July 2026 — 30 / 60 / 90 day watchlist

Watch for

Demand-connections reform, self-build options, connection milestones, large-demand operational requirements and data-centre flexibility assumptions.

Client action

Ask sponsors for one power-control evidence pack covering grid reference, queue position, network company, voltage level, delivery milestones, PPA route and fallback options.

Watch for

Autumn consultation signals on self-build, self-build-and-transfer, independent transmission operator design and high-voltage asset responsibility.

Client action

Separate commercial appetite from control reality: identify who owns, builds, transfers, operates and bears delay risk for power assets.

Watch for

Opaque ownership, capability inflation, sanctions adjacency, distributor claims and subcontractor substitution in high-growth infrastructure supply chains.

Client action

Require a CIDDR-style vendor pack before onboarding, market-entry commitment, procurement award or JV negotiation.

Watch for

Whether data-centre power platforms, dedicated generation, long-term PPAs and high-voltage infrastructure stakes become standard AI infrastructure transaction features.

Client action

Map capital, ownership, operating rights, access, dependency and policy exposure before accepting a power-backed growth story at face value.

Watch for

Model/version changes, assurance gaps, client data handling, role allocation and unrecorded AI use in internal or supplier workflows.

Client action

Maintain AI-use inventory, assurance baseline, privacy-by-design controls and decision accountability where AI affects diligence or procurement workflows.