The UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, is considering whether data centers should be required to cut power consumption during periods of system stress.

According to reporting from Bloomberg, the potential move is part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s grid connection process. The new policy would require mandatory curtailment as a backstop measure, with Ofgem arguing that greater control over large power users could give the electricity system more flexibility to connect additional demand while maintaining reliability.

According to reports, Ofgem is also exploring voluntary flexibility arrangements under which data centers could reduce consumption in exchange for earlier grid access, which it says could reduce the need for mandatory controls.

The move comes as grid connection dates in the UK continue to stretch into the next decade, with the average wait time between five and ten years.

As a result, gas network operators in the country have seen an increased uptick in inquiries from data center projects. According to Future Energy Networks, gas networks have received around three times as many inquiries from data center developers last year compared to 2024, totaling 113 over the two-year period. The shift towards gas is a central part of Ofgem’s wider demand-connectivity review.

Demand response is growing in importance across the sector, as data center operators seek to be more attractive to grid operators by offering demand response services. AI grid orchestration startup, Emerald AI, conducted a demonstration project in partnership with National Grid, late last year, one of the first instances of demand response services being deployed in the UK market.

Ofgem is the independent government regulator for the electricity and downstream natural gas markets in the UK.