UK Power Networks Network Scenario Headroom Report (NSHR) is part of the Network Development Plan (NDP). The full NDP is published every other year, and the NSHR is updated annually.
The NSHR indicates the available headroom capacity in MW for demand and generation on UK Power Networks Grid and Primary substations up to 2050. It shows where reinforcement or procurement of flexibility services are needed. Since the report indicates unused substation capacity in each year, please note unused capacity may be contractually committed to customers. Those seeking connection should contact our connections gateway to understand the latest view of available capacity.
The 1 May 2026 DFES NSHR dataset uses the network loading from our the Long Term Development Statement November 2025 as baseline, and our Distribution Future Energy Scenarios 2025 for the future scenarios of demand and generation.\u00a0
For further information on the NDP and the methodology to produce the DFES NSHR dataset please see Network Development Plan Landing Page
The headroom tables are based on firm capacity. However,\u00a0 more capacity may be available for customers on a non-firm, flexible or curtailable connection.
The demand headroom tables reflect our latest firm capacity figures for demand, consistent with the May 2025 LTDS. The generation headroom tables reflect the equipment ratings in the November 2025 LTDS.\u00a0.\u00a0
As noted in the methodology, unused substation capacity (headroom) is indicative and may be already contractually committed to specific customers.
\u2022 Data Collection: Gathering data from various sources, including historical usage patterns, projected growth in renewable energy, and changes in regulatory frameworks.
\u2022 Forecasting: The process begins with forecasting future network loads and demands. This often involves scenario planning to predict how energy consumption and generation will evolve to 2050. The forecast methodology is reviewed periodically to incorporate new data, stakeholder feedback, and any changes in energy policy or technology. Stakeholder inputs including local authorities Energy Plans, developers, and energy providers are considered to ensure the plans align with community needs and regulatory requirements.
\u2022 Distribution\nNetwork Options Assessment Assessing the identified network constraints and developing potential solutions to address these identified constraints. This may involve traditional reinforcement methods or exploring flexibility services.
\u2022 Reporting: Compiling findings into a structured report that outlines the methodology, assumptions, and planned interventions. This report is typically made available to the public for transparency.
\u2022 Review and Update: The methodology is reviewed periodically to incorporate new data, stakeholder feedback, and changes in energy policy or technology.
Quality Control Measures include:
\u2022 Verification steps to match features only with confirmed functional locations.
\u2022 Manual review and correction of data inconsistencies.
\u2022 Use of additional verification steps to ensure accuracy in the methodology.
The Open Data Team and Network Insights Team worked together to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Download dataset information:\u00a0Metadata (JSON)
Definitions of key terms related to this dataset can be found in the Open Data Portal Glossary:\u00a0https://ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com/pages/glossary/
UK Power Networks Network Scenario Headroom Report (NSHR) is part of the Network Development Plan (NDP). The full NDP is published every other year, and the NSHR is updated annually.
The NSHR indicates the available headroom capacity in MW for demand and generation on UK Power Networks Grid and Primary substations up to 2050. It shows where reinforcement or procurement of flexibility services are needed. Since the report indicates unused substation capacity in each year, please note unused capacity may be contractually committed to customers. Those seeking connection should contact our connections gateway to understand the latest view of available capacity.
The 1 May 2026 DFES NSHR dataset uses the network loading from our the Long Term Development Statement November 2025 as baseline, and our Distribution Future Energy Scenarios 2025 for the future scenarios of demand and generation.\u00a0
For further information on the NDP and the methodology to produce the DFES NSHR dataset please see Network Development Plan Landing Page
The headroom tables are based on firm capacity. However,\u00a0 more capacity may be available for customers on a non-firm, flexible or curtailable connection.
The demand headroom tables reflect our latest firm capacity figures for demand, consistent with the May 2025 LTDS. The generation headroom tables reflect the equipment ratings in the November 2025 LTDS.\u00a0.\u00a0
As noted in the methodology, unused substation capacity (headroom) is indicative and may be already contractually committed to specific customers.
\u2022 Data Collection: Gathering data from various sources, including historical usage patterns, projected growth in renewable energy, and changes in regulatory frameworks.
\u2022 Forecasting: The process begins with forecasting future network loads and demands. This often involves scenario planning to predict how energy consumption and generation will evolve to 2050. The forecast methodology is reviewed periodically to incorporate new data, stakeholder feedback, and any changes in energy policy or technology. Stakeholder inputs including local authorities Energy Plans, developers, and energy providers are considered to ensure the plans align with community needs and regulatory requirements.
\u2022 Distribution\nNetwork Options Assessment Assessing the identified network constraints and developing potential solutions to address these identified constraints. This may involve traditional reinforcement methods or exploring flexibility services.
\u2022 Reporting: Compiling findings into a structured report that outlines the methodology, assumptions, and planned interventions. This report is typically made available to the public for transparency.
\u2022 Review and Update: The methodology is reviewed periodically to incorporate new data, stakeholder feedback, and changes in energy policy or technology.
Quality Control Measures include:
\u2022 Verification steps to match features only with confirmed functional locations.
\u2022 Manual review and correction of data inconsistencies.
\u2022 Use of additional verification steps to ensure accuracy in the methodology.
The Open Data Team and Network Insights Team worked together to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Download dataset information:\u00a0Metadata (JSON)
Definitions of key terms related to this dataset can be found in the Open Data Portal Glossary:\u00a0https://ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com/pages/glossary/