Connections Costs

2026

Research & Insights Lead, ADE: Demand

I led ADE: Demand’s 2026 research into one of the less visible barriers to industrial electrification: the difficulty businesses face in finding out what a new or upgraded electricity connection will cost, and when it will be delivered. The project began with a broad question about connection costs and developed into a case-study-led investigation of the customer experience across the distribution network. Its purpose was to understand how connection costs are calculated, where uncertainty enters the process, and how that uncertainty affects investment in electrification. 

I designed and led an evidence programme spanning 27 research sessions across the electricity connections system, including industrial and commercial customers, distribution network operators, NESO, Ofgem, government, trade bodies and specialist intermediaries. The resulting qualitative dataset contained 937 coded evidence items. The research identified a specific problem: businesses often cannot obtain a credible connection-cost range early enough to support an investment decision. Published charging methodologies explain the rules, but they do not necessarily allow a customer to estimate a site-specific cost, understand the allocation of reinforcement and shared assets, or anticipate transmission-related costs and delays.

The work resulted in a full evidence report and a shorter headline publication for policy and industry audiences. The recommendations focused on earlier indicative cost information, clearer and more comparable connection offers, better visibility of demand that has not yet reached formal application, and stronger coordination across the institutions involved in delivering a connection. The research also showed that connection uncertainty can influence where companies invest and whether industrial sites electrify when major assets reach replacement. The project gave ADE a detailed empirical basis for engagement with DESNZ, Ofgem, NESO and electricity network companies during a period of active connections reform.