Recommendation 44

We recommend that Ofgem sees the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework as a starting point to accelerate the delivery of the necessary grid upgrades required to meet the Government’s 2035 target. This work should continue beyond 2035 to ensure adequate overall capacity for delivering on the 2050 net zero target. We support the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee for the Government to establish a Minister-led infrastructure delivery group, advised by the Electricity Networks Commissioner, to ensure that network infrastructure build is taken forward at pace. This should bring together senior parties across relevant Government Departments, as well as Ofgem, the Scottish and Welsh Governments, National Grid ESO and asset owners, to monitor progress across the initiatives required to expedite progress.