Improving information on high-voltage network capacity

Upcoming Open Closed Decision

View cross-submissions Submissions closed 2 July 2026

Consultation

This consultation sought feedback on proposals that would improve the visibility of capacity and constraints on all high-voltage distribution networks (networks conveying electricity at voltages of 1000 volts AC or more). This information would help people make informed investment decisions about connecting new generation, load and energy storage, and where flexibility services would deliver the most value.

For distributors, we think improved network visibility would support better network planning and help them identify where flexibility services could be used to defer or avoid network upgrades.

Over time, we expect these benefits would increase competition, enhance security of supply and support lower costs flowing through to consumers’ power bills. The proposals would require distributors publishing up-to-date information about their high-voltage networks, including:

load and export capacity (both current and forecast)
network topology
planned upgrades
historical reliability
the potential use of non-network solutions as lower-cost alternatives to building more infrastructure.

We further proposed distributors publish this information in standardised, downloadable and visual formats so the information can be understood and compared across distributors.

This consultation follows analysis of existing information disclosure requirements, and our earlier discussion paper and in-person workshop in September-October 2025.

We received 21 submissions and nine cross-submissions. These are published below.