formal consultation that closed on 7 February 2024.

In the LTDS Direction Letter we set out the key areas of feedback that we received from stakeholders at the formal consultation stage, and where relevant we describe the changes that have been made to the FoS and associated Annexes and Appendices as a result of this feedback.

Track changed versions of documents that have been amended as a result of feedback received since the publication of the Notice on 10 January 2024, including the FoS, the direction and the Capacity Heatmap Appendix 1, are also included for completeness.

We are publishing the FoS along with all supporting Annexes and Appendices. The files in zip folders are machine readable only and are included for completeness; they are not intended to be readable by visitors to the website.

Extensions and updated deliverables

We have approved targeted changes to the delivery of certain Long Term Development Statement (LTDS) outputs, following a request submitted by the Energy Networks Association on behalf of all six Distribution Network Operators.

Previously, we approved a one‑year extension to deliverables within stages 1.3, 2 and 3 set out in Table 7 of the Form of LTDS. That extension also applied to Capacity Heatmap publication. The resulting publication deadlines are:

• stage 1.3: 28 November 2025
• stage 2: 29 May 2026
• stage 3: 30 November 2026
• Capacity Heatmap publication: 29 May 2026

In addition, we have approved specific changes to the sequencing and structure of certain Stage 2 and Stage 3 LTDS CIM deliverables. These include:

• provision of one future‑year Equipment (EQ) and System Capacity (SYSCAP) model at stage 2, with remaining future‑year models deferred to stage 3
• movement of short‑circuit results from the SYSCAP profile to a dedicated Short Circuit Result (SCR) profile
• movement of connections activity reporting from SYSCAP into the Capacity Heatmap
• deferral of the stage 3 production deadline from 15 August 2026 to 15 October 2026

The stage 3 publication deadline remains 30 November 2026. These approvals do not waive or reduce LTDS licence obligations beyond what is explicitly set out in the decision letter and do not establish a precedent for future derogation requests.

Letters detailing the approved derogations have been added to this page.

Updated and Latest GB LTDS Technical Artefacts Library Hosting

The latest library of GB LTDS technical artefacts, including current versions and version history, is now available on the BSI Engagement Hub.

The CIM Engagement Hub has an open membership with the objective of optimising the operation of the CIM Advisory Group and governance of the GB CIM, by encouraging collaboration and industry input into the CIM standards, amplifying opportunities to leverage from existing initiatives, and minimising the risk of duplication of effort between and amongst industry.

Stakeholders may use the Engagement Hub as a resource hub for minutes on Advisory Group meetings, confirmed decisions on the GB CIM and key updates on relevant standards. The Engagement Hub is the primary platform to log technical, policy or business queries on existing schema or request the development of new profiles.