Energy Law and Electricity Regulation

With geopolitical and other macroeconomic risks dominating the energy security agenda and net zero still some way off, can the UK Government afford not to intervene in gas infrastructure?

Ofgem has approved a revised timetable for Gate 2 connection offers under the Gate 2 to Whole Queue process, extending key deadlines that may affect project financing, programme risk and contractual alignment. The decision provides clarity on the National Energy System Operator's licence obligations and introduces phased delivery milestones for energy projects progressing through the connections queue.

The UK's rapid expansion of data centres to support its AI ambitions is creating an unprecedented energy challenge, with over 125 gigawatts of projects waiting for National Grid access while demand is expected to increase six-fold by 2035. As grid connection delays threaten to constrain development, operators are increasingly turning to alternative 'behind-the-meter' energy solutions that bypass traditional infrastructure bottlenecks.

The UK Government is introducing new legislation to regulate load control activity in Great Britain's electricity system, creating a licensing regime for entities that manage consumer-led flexibility through smart appliances. This regulatory framework aims to support the integration of 12 GW of demand flexibility by 2030 while protecting domestic and small business consumers who shift electricity use to off-peak times.

Ofgem's proposed data centre connection reforms introduce substantial upfront commitment fees ranging from £237,500 to £712,500 per MW and stringent queue management milestones for projects seeking grid connections. Will these measures successfully eliminate speculative projects while preserving viable data centre developments, or will they drive investment away from the UK entirely?

The UK data centre sector is experiencing unprecedented capital investment and rapid technological evolution, but faces critical infrastructure challenges that are fundamentally reshaping development strategies. From grid connection bottlenecks pushing timelines to 2036 to the emergence of on-site power generation as essential infrastructure, the sector presents both extraordinary opportunities and uncommon complexity for real estate professionals navigating this transformed landscape.

The UK Government is introducing new legislation to regulate load control activity in Great Britain's electricity system, creating a licensing regime for entities that manage consumer-led flexibility through smart appliances. This regulatory framework aims to support the integration of 12 GW of demand flexibility by 2030 while protecting domestic and small business consumers who shift electricity use to off-peak times.

The September 2026 edition of HSF Kramer's NSIP newsletter is now available. This installment of the newsletter ushers in our new approach to covering the most interesting and topical events...

With geopolitical and other macroeconomic risks dominating the energy security agenda and net zero still some way off, can the UK Government afford not to intervene in gas infrastructure?

The UK Government is introducing new legislation to regulate load control activity in Great Britain's electricity system, creating a licensing regime for entities that manage consumer-led flexibility through smart appliances. This regulatory framework aims to support the integration of 12 GW of demand flexibility by 2030 while protecting domestic and small business consumers who shift electricity use to off-peak times.

Ofgem’s recent proposals explore the introduction of a new Independent Transmission Owner concept. The proposals could alleviate some of the UK’s high voltage grid bottlenecks that are affecting some of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors, particularly data centres and renewable energy projects.

The UK's rapid expansion of data centres to support its AI ambitions is creating an unprecedented energy challenge, with over 125 gigawatts of projects waiting for National Grid access while demand is expected to increase six-fold by 2035. As grid connection delays threaten to constrain development, operators are increasingly turning to alternative 'behind-the-meter' energy solutions that bypass traditional infrastructure bottlenecks.