Energy Consents Unit: annual report 2025-2026

5 2026/27 forward look

Scottish Energy Consenting Reforms

Work continues on the development of Scottish Energy Consenting Reform proposals aimed at improving the efficiency and predictability of the electricity consenting framework under the Electricity Act 1989.

Drawing on powers provided by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, policy development has explored a range of potential procedural reforms across the consenting process, including strengthened pre-application engagement, clearer application requirements, a formal acceptance stage and improved consultation arrangements. Consideration has also been given to how resourcing and funding can better support timely and effective participation by key stakeholders.

The aim of this work is to create a more disciplined and streamlined system, reducing avoidable delays while ensuring that communities, planning authorities and statutory consultees are able to engage meaningfully in the process. These reforms are intended to improve the quality of applications, provide greater certainty for applicants and stakeholders and support more efficient and well-informed decision-making.

The proposals are in development and will be refined through further stakeholder engagement and public consultation this year.

ASTIs

Three ASTI applications from SSEN are currently before Scottish Ministers, all of which have been referred to the DPEA for public inquiries.

Following completion of the public inquiry process, applications will be returned to the ECU with Reporters’ reports and recommendations. Ministerial determinations on all three applications are expected during the 2026/27 reporting year.

In parallel, a significant number of associated ASTI Necessary Wayleave applications are also being considered by the DPEA and will be returned to the ECU for determination. Decisions on the majority of these cases are anticipated during 2026.

The ECU has also received three ASTI applications from Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) which make up the Denny to Wishaw Network Upgrade project and will be subject to statutory consultation. Ministerial determinations on these applications are currently anticipated for 2027.

SPEN are also anticipating submitting a further three ASTI applications in Q1 2027 which are for the uprating of 275kV routes to 400kV and are known collectively as Windyhill to Lambhill to Denny North 400kV reinforcement, or DLUP.

New Planning Directorate

This year, planning and consenting functions will be brought together within a new Planning Directorate. This change reflects wider organisational design work aligned with public service reform and recognises the close relationship between these areas.

The move will allow for expertise to be shared across teams, strengthening the quality and timeliness of advice and decision-making to Ministers, ensuring a more joined-up and effective approach to delivery.