The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
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/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Useful links mentioned in this podcast:
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/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
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/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#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
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#42 Repurposing Transmission Connections

In this podcast, “Repurposing Transmission Connections”, our Connectologists® Kyle Murchie, Philip Bale, and Catherine Cleary, discuss the rapid changes happening in the transmission industry. The conversation focuses on providing an update for those with ongoing or upcoming projects, especially in light of the new TMO4+ process.
Over the years, transmission connections have shifted from large generators and huge manufacturing or industrial sites to more diverse connections, including renewable energy projects, batteries, hydrogen, and data centres. We’ve been seeing projects exploring is they can make changes to their transmission connections and our Connectologists® wanted to discuss this further for our listeners.
Kyle Murchie, who has worked alongside working groups and industry professionals throughout the recent Connections Reform consultation, shares how the industry is moving towards formalizing a policy at the transmission level, including new terminology which is based off what constitutes as a significant or minor change, and how the annexes acquired from the CMP434 consultation will still require redrafting.
Key topics within this episode included: battery connection changes, queue positions, non-embedded final demand sites, cross-border differences among TOs, Mod Apps and the difference between allowable and material changes. The Connectologists® explore these key topics further by examining the potential unintended consequences, such as the unprecedented rise in connection applications, which has led to a significant increase in connection offers.
During the episode Philip Bale emphasised the need for a retrospective review of the process to ensure clarity at every stage to help minimise these unintended consequences and provide reassurance for everyone across the industry. Although the ESO has provided some initial guidance, though it’s a starting point – the finalised future policy remains uncertain.
Make sure to stay tuned and up to date with our Connectology® podcasts, as there will be further updates in the next few months!
 
Recorded 22 August 2024
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#41 Decarbonising by 2030 - can GB achieve it?

Join the Connectologists® Kyle Murchie, Pete Aston, and Nikki Pillinger as they dive into the rapidly changing landscape of energy decarbonisation in Great Britain.  
As we transition from summer to autumn and the nights draw in, the urgency around decarbonisation has never been more pressing. With a bottleneck in electrical connections, an unprecedented level of planned infrastructure, and geopolitical risks, all against the backdrop of the first change in government in 14 years, the stakes are higher than ever. 
In this episode, the Connectologists® explore the feasibility of achieving a clean power system by 2030, Labour’s plans for net zero. They examine how we can realistically transition towards cleaner energy, the mix of technologies required to achieve this goal, potential alternative approaches and the strategic reserves required. 
After assessing Labour's 2030 targets and the measures in place—or still needed—to support them, the Connectologists® look beyond 2030, emphasising the importance of looking beyond this date and continuing decarbonisation efforts across sectors such as transport and heating systems, while also considering the impact on both embedded and demand customers. 
With 2030 soon approaching as we move into 2025, will we achieve a clean power system by then? 
 
Recorded 18 September 2024
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

#40 Grid News and Views #9

Our Grid News and Views series is back for another episode! We are joined again by four of our brilliant team of Connectologists ® at Roadnight Taylor, Catherine Cleary, Kyle Murchie, Nikki Pillinger and Philip Bale. In this episode, Connections Reform is at the forefront of the conversation, where Kyle’s experience sitting on working groups will hopefully provide some key insight.
Kyle first discusses the transitional arrangements and changes on the current Connections Reform and the CUSC Mods CMP434 and 435 in line with the responses collected from the recent consultation.
Kyle also discusses the milestone calculator, which is available on our website, so you can calculate how these proposed changes would impact milestones for your specific project – and how these compare to the milestones provided under CMP376.
Nikki shares her thoughts and opinions on Connections Reform, exploring how central government may respond in response to their ambitions of decarbonisation and renewable energy. The Connectologists® discuss the clean energy economy the government want to implement by 2030, and whether we are on track to achieve this goal.
The Connectologists® finally discuss what is next for Connections Reform and any additional measures which should be implemented to avoid any unintended consequences.
Given the pace of change, it is noted that certain aspects have developed further since we recorded this film last month - some of these points will be covered in our next podcast #41.
 
Recorded 22 August 2024
This content was recorded on an earlier date. The connections landscape changes rapidly, so please treat any facts, figures, and guidance as a point-in-time view and verify current information before relying on it.
 
Links mentioned in the podcast:
Connections Reform queue management milestone calculator
Connections Reform blog by Jack Presley Abbot
 
Our links:
Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connectology/
Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newsletter/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd/
Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk