The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#57 Project Commitment Fee - Guest Series with Alex Ikonic, Grid Engineer, Ørsted

This episode of the Connectology® podcast dives into the evolving Project Commitment Fee (PCF) with special guest Alex Ikonic, Grid Engineer at Ørsted, who brings insights from the CMP448 CUSC work group. The PCF—originally proposed by NESO as a £20,000/MW bond—has been revised to a phased fee starting at £2,500/MW, rising to £10,000/MW, and triggered only if 6 GW of post-Gate 2 generation projects are terminated.
The discussion highlights:
Who the PCF applies too
How termination or tech downsizing would result in partial or full fee loss
How self-termination discounts are being explored
Key risks, including rushed, low-quality planning applications, pressure on offshore timelines, and wider concerns around investor confidence and Clean Power 2030 delivery.
Listen now to hear why Ørsted and Roadnight Taylor are voting against the current proposal—for now—and why they believe we should give Connections Reform a chance before bringing in new penalties.

#56 Distribution, milestone, intolerance and a green light for smaller projects

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston break down two major updates that could change the game for energy developers.
First up: CMP446. Ofgem has approved a big shift—raising the Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) threshold in England and Wales from 1MW to 5MW (based on export capacity). That means fewer small and mid-sized projects need to go through the slow and complex TIA process. It’s great news for community energy schemes and demand-heavy sites—but Scotland is left out, with the threshold still set at 200kW.
Then, we dive into the hot topic of queue management. The new rules bring in stricter deadlines—especially the tough two-month window to submit planning after accepting a DNO offer. Miss it, and your project could be kicked out of the queue. Kyle and Pete raise serious concerns about the lack of formal consultation and how this shift could hurt good projects simply due to unrealistic timelines. This episode is packed with practical insights and a clear message: developers need to speak up now.
These changes are coming fast—and feedback from the frontlines could help shape a better, fairer system.
Recorded 13 May 2025 Our links:
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#55 How should EREP130 be applied to storage projects?

In this episode, Connectologists® Philip Bale and Pete Aston dive deep into Engineering Recommendation EREP130, specifically focusing on its application to embedded battery storage connections under technical limits scenarios. They explore whether it's appropriate for DNOs to enforce EREP130 clauses when offering early connections under Technical Limits, and what this means for customers.
🧠 Key Topics:
The origin and intent behind EREP130 and how it evolved to handle battery storage.
How treating batteries as non-firm demand helps avoid costly and unnecessary network reinforcements.
The controversial application of EREP130 clauses in variations of previously accepted schemes.
The implications for customers accepting accelerated connections under technical limits — including the risk of losing firm access rights.
The need for transparency from DNOs and DSOs regarding how these clauses are applied and communicated.
Real-world examples where the clause was buried in T&Cs, potentially catching developers off guard.
A call for clearer definitions of "variation" and better industry-wide communication.
💡 Takeaway:If you're a developer or stakeholder in battery storage, this episode is essential listening. Understand what you might be giving up when you accept technical limits offers, and why reading the fine print — and demanding clarity — is more critical than ever.
 
Recorded 19 March 2025
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#54 The Connectologists'® Top 10 Grid Connection Tips

Which Connection Tips Will Make the Connectologists'® Top 10? 
Getting your project connected to the grid is no easy feat—but what are the most essential tips to maximise success? In our latest podcast, Connectologists® Catherine Cleary, Philip Bale, Nikki Pillinger, Kyle Murchie, and Pete Aston battle it out to decide the ultimate Top 10 Grid Connection Tips. Each Connectologist® has come prepared with their own must-know strategies, but only 10 can make the final cut!
What's up for debate?
G99/G98 applications 
Engaging with DNOs early vs. waiting until later stages—what’s the best approach?
Meticulous record-keeping
Early de-risking—spotting and addressing potential pitfalls before they derail you
Understanding liabilities and securities
Collaboration and coordination
Design envelopes and future flexibility
Portfolio prioritisation—why not all grid offers are worth pursuing
Knowing when to stop
🎧 Tune in now to find out which tips make the final list, so you can learn strategies which will help you navigate the grid connection process with confidence. Avoid common pitfalls, make smarter decisions, and give your project the best chance of success!
 
Recorded 11 December 2024
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#53 Exploring Grid Code Change GC0117

GC0117 refers to a Grid Code change proposal, initially raised back in June 2018, aimed at improving transparency and consistency of access arrangements for generation and storage connections across Great Britain by creating a common set of requirements. Specifically, the proposal seeks to reduce the existing three thresholds of Small, Medium and Large generators to two, defining Large Power Stations as those with a Registered Capacity of 10MW and above, and Small Power Stations as those below 10MW. Thus, the Medium category would be removed in England and Wales.
Ofgem have opened a consultation on their minded to decision to approve the Original Proposal with the response deadline 11 April 2025. In a departure from the norm, the Connectologists discuss the proposal in the context of 2025 with none of the team supporting implementation. Our Connectologists can almost always debate a topic with the merits of all options discussed, yet in the case of GC0117 this was not straightforward. Listen to Philip Bale, Catherine Cleary, Pete Aston and Kyle Murchie as they draw out some of their key concerns and suggestions.
Link to Ofgem’s Grid Code 0117 Final Modification Report Minded-to Decision Consultation -https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/grid-code-0117-final-modification-report-minded-decision-consultation
 
Recorded 19 March 2025
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#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.
As mentioned at the end of the podcast, if you want to get in touch with the NGED team, please contact:Community Energy - Sarah.Jeffery@nationalgrid.comCustomer Engagement - Mark.Baker@nationalgrid.com
 
Recorded 27 February 2025
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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
 
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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
 
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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
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