The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#63 Questioning the caps and SSEP transparency with Ed Birkett, New Projects Director, Low Carbon

The UK’s grid is at breaking point. Thousands of energy projects are stuck in the queue, and many may never get built. In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Ed Birkett from Low Carbon joins Kyle Murchie and Catherine Cleary to explain what’s going wrong—and what needs to change.
Together, they dive into the challenges facing the UK’s grid connection process, from overloaded queues to “zombie projects” that block real progress.
Key topics discussed includes:
• Why the grid queue is five times bigger than it needs to be
• The risks of relying too heavily on uncertain technologies like floating offshore wind
• Why project drop-out (attrition) is being ignored—and how that could derail 2030 clean power targets
• The need for public consultation and better data in future planning
• How co-locating solar and battery storage can ease pressure on the grid—but is being overlooked
Ed also sounds the alarm on how secretive and rushed decision-making could lead to poor outcomes—and why transparency is essential as we move toward the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in renewable energy, policy, or planning in the UK!
Ed's LinkedIn post - what are the risks in NESO's reforms to the grid queue? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/edwardbirkett_lc-response-to-ofgem-connections-reform-m2-activity-7309878224090464257-Rk4j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABcpJLkBqpA9EUs8BicHQToAo6NV08hd4lU
 
Recorded 08 July 2025
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#62 Super Grid Transformer Charging - #2 the full version

Super Grid Transformer (SGT) charging remains a critical but unresolved issue in the energy sector. The focus on Connections Reform meant progress on SGT charging stalled. Now that Connections Reform is taking shape, it’s time to turn attention back to this challenge.
To help move the conversation forward, we brought together a range of industry voices —Innova, Octopus Energy Generation, Centrica and Diageo — for a round-table discussion. Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston then spoke one-on-one with each participant about their experiences and ideas for solutions.
This longer podcast captures those in-depth conversations. If you’re looking for a shorter overview, visit our SGT charging highlights podcast.
The podcasts explore how today’s SGT charging framework affects project delivery, investor confidence, and the path to net zero. They also consider initial ideas for change — including greater transparency, clearer codification, and options like socialising costs.
 
 
Recorded 13 May 2025
 
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#61 Super Grid Transformer Charging - #1 the highlights

Super Grid Transformer (SGT) has been a hot topic for some time (indeed Roadnight Taylor issued an open letter to Ofgem in 2023) but the issue remains unresolved with progress stalled as the industry focused on delivering Connections Reform. With key aspects of that reform now in place, attention can return to SGT charging — an area that has seen little movement compared to other code modifications already underway.
There’s growing recognition that this gap needs addressing, especially as Ofgem and network operators are beginning to show renewed interest and propose solutions — though often from specific standpoints. As the issue becomes increasingly urgent, Roadnight Taylor hosted a round table of experts from across the energy and development sectors. Representatives from Innova, Octopus Energy Generation, Centrica and Diageo shared their experiences as various types of developers and connectees.
Rather than seeking to define a final solution, the roundtable aimed to generate informed discussion that could support future working groups. Following the session, Kyle Murchie and Pete Aston recorded individual interviews with each participant to explore their specific challenges and proposed solutions.
These conversations have been produced as two podcast episodes:
this highlights version and
an extended edition with deeper insights from each participant.
The podcasts discuss the current SGT charging arrangements, their impact on project viability, investment decisions, and decarbonisation goals. They also explore early ideas for reform, such as socialisation of costs, codification, and improved transparency. They aim to drive the conversation forward and build momentum toward establishing a formal working group that can deliver a fair, practical solution for SGT charging.
 
Recorded 13 May 2025
 
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#59 NESO's essentials for Gate 2 evidence success - Guest Series with Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform, NESO

Roadnight Taylor is delighted to welcome Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform at NESO, to this episode of the Connectology ® podcast!
Matt shares his experience from leading one of the biggest overhauls in the UK energy sector—fixing a broken grid connections system and tackling a huge project queue. With his background as an energy ombudsman, he brings a fresh perspective on the challenges and urgency of making change happen.
In this episode, Matt and the Connectologists® discuss:
Why the current system needs reform
What developers often get wrong in their submissions
How NESO is helping projects stay on track
Why early, accurate applications matter more than ever
And how all this ties into the UK’s clean energy goals for 2030
If you’re a developer, investor, or just following the energy transition, this is a must-listen. Matt offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a look at what’s next.
Recorded 30 June 2025
Our links:
Registration for the NESO portal run through on Friday 4 July 
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
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#60 Grid News and Views - Episode 12

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Pete Aston, Catherine Cleary, and Nikki Pillinger unpack the latest developments in grid connections, Gate 2 timelines, and ongoing industry reforms. With some DNOs now issuing grid variation offers with just 10–14 days to accept, developers are facing serious time pressure—especially when terms are unclear or revised.
The team explores when and how it may be possible to push for more time and why being prepared matters more than ever.
They also run through key Gate 2 milestones:
• Application window: 8–29 July
• NESO decisions expected in September
• Offers issued from October (for transmission) and from January (for distribution) Submitting early is strongly recommended—leaving it late could mean delays, basic application rejections, or missing the window altogether. But getting an offer is only half the battle.
The team digs into whether these Gate 2 offers will actually be deliverable, given the rising costs and complexity developers are facing.
Major challenges include:
• High SGT reinforcement costs
• Large security and liability obligations
• Risky curtailment terms
• More demanding application and deposit requirements
With submissions due by 29 July and NESO support limited from 6 August, time is running short.
 
Recorded 24 June 2025
 
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#58 Grid News and Views - Episode 11

In this episode of the Connectology® podcast, Connectologists® Pete Aston, Philip Bale, and Kyle Murchie break down the latest on Connections Reform—especially what it means for developers navigating Gate 2 applications.
The podcast discusses:
Why Gate 2 matters: If your project won’t connect before July 2025, you must submit a Gate 2 application to avoid slipping back to Gate 1.
Transmission vs. DNO offers: They’re not the same—understand how they differ and what that means for your project.
Watch out for variations: Some DNO offer changes may include unexpected clauses or outdated cost info.
Don’t miss your milestones: Projects with tight timelines risk losing protections under CP2030 if milestones aren’t managed proactively.
Better data = better planning: From outage risks to queue positions, clearer data is essential—but still not guaranteed.
Private to IDNO connections: Sounds simple, but it’s often a complex, approval-heavy process with hidden hurdles.
Learn from the Connectologists® how to make your Gate 2 application stand out—by submitting accurate plans, a solid summary, and clear land info to keep your project on track.
This episode is packed with insights to help developers stay ahead in a fast-changing grid environment!
 
Recorded 30 May 2025
Our links: Website:https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/
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#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:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect...
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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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