AR5

Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 5: Timeline scenarios

This sets out the timeline for Allocation Round 5 (AR5). The application window is planned to open on Thursday the 16th of March and close on Monday the 24th of April. The dates in the timeline are provisional and may be subject to change. The microsite will be updated if there are any changes to the timeline before AR5 opens to applications.

You can also view the timeline as a PDF here

  • 2023

  • (Shortest timeline): All applicants qualify- Publication of Minor and Necessary Guidance

    LCCC's Minor and Guidance provides guidance on how an applicant may apply to LCCC for a minor and necessary modification to the Standard Terms. It also sets out the application form and the information to be included in the application. 

    • Scenario 1

  • Engagement on Minor and Necessary modification requests

    This is the period during which potential CfD applicants can start early engagement with LCCC on minor and necessary modification requests.

    • Scenario 1

  • CfD Standard Terms for AR5 published

    These are the final versions of the CfD standard terms and conditions, the generic version of the CfD Agreement and contract variants for AR5.

    • Scenario 1

  • Statutory notices for AR5 published

    • Allocation Round Notice
    • Budget Notice
    • Standard Terms Notice
    • Counterparty Costs Notice 
    • Framework Notice 
    • Scenario 1

  • Allocation Framework for AR5 published

    This document sets out the rules to be applied to AR5

    • Scenario 1
  • 16-23 March 2023

    Minor & Necessary Modification request window

    This is the window for potential applicants to make their formal requests to LCCC for minor and necessary modifications.

    • Scenario 1
  • 30 March-24 April 2023

    Application Window for CfD Allocation Round 5

    This is the window for applicants to submit their CfD application and accompanying evidence/documents.

    • Scenario 1

  • Latest date for Minor and Necessary determinations

    This is the deadline in which LCCC must respond to requests for minor and necessary modifications.

    • Scenario 1
  • 25 April-24 May 2023

    Qualification assessment window

    This is the window for the delivery body, National Grid ESO, to review CfD applications against the relevant CfD qualification criteria.

    • Scenario 1

  • Applicants notified of outcome of qualification assessment

    Applicants informed whether their applications are considered to qualify for participation in AR5 (i.e eligible) or are non-qualifying (i.e ineligible). AR5 will proceed on scenario 1 if all applicants qualify at this stage.

    • Scenario 1
  • 25 May-2 June 2023

    DESNZ reviews the final valuation of all qualifying applicants

    The Delivery Body submits the final valuation, or an updated valuation if any Qualification Appeals are upheld, to DESNZ and notifies its intention to hold an auction. During this period, the Secretary of State may consider whether to increase the budget for the allocation round).

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Window for Non-Qualifying applicants to request a non-qualification review.

    This is the window for non-qualifying applicants to request a Non-Qualification Review – a Tier 1 appeal - asking the Delivery Body to review their decision on qualification status. AR5 will proceed on scenario 2 if no Tier 1 appeals are submitted.

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Non-qualifying review assessment window.

    This is the window for the Delivery Body to re-assess CfD applications against the relevant CfD qualification criteria if Tier 1 appeals are submitted

    • Scenario 1

  • Delivery Body issues a ‘Notice of Auction’ inviting qualified applicants to submit sealed bids

    The ‘Notice of Auction’ will specify that an auction is to be held and the deadline for the submission of sealed bids

    • Scenario 1
  • 6-12 June 2023

    Sealed bid window

    Qualifying applicants may submit sealed bids during this window

    • Scenario 1
  • 13-28 June 2023

    Run allocation process and independent audit

    This is when the allocation/auction process takes place, followed by an independent audit to confirm that the process has been accurately followed

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Non-Qualifying applicants notified of outcome of non-qualification review (a “Non-Qualification Review Notice”)

    Applicants informed whether after re-assessment their applications are considered qualifying (i.e. eligible) or non-qualifying (i.e. ineligible). AR5 will proceed on scenario 3 if all Tier 1 appeals are successful at this stage, i.e. all applications qualify following review of Tier 1 appeals

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Window for non-qualifying applicants to request a Qualification Appeal (Tier 2 appeal)

    This is the window for any non-qualifying applicants to submit a Qualification Appeal asking Ofgem to review the Delivery Body’s non-qualification decision. If no Tier 2 appeals are submitted by 5pm on 22 June, AR5 will proceed on scenario 4. If Tier 2 appeals are submitted, AR5 will proceed on scenario 5

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Ofgem review Qualification Appeals

    Ofgem consider Qualification Appeals including time for the Delivery Body to reply to a Qualification Appeal

    • Scenario 1
  • N/A

    Non-qualifying applicants notified of outcome of qualification appeals

    Applicants are informed whether after review of a Qualification Appeal their applications are considered qualifying (eligible) or non-qualifying (ineligible) to participate in AR5.

    • Scenario 1

  • National Grid send DESNZ Secretary of State recommendations and Independent Audit Report.

    • Scenario 1
  • 30 June-3 July 2023

    Consideration of Audit Report and Delivery Body recommendations on next steps

    Secretary of State considers the Audit Report and the Delivery Body’s recommendation to proceed to notify qualified applicants of their results or to re-run the allocation round

    • Scenario 1
  • 4 July-5 July 2023

    CfD notification

    Delivery Body notifies all qualified applicants of the allocation/auction outcome; LCCC notified of successful projects only; DESNZ publishes details of the successful projects,

    • Scenario 1
  • 6-19 July 2023

    Contracts processed and distributed

    This is the period in which LCCC sends out contracts to the successful applicants making a formal offer of a CfD

    • Scenario 1
  • 20 July-2 August 2023

    Sign contracts and return to LCCC

    Successful applicants must return signed contracts to LCCC within 10 working days of the offer being made.

    • Scenario 1