Alternative and non-firm grid connections provide new or existing users with routes to connect without relying solely on a conventional fully firm connection delivered by the network operator. Users may accept time-dependent or conditional access to shared network capacity, build or own elements of their own connection infrastructure, or combine a reduced firm grid allocation with dedicated generation and storage. Under non-firm arrangements, access rights can vary by time or network conditions, requiring users to reduce or shift grid use when capacity is constrained. Other models shift responsibility for connection infrastructure or part of the required supply to the connecting customer, reducing dependence on network-led construction or additional firm capacity. These approaches can make better use of existing network headroom, enable projects to connect before conventional reinforcement is completed and give flexible users additional routes to power where firm capacity is unavailable. They can also reduce or defer network investment where customers can economically provide flexibility, infrastructure or supply themselves. Effective implementation requires clear rules governing access rights, curtailment, ownership, network charges, backup capacity and operational responsibilities, alongside sufficient network visibility and users capable of operating within the agreed connection conditions. 

Main Outcomes of the Solution 

• Reliability & Flexibility: Conditional access allows operators to restrict or reduce grid use during constrained periods, while customer-provided generation and storage can reduce reliance on firm network capacity and support the integration of additional demand.  
• Affordability: Alternative and non-firm connections can improve utilization of existing network capacity and reduce or defer reinforcement, while customer-led infrastructure can shift appropriate connection costs towards the users creating new demand.  
• Business Value: Greater control over connection infrastructure and flexible capacity arrangements can shorten time to power and provide large users with additional connection options. 

Key Deployment and Scaling Factors 

1. Define firm, time-dependent and conditional access rights, including when and how network use may be restricted.  
2. Establish clear licensing, ownership and transfer rules for customer- or developer-built connection infrastructure.  
3. Ensure network charges reflect the level of access to shared infrastructure, contracted backup capacity and responsibilities assumed by connecting users.  
4. Maintain sufficient network visibility to determine when conditional capacity can be offered or restricted without compromising secure operation.  
5. Define technical interfaces, curtailment procedures and operating responsibilities between users, generation providers and network or system operators.  
6. Ensure participating users have sufficient operational flexibility or reliable customer-provided resources to comply with their connection conditions. 

Case study 

Ofgem (2026), Great Britain  

In June 2026, Ofgem set out proposals to expand alternative connection routes for large electricity users in Great Britain, including development of an independent transmission owner license and wider opportunities to self-build high-voltage connection assets. Under the proposed approach, connecting customers could take greater responsibility for constructing and potentially owning infrastructure between their site and the existing transmission network, rather than relying solely on the incumbent transmission owner to deliver it. Ofgem is also developing arrangements that would allow customers to construct high-voltage assets and subsequently transfer them to the network company.  

Ofgem cited more than 20 years of experience in Ireland, where self-build and transfer is used by the majority of connecting customers. Irish case studies cited by Ofgem found that some contestably built connections were delivered around 20% cheaper and 11 months faster. Ofgem noted, however, that whether similar benefits could be achieved in Great Britain would depend on the individual project and on constraints in the existing transmission network. 

National Development and Reform Commission / National Energy Administration (2026), China 

In May 2026, China expanded its green power direct-connection framework to allow renewable generation to supply multiple electricity users through dedicated lines and associated infrastructure. Led by the National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration, the framework covers industrial parks, zero-carbon parks and other large electricity users, with priority given to emerging industries including computing facilities. Grid-connected projects retain a clearly defined physical and operational interface with the public grid, while project participants take responsibility for dedicated infrastructure, internal operating arrangements, balancing and settlement.  

By June 2026, 100 green power direct-connection projects had completed approval nationwide, representing approximately 34.1 GW of renewable generation capacity. The framework illustrates an alternative connection model in which generation developers and electricity users take greater responsibility for dedicated infrastructure and internal balancing, while supporting local consumption of renewable electricity and reducing reliance on the public grid for balancing. 

TenneT and the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) (2025), Netherlands 

In the Netherlands, TenneT and the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) have introduced time-dependent transport rights to connect flexible users where sufficient firm grid capacity is unavailable. Under the framework approved by ACM, users connected to TenneT's national high-voltage network can use their full contracted transport right for at least 85% of the hours in a year. During the remaining hours, TenneT can restrict transport to manage network constraints. Users accepting these reduced access rights pay lower network tariffs, creating an incentive for flexible assets and loads to adapt their operation to available grid capacity. In April 2025, TenneT made 9 GW of additional capacity available for time dependent transport rights on the Dutch high-voltage grid. The regulatory framework entered into force in 2025 and has subsequently been refined based on initial implementation experience. 

References: 

1. Time-dependent transport rights (TDTR) | TenneT
2. More-affordable transmission agreements for off-peak hours promote more efficient utilization of the grid | ACM 
3. Connect Update: Demand Connections Reform | Ofgem  
4. Demand Connections Reform – Connect Update | Ofgem  
5. Multi-User Green Power Direct Connection | National Energy Administration of China