Thank you to all the attendees that joined us at this event. We have now shared the slide pack from the event below. We are also currently compiling response to your outstanding questions and will update the page as and when these are answered.
Q: Are the demand incentives open to all demand connections rather than just data centres? Eg hydrogen
A: We have sent this question to DESNZ to respond to.
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Q:Is SPEN planning to submit a response to Ofgem’s recent guidance on dealing with the increase in demand connections? If so, what will SPEN cover?
A: We are looking into the right way to respond to this request. If we choose to respond it will be published by Ofgem.
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Q: What is the largest data centre (MW) that can be put on the distribution network?
A: On our Distribution network varies per GSP. We would recommend engaging with one of our team to best understand your project and then we could offer you guidance on this.
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Q: Can DSIT signal appetite for use of SMRs to power Data Centres to take pressure off grid
A: We have sent this question to DESNZ to respond to.
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Q: How are the CPAs that are coming across from NESO take account of over subscription of Demand connections?
A: This question would be best suited for the NESO to respond to. However, we have raised this with our NESO counterparts.
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Q: How would the panel like to see AIGZs allocated in Scotland? Where does power rank in the quadlemma?
A: The panel would like to see AIGZs in locations where the demand compliments the existing generation. This is not as simple as dotting locations on a map and depends on detailed analysis based on the proposed data centres coming into the existing generation.
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Q: Will UK Gov require new consented data centres to include a requirement to generate some of their own power via renewables?
A: We have sent this question to DESNZ to respond to.
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Q: It was mentioned that 98% of SPEN’s business plan has been approved by OFGEM. Which years is the business plan over?
A: The business plan covers 2026 - 2031.
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Q: What is SPEN's view on User build and adoption going forward, until now it has been off the menu and a source of confusion? Are SPEN participating in CMP414?
A: We continue to offer contestable connections but are reviewing our processes and contestability’s role as part of the SPT transformation programme. Where customers have requested to complete parts of there connection on a contestable basis, believing it will reduce cost or speed up connections, we have found customers have not pursued this option on discussion with us as contestable works will have an impact on the delivery programme.
We are not represented on the working group for CMP414.
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Q: Please clarify that the 500MW minimum for AI data centre grid capacity qualification is for a ZONE rather than an individual project?
A: We have sent this question to DESNZ to respond to.
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Q: How will substation standardisation work for substations that require more or less bays, will substations no longer be designed for connection amounts?
A: No this will be taken into consider if there is a need for more connections added and an extension required.
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Q: Are you able to please share an org chart for the customer connections team please?
A: There are multiple departments that support connections. If you need to speak to someone directly, please contact us at transmissionconnections@spenergynetworks.com and we will be happy to support you.
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04 December 2025 — 09:00 - 13:30
Ended
80 High St, Edinburgh
Alana Cairns