Trisha's Blog ISG 18 (March 2026) reflections: Progress, challenges and the road ahead

Our eighteenth meeting of the National Grid Electricity Transmission Independent Stakeholder Group (ISG) was a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion, reflecting both the ambition across the energy system and the complexity of turning that ambition into delivery. 

As ever, the value of the ISG lies in open, constructive challenge, and this meeting was no exception. Across connections reform, demand growth, large loads, digital capability and stakeholder engagement, there was a shared recognition that the system is under real pressure, and that realism, collaboration and transparency are essential to making progress. 

The discussion on connections reform was grounded and candid. These are complex changes, shaped by evolving assumptions about demand, system needs and data quality. It is increasingly clear that reform will affect stakeholders in different ways, and that credible, deliverable connection dates are far more valuable than aspirational ones that cannot be met. 

A strong theme was the importance of certainty. Many customers, particularly smaller, single-asset developers, emphasised that reliable dates matter most, given the financial implications of delay. While only a relatively small number of projects may be significantly impacted, their visibility and wider effects are important to recognise. 

The ISG welcomed the introduction of stronger industry-wide governance, including improved senior-level coordination and a more disciplined approach to managing risk. There was also challenge around how success is defined, not just in terms of activity or outputs, but in delivering against commitments and strengthening confidence among customers, investors and government through demonstrable progress. 

We also revisited issues around data transparency, queue management and prioritisation. Better access to meaningful data is critical if developers are to make informed decisions. There was a clear understanding that not all of the underlying challenges sit with NGET alone, and that lasting progress depends on coordinated action across the wider energy system. As constraints increase, questions around public interest, strategic alignment and societal value will continue to grow in importance. 

Demand growth and large loads 

If connections reform is challenging, demand reform may be more so. Demand in the connections queue has more than doubled, with data centres accounting for a significant share. Unlike generation, it can be harder to assess what demand is genuinely needed, what is speculative, and how best to prioritise. 

We discussed emerging approaches to strategic demand, the role of the Connections Accelerator Service, and the importance of learning from the experience of connections reform. The ISG raised important questions about fairness, particularly the risk that some mechanisms could favour the largest players, and about how consumer and societal perspectives are reflected in decision-making. 

Discussion on large loads highlighted the scale of the challenge and the inherent tensions involved. Network build times do not always align with customer expectations, increasing the risk that some projects may explore private or off-grid alternatives. At the same time, large loads can bring economic benefits and unlock innovation if approached in a genuinely whole-system way. 

Enabling delivery 

Finally, we explored the role of digital capability in enabling delivery. Data quality, delivery discipline and digital culture were seen as foundational. The ISG welcomed progress, while encouraging continued thought on how consumers are defined, how ethical and environmental considerations, particularly around AI, are addressed, and how transparency and cyber security are balanced. 

Closing reflections 

What stood out most from ISG 18 was a shared sense that the system is at a pivotal point. Ambition remains essential, but ambition grounded in evidence, coordination and realism is what will strengthen confidence and deliver outcomes in the public interest. 

My thanks, as always, to ISG members and National Grid colleagues for their openness and willingness to engage constructively. While there is more to do, that spirit of challenge and collaboration will be critical as we define the direction of travel and how we get there.