# The Electricity Network Connections (Designated Strategic Plans) Regulations 2026

S.I. 2026/223 · made 4 March 2026

Under section 165A(1) of the Energy Act 2023 (“the 2023 Act”) the Independent System Operator and Planner (“ISOP”) must have regard to those plans or documents designated as strategic plans under section 165A(2) (“designated strategic plans”) when carrying out functions relating to network connections. The Secretary of State by notice designated the National Energy System Operator Limited as the ISOP with effect from 1st October 2024.

Made under: Energy Act 2023 (Section 165A)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/electricity-network-connections-designated-strategic-plans-regulations-2026/pdf/uksi_20260223_en.pdf; UK Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/electricity-network-connections-designated-strategic-plans-regulations-2026/pdf/uksiem_20260223_en_001.pdf

## Introductory text

ELECTRICITY
Made 4th March 2026
Laid before Parliament 9th March 2026
Coming into force 30th March 2026
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 165A(2) of the Energy Act 2023.

## 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Electricity Network Connections (Designated Strategic Plans) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 30th March 2026.
(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland.

## 2 Designated Plan

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is designated in accordance with section 165A(2) of the Energy Act 2023.

## Signature

Michael Shanks
Minister for Energy
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
4th March 2026

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)
Under section 165A(1) of the Energy Act 2023 (“the 2023 Act”) the Independent System Operator and Planner (“ISOP”) must have regard to those plans or documents designated as strategic plans under section 165A(2) (“designated strategic plans”) when carrying out functions relating to network connections. The Secretary of State by notice designated the National Energy System Operator Limited as the ISOP with effect from 1st October 2024.
Under section 16(2A) of the Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29) (the “1989 Act”) when deciding how to comply with their duties under that section, and in particular in deciding how to prioritise persons requiring a connection, electricity distributors must have regard to designated strategic plans.
Under section 17 of the 1989 Act, electricity distributors are exempt from the duty to connect where this would not be in accordance with the designated strategic plans.
Regulation 2 designates the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan as a designated strategic plan. The plan, which sets out a pathway to a clean power system by 2030, was published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and comprises a main report and three annexes.
The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan has been produced in digital form only, however alternative, accessible formats can be obtained from alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or business sectors is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside these Regulations on www.legislation.gov.uk.

---
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/223 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/electricity-network-connections-designated-strategic-plans-regulations-2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.