Increasing attention is being given to electricity network charges across the UK, with Noveus Energy and other industry commentary seeing and forecasting substantial cost increases especially for HV/EHV sites.

The reality is that rising costs are no longer a future concern — they are already beginning to land in 2026. Both TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) and DUoS (Distribution Use of System) charges are materially impacting higher-demand sites, particularly those operating at higher voltages or with complex load profiles.

Across the market, many organisations are now facing annual cost increases in the region of £50k-£500k, with larger sites seeing exposure well into seven figures—reflecting the same trends we’re seeing across our client base.

Raising awareness of this challenge is a positive step. However, it’s important to recognise that identifying savings is only the starting point.

Why this is more complex than it first appears

Unlike traditional cost reduction measures — such as supplier switching or energy efficiency — network charges are fundamentally driven by how a site interacts with the grid.

Both TNUoS and DUoS are influenced by factors including:

  • Connection capacity and agreed supply limits
  • Load profile and peak demand behaviour
  • Geographic location especially within constrained network areas
  • Voltage level and metering arrangements
  • Evolving regulatory frameworks and charging methodologies

This means that effective and sustainable cost mitigation requires infrastructure-level understanding, not just surface-level analysis.

Expertise matters more than ever

Organisations should approach this space with care as network charge mitigation is not a one-size-fits-all service.

Short-term “identified savings” can sometimes overlook longer-term implications — particularly where changes affect connection agreements, operational flexibility, or future expansion plans for the site in question.

At Noveus, our focus has always been on helping clients engage with the energy system structurally, strategically and not reactively.

That includes:

  • Strategic connection design and optimisation
  • Detailed forecasting of both TNUoS and DUoS exposure
  • Advising on capacity changes and utilisation strategies
  • Integration of onsite generation, storage, and flexibility
  • Navigating DNO and ESO processes with technical precision and experience

These are areas where informed decisions can unlock significant value — but equally, where miss-steps can create long-term cost or operational risk.

The opportunity — and the responsibility

The scale of cost increases now coming through means there is a genuine opportunity for businesses to take control of their network exposure.

With charging reforms already in effect and network pressures increasing due to electrification and decentralisation, the organisations that benefit most will be those taking a proactive, informed, infrastructure-led approach today.

A simple next step with Noveus

If you haven’t yet looked at your exposure in detail – or if – you’ve been told you have “identified savings” now is the time to pressure test that position.

At Noveus, we’re working with a select group of clients to:

  • Validate forecast network cost increases
  • Identify genuine, infrastructure-led savings opportunities
  • Build actionable plans that stand up technically and commercially

Because in this market, the difference between insight and execution shows up clearly and materially; on your bottom line. If you want clarity on what these changes could mean specifically for your site(s) — and how much benefit you can realistically influence — Call Robert Brown to discuss how we can help.