The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#52 Guest Series with Amanda Le Brocq, Director of Connections, NGED; and Sarah Jeffery and Mark Baker, Head of Strategic Customer Engagement, NGED

The energy sector is evolving rapidly, and grid Connection Reforms, customer engagement, and community energy are at the forefront of change. In this episode, we are joined by special guests Amanda Le Brocq, Sarah Jeffery and Mark Baker from National Grid Electricity Distribution to explore:
🔹New Careers, New Insights – How diverse backgrounds are improving customer engagement, community energy, and grid connections.
🔹Connections Reform – The major changes reshaping how projects connect to the grid and what it means for customers.🔹 Customer Engagement – How better communication, digital tools, and transparency are improving the connection process.🔹 Community Energy – The growing role of local energy initiatives and the challenges they face in accessing the grid.🔹 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – How smarter data and partnerships are streamlining EV charging connections.🔹 Innovation & AI – Insights from a recent hackathon, exploring new tech-driven solutions for faster, fairer grid access.
With net zero targets and rising electricity demand, this conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of energy distribution.
🎧 Listen now!
 
Recorded 27 February 2025
 
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Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect...
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#51 Grid News and Views - Episode 10

Join Connectologist® Pete Aston, Catherine Cleary, Philip Bale, and Nikki Pillinger for an in-depth discussion on the evolving UK grid landscape in our latest podcast. This episode unpacks the latest developments affecting Clean Power 2030 and how they impact grid connections, project viability, and market dynamics.
Key topics discussed include:
• Clean Power 2030 – Key updates on regulatory changes, timeframes, and how they impact grid connections. • Security Freezes and Financial Instruments – NESO’s freeze on securities of cancellation charge liabilities and the impact of this on contracted and embedded customers
• CUSC Mods– The latest on CMP446, the potential impact on community energy projects and the debate whether thresholds should be installed capacity or export capacity.
• DNO Processes and Mod App Delays
• Grid Connection Challenges – Delays, security freezes, and what they mean for developers.
• Hybrid Energy Projects
• Broader Industry Insights
Whether you’re a developer, investor, or energy enthusiast, this episode provides practical updates, expert analysis, and valuable insights into the transformative changes shaping the UK energy grid. Stay informed and get ahead of the grid transformation by tuning in to this detailed discussion.
Recorded 06 February 2025
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect...
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#50 Guest Series with Susan McDonald, UK Energy Transition Lead, Net Zero Transformation, Deloitte

Join Connectologist® Kyle Murchie and special guest Susan McDonald, UK Energy Transition Lead for Net Zero Transformation at Deloitte, as they delve into the future of the UK energy sector. This episode unpacks the ambitious Clean Power Plan for 2030, examines the challenges of rapidly expanding infrastructure, and highlights the UK's leadership in offshore wind energy.
Topics Discussed:
Infrastructure Development
 - The energy sector faces the challenge of doubling its infrastructure within five years.
 - The UK leads in offshore wind and clean power, with strong potential for global impact.
 - Prioritising community benefits from new infrastructure to address economic and energy challenges.
Skill Development
 - Addressing skill gaps is urgent to meet the 2030 Clean Power Plan goals.
 - Focus on education, career-switching programs, and industrial strategies.
 - Companies are expanding their workforces for sustainable growth.
Safety and Development
 - Safety remains a top priority despite the push for rapid development.
 - Examples include having on-site ambulances during project builds to ensure quick emergency responses.
Diversity and Inclusion
 - Tackling the underrepresentation of women, especially in leadership roles.
- Initiatives like the Women’s Engineering Society support women and foster inclusivity.
- Highlighting the importance of a diverse talent pool, including career switchers and support for parents.
 Susan’s Upcoming Antarctica Expedition
Part of a leadership program to promote women in STEM and sustainability.
A 25-day voyage in early 2025, with 16 days in Antarctica to engage with global leaders, witness climate change first-hand, and return with invaluable insights.

#49 Guest series with Alasdair MacMillian, Policy Lead - Electricity Connections, Ofgem

We are delighted that Alasdair (Ali) MacMillan, Policy Lead of Electricity Connections at Ofgem joined Connectologists® Catherine Cleary and Kyle Murchie for our latest podcast.
This episode delves into the complexities of Connections Reform in Great Britain, specifically focusing on the end-to-end review of the grid connection process.
The discussion highlights concerns about the current system, including long queues, potential unfairness for distribution customers, and the need for improved data transparency and communication.
Key takeaways include the importance of:
Balancing speed and thoroughness: ensuring a robust reform process while maintaining the urgency of addressing the energy transition
Fairness and transparency in Reform: ensuring decisions on project prioritisation are truly equitable
Noting transmission vs. distribution challenges: including concerns about underrepresentation for distribution-level projects, and emphasising the urgency of aligning distribution processes with overarching reforms
Meaningful industry consultation: actively seeking and incorporating feedback from all developers throughout the reform process, especially those who are less involved in industry consultations.
Improving data availability: enhancing data transparency, quality and accessibility to empower developers and improve decision-making
Rebalancing obligations: ensuring fair treatment for both developers and network operators
Ofgem’s end-to-end review: the episode concludes with a call to action for industry stakeholders to actively participate in the end-to-end review consultation by submitting their feedback and concerns to Ofgem by 13 January
This episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by Connections Reform and offers a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to voice their concerns and help shape the future of grid connections in Great Britain.
 
Recorded 10 December 2024
 
Useful links mentioned in this podcast:
Ofgem's Connections end-to-end review of the regulatory framework
Podcast: The impact of the transmission network on distribution demand applications
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
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#48 Guest series with Merlin Hyman, Chief Executive, Regen and Joe Colebrook, Head of Grid Connections, Innova

Join Connectologists® Pete Aston and Nikki Pillinger as they welcome two special guests: Merlin Hyman, Chief Executive of Regen, and Joe Colebrook, Head of Grid Connections at Innova. Together, they dive into the complexities of Grid Connections Reform and what it means for developers, policymakers, and the entire industry.
Key topics discussed include:
Connection Process Changes – they discuss the complexities and uncertainties of Connections Reform, including queue reshuffling and new criteria for readiness and strategic alignment. This introduces the uncertainty for developers and the challenges which they face, including supply chain delays, planning uncertainties, and the potential risks of reshuffling projects in the queue.
Developer Challenges - the ambiguity surrounding criteria like “construction readiness” and the impact of reshuffling on projects, as well as the broader issues, such as technical limits and the interaction between distribution and transmission policies are discussed.
Financial Instruments - the proposed £20,000 per MW financial security requirement sparks debate. It’s argued that it risks stifling competition and disproportionately affecting smaller developers, stressing the need to assess whether financial instruments remain necessary.
Planning for Net Zero - the team praise the ambition of the Clean Power 2030 Plan but call for greater transparency in defining technology and regional capacity targets. The conversation underscores the tension between market-driven approaches and more centralized, strategic planning.
The Path Forward – the panel agrees that collaboration, transparency, and evidence-based feedback are vital for refining reforms. They encourage active participation in consultations to shape a competitive and efficient energy transition.
The episode explores the sweeping changes in grid connections, balancing optimism for accelerated progress toward net zero with critical evaluation of policy details. We encourage you to engage in the consultations and advocate for solutions that ensure a competitive, equitable, and efficient energy transition.
 
Recorded 19 November 2024
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
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#47 Connections Reform Webinar Update #3: Questions and Answers

During our Connections Reform Update #3 webinar, we had so many questions from over 200 delegates that we didn't have time to answer them all. We have picked out some main themes from the questions and on this podcast, two of our Connectologists® Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston help to shed light on those themes.  
Themes covered include: 
What are the key methodologies and their implications?
How does the Clean Power 2030 (CP30) plan integrate with the Connections Reform?
How does Connections Reform affect existing projects (in-flight projects)?
What are the implications of Connections Reform for embedded generation and demand?
How does Connections Reform interact with the distribution network?
What is the impact of stricter G99 application requirements on project development?
What is the role of project progression dates versus DNO application dates in queue prioritization?
What is the potential impact of financial instruments on project development?
Recorded 19 November 2024
 
Useful links mentioned in this podcast:
NESO Q&A: 
NESO consultations links: https://www.neso.energy/industry-information/connections/connections-reform
Our webinar on Connections Reform: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/webinar-connections-reform-3/ 
The Big Queue Reshuffle podcast: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/big-rehsuffle-question/
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
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Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk
 

#46 The Big Reshuffle Question

Should the reforming of the GB grid queue under Connections Reform Connections Network Design Methodology utilise the distribution offer acceptance date for D projects - or the date of the DNO's Mod Offer acceptance?
This is a highly complex and nuanced area – and with some 7,000 applicable projects, it is highly contentious too.
With NESO’s consultation on the CNDM closing on 2 December 2024, Connectologists® Catherine Cleary and Pete Aston debate the two sides of the argument.
 
Recorded 20 November 2024
 
Our links:
Request a copy of the webinar we refer to: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/webinar-connections-reform-3/
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
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#45 The impact of the transmission network on distribution demand applications

In our latest podcast, the Connectologists® explore the future of electricity networks and the big changes shaping them. Our experts, Philip Bale, Kyle Murchie, and Pete Aston, unpack how distribution and transmission networks interact, starting with the basics of how demand forecasting has worked in the past and how it’s evolving.
The podcast investigates how DNOs have traditionally used the "Week 24" process to predict demand, while also managing challenges like regional differences and the impacts of events like COVID-19 on energy use.
Next, they dive into how new technologies—like large-scale battery storage, hydrogen electrolysers, and EV charging stations—are changing what electricity networks need. DNOs are now rethinking their approaches to connecting and balancing these demands.
Finally, it is discussed what it means to make energy access fairer. With a big reform set for 2025, there’s a push to better integrate transmission networks and support more equitable energy connections. Our discussion highlights the critical role of Connectologists® in bridging gaps and encouraging collaboration for a sustainable energy future.
Listen in to learn how these shifts could support a cleaner, more resilient world!
 
Recorded 22 October 2024
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
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#44 Guest Series with Dan Nicholls, Chief Product Officer and Commercial Officer at SNRG

In this episode, Connectologists® Pete Aston and Philip Bale sit down with Dan Nicholls, Chief Production and Commercial Officer at SNRG, to unpack how microgrids are transforming our energy systems and paving the way to decarbonised communities.
Key Topics Covered:
The Shift to Microgrids: Microgrids are becoming essential in rethinking energy use across residential, industrial, and commercial settings, especially as we transition to electric heating and vehicles. Unlike traditional energy systems, microgrids operate independently from gas utilities, with support from independent distribution network operators to overcome regulatory challenges.
Localising Energy Use: Microgrids go beyond energy efficiency; they revolutionise community energy management. Dan explains how these systems relocate energy meters to the community's edge and integrate shared battery systems, which helps reduce costs and improve energy efficiency by localising consumption.
Towards Net-Zero Communities: The episode explores the potential of microgrids to build net-zero communities, like the partnership with St Martin Homes in Birmingham, where SNRG is integrating electric vehicle charging with microgrid technology. Dan discusses the regulatory and market challenges, stressing the need for fair access as we accelerate decarbonization efforts.
This episode is a valuable listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable communities and the innovative role of microgrid technology in achieving them.
 
Recorded 12 September 2024
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
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#43 How did we get here? A review of recent changes to connections policy

At the minute, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of Connections Reform. But with the grid connections industry undergoing significant changes in recent years, it’s important to reflect and consider the alterations which have been made. In this episode of our Connectology® podcast, we are joined by Catherine Cleary, Pete Aston and Nikki Pillinger who discuss what these shifts mean for the future of grid connections, setting the scene for 2025 and beyond.
In this episode, the Connectologists® kick off by examining how the connections market has evolved over the years. Catherine draws from her deep expertise to offer insights into the transmission landscape before it was overwhelmed with applications—one of the key drivers of today’s challenges. The discussion also highlights how developers and both distribution customers and employees have had to adapt and learn new policy changes, longer connection times and shifting cost impacts.
Throughout the episode, the Connectologists® discuss several major developments over recent years that have shaped the industry's current landscape, including the Significant Code Review, Transmission Charges, the ESO's 5-step plan, the 2-step offer process, technical limits, and Connections Reform.
To wrap up the episode, the Connectologists® discuss what lies ahead for the industry, such as: strategic spatial energy plans, government intervention, bay allocations and sharing, and Labour’s clean energy plan by 2030, which has been explored further in our recent Connectology® podcast.
Tune in to explore how the industry has adapted and is preparing beyond 2024. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of grid connections and the evolving energy market. 🎙️
#Connectology #ConnectionsRefom #Podcast #EnergyTransmission #DNO #ESO #CleanEnergy #FutureofEnergy
 
Recorded 04 September 2024
 
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