Responses to open letter on non-network solutions

The feedback will inform the development and refinement of our respective and complementary work programmes. 

In an open letteropen_in_new  in February 2026 the Regulators outlined how non-network solutions – such as flexing electricity use and generation on networks, energy efficiency, distributed generation and storage – could support growing demand on networks at a lower cost compared to the traditional approach of extending the network.

Regulators recognised that non‑network solutions are not always the best or most efficient option. However, they want distributors to consider them as potential alternatives, and in the letter sets out three broad actions distributors are expected to take.

Most submitters strongly agreed that non-network solutions can play an important role in keeping systems costs down as the country continues to electrify.

However, there were different views on how quickly non-network solutions could be relied on, through what mechanisms this could be achieved, and what safeguards are needed to ensure reliability. 

Submitters also suggested areas where each of the three regulators could support uptake of non-network solutions.

A  summary of submissionsopen_in_new provides a detailed overview of the feedback received.

The regulators will now consider next steps to enable more non-network solutions where they support an efficient, reliable and lower-cost network for consumers.