Enhancements of data and tools to inform connections decisions
Case study
Connections reform and Clean Power 2030 have increased demand for timely, location-specific data. We have redesigned the end-to-end customer journey and developed the Connections Lab, a free, publicly available web app that empowers customers to run detailed pre-application connection assessments anywhere on our network. Crucially, the app gives customers the information they need to support informed investment decisions. This will accelerate connections and therefore progress towards Clean Power 2030. Previously, the only way to get this insight was to pay for a connections application.
Impact delivered over 2024/25:
Connections reform and Clean Power 2030 have increased demand for timely, location-specific data. We have redesigned the end-to-end customer journey and developed the Connections Lab, a free, publicly available web app that empowers customers to run detailed pre-application connection assessments anywhere on our network. Crucially, the app gives customers the information they need to support informed investment decisions. This will accelerate connections and therefore progress towards Clean Power 2030. Previously, the only way to get this insight was to pay for a connections application.
Impact delivered over 2024/25:
- 59companies are registered to the Connections Lab, resulting in 397 studies run and 17GW analysed (between December 2024 and March 2025)
- £2.84mequivalent cost of connections application avoided for customers (based on average application cost of £7,142)
- 54years equivalent time awaiting application outcome avoided for customers (based on average application turnaround time of 50 days
We learnt developers wanted a more interactive way to explore the data more quickly and easily evaluate where to apply for a connection. They asked if we could release the DSO-built software that the DNO planners use for curtailment reports.
- We developed the Connection Lab, a tool that allows customers to test any project size, technology, or location against live network constraints and connections queue positions. It refreshes every two hours with the latest DNO planning data, instantly reflecting changes for up-to-date insights. This lets our customers tailor studies to their investment risk appetite.
We learnt customers were increasingly needing to test various scenarios at numerous sites before deciding where to connect.
- To meet customer needs quickly, we built the app in-house, saving time and cost while ensuring it worked seamlessly with our internal systems. We formed a working group of ten engaged representatives from across the connections market, including IDNOs, developers, consultants, and independent business services. The working group steered feature requests and development of the app to ensure it met customer expectations and enabled customers to test the scenarios they wanted.
We learnt developers wanted a more interactive way to explore the data more quickly and easily evaluate where to apply for a connection. They asked if we could release the DSO-built software that the DNO planners use for curtailment reports.
- We developed the Connection Lab, a tool that allows customers to test any project size, technology, or location against live network constraints and connections queue positions. It refreshes every two hours with the latest DNO planning data, instantly reflecting changes for up-to-date insights. This lets our customers tailor studies to their investment risk appetite.
We learnt customers were increasingly needing to test various scenarios at numerous sites before deciding where to connect.
- To meet customer needs quickly, we built the app in-house, saving time and cost while ensuring it worked seamlessly with our internal systems. We formed a working group of ten engaged representatives from across the connections market, including IDNOs, developers, consultants, and independent business services. The working group steered feature requests and development of the app to ensure it met customer expectations and enabled customers to test the scenarios they wanted.
Would you like to explore this further?
For more information about the connections lab and how engagement helped to realise its benefits for customers, visit our DSO Performance Panel Report 2024/25.
Would you like to explore this further?
For more information about the connections lab and how engagement helped to realise its benefits for customers, visit our DSO Performance Panel Report 2024/25.