Purpose To assess the relevance of DESNZ’s Capacity Market consultation on 2027 prequalification and accompanying open letter on the annual technology review.
What changed A ministerial written statement dated 2 September 2026 confirms publication of two DESNZ documents:
- Consultation on changes for Capacity Market prequalification in 2027.
- Open letter on the annual technology review.
Why this matters to Northstar Northstar operates UK-wide infrastructure and consumer services, with projects dependent on timely planning and consenting decisions. Changes to Capacity Market eligibility, prequalification or technology treatment could affect any relevant generation, flexibility, storage or demand-side assets; energy procurement arrangements; investment assumptions; and operating costs. This is therefore relevant to the Net Zero & Energy priority, which seeks practical transition policy that supports investment and affordability.
Current assessment The development is material enough to progress as approved work. However, the statement does not set out the proposals, consultation questions or deadline. Northstar’s direct exposure has not yet been confirmed. No approved position has been recorded for this issue.
Immediate evidence required
- Finance: identify any Capacity Market revenues, charges, procurement exposure or financial assumptions.
- Operations: identify participating or potentially eligible assets, operational constraints and prequalification experience.
- Infrastructure: identify relevant projects, technologies, investment plans and consenting dependencies.
- Public Affairs: obtain and review the complete DESNZ documents and confirm the response timetable.
Recommended handling Maintain the issue as active and stable pending evidence. Do not make an external commitment or infer a company position. Once the documents and internal exposure are confirmed, assess whether a response is proportionate and prepare an approval-ready submission only if there is a clear Northstar interest.