Network charging and access reform

A smart, flexible energy system must provide users with better signals about the costs and benefits they incur on the network at a particular time and place.

In December 2018, we launched a Significant Code Review (SCR) of network access and forward-looking charge arrangements. The SCR includes:

• a review of the definition and choice of access rights for transmission and distribution users
• a wide-ranging review of distribution network charges (Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges)
• a review of the distribution connection charging boundary
• a focused review of transmission network charges (Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges).

Outside of the SCR, the Electricity System Operator and network companies are progressing:

• a review of aspects of allocation of access rights, including improved queue management and the scope for trading
• a review of balancing services charges. This is being taken forward by the Electricity System Operator through a Balancing Services Charges Task Force.

We published working papers in summer 2019 and at the end of 2019 and we published an open-letter outlining the reform options that have been shortlisted at the beginning of 2020.

We have published our Minded-to-Decision and draft Impact Assessment in June 2021. We have further launched our Consultation on the reform of Distribution Use of System charges in November 2021.

Your views

We are committed to undertaking the SCR in a transparent and open manner. We also need industry input to support the development of different options.

We have set up a Challenge Group to provide ongoing wider stakeholder input into our review. If you would like to find out more information about the Challenge Group then please email us at Accessdeliverygroup@energynetworks.org.

The Charging Futures Forum will continue to be a means of engaging with, and updating, a wider range of our stakeholders on reforms to electricity network charges. If you want to find out more about the Forum or would like to become a member then please contact chargingfutures@nationalgrid.com.