The Connectology® Podcast by Roadnight Taylor

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.

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.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnk0MFM5bFpuekI5bkJPRFBqZGNRek5nbHJIZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuWE9YTkx4MVRsVEFZSnZQY0FzU0VZMjBENkFaWkZMb3QwLXZCNENoZm01V0trTDVCeWxiaWxQdjlTbzFPaV9MNjVsbGI3R0JoWmVNV3NGR3lnSmZETnczS25tZk1iQWF2NEJuYXpxakM3Nmpzby1PRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fconnect..&v=hZ4SEZCiDNM]. Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG9EMUc5Y0szZ0xHZXNGb0wySkpvSEZRcHZzZ3xBQ3Jtc0trSFpTdGVMYnRJMGp6eld5VXFlYnVnYW5lYjVpdWQzSUNjV2s3Ym9SSHhfOUUzemRhd0tJS1VpZ1ZrRmtWUllmVmN0SFU0WnhuRW44cFlwZm1ERnlvaEEyR0Fkb1dDTEdpckpGbWE4VXNHUEpyUWdlYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fnewslet..&v=hZ4SEZCiDNM]. Follow us on LinkedIn:   / roadnight-taylor-ltd   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnRxVW9SZzM3ZzRRQXQxbkJERC1ZQ1FNNWlBQXxBQ3Jtc0tuREpNRU5kSnZQR2p2eEd6LUxwUE15c0tVWENpeUNMZGNPXzJ5dFpZX19XenhxSkNUQTJvaE9WazZPeXh4MDlzVEFGQ1czeTJNQTgtblUzUnRuWkdKZV91Z1E3aGdnY0JrRGVETXNsT0NxcGtfMFhnYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Froadnight-taylor-ltd%2F&v=hZ4SEZCiDNM]   Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

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 Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWhWVzJXTEZCRjZYeWtUbFdOMmkzY3ZFTV9XUXxBQ3Jtc0ttamlDM1l2b0pHQklFT3dNWXZiUlJhZWlKRmN4UUdvcEVzQzV0cUdZOGNDaFJDaUFQN1dDSVFHbEt5SzF4b210eVVZZ0hwNmFOY1ZGUURDZEJ5OV9nVVVNZElod3d3bGtBS3FrT0puZEZIaHZpcVhGYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fconnect..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRnbmdTeEVyTUROT0hOaXFZWjMwX09keHU1QXxBQ3Jtc0tsLUtyWGtOOUU2cnhaeFYwQ3NWd2pIZ3pIbkF1M0NEUS1wV1ZQVGl5b1YwTW55N1lMTVY3Q0czYU0wbkNQb2JTRTZIWGlmeUZkQ29IOXlWRkd2QXZwYlUxZnBJRGp5Q0U4SE51UHNUeG01MTZVekFpbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fnewslet..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

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 Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWhWVzJXTEZCRjZYeWtUbFdOMmkzY3ZFTV9XUXxBQ3Jtc0ttamlDM1l2b0pHQklFT3dNWXZiUlJhZWlKRmN4UUdvcEVzQzV0cUdZOGNDaFJDaUFQN1dDSVFHbEt5SzF4b210eVVZZ0hwNmFOY1ZGUURDZEJ5OV9nVVVNZElod3d3bGtBS3FrT0puZEZIaHZpcVhGYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fconnect..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRnbmdTeEVyTUROT0hOaXFZWjMwX09keHU1QXxBQ3Jtc0tsLUtyWGtOOUU2cnhaeFYwQ3NWd2pIZ3pIbkF1M0NEUS1wV1ZQVGl5b1YwTW55N1lMTVY3Q0czYU0wbkNQb2JTRTZIWGlmeUZkQ29IOXlWRkd2QXZwYlUxZnBJRGp5Q0U4SE51UHNUeG01MTZVekFpbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fnewslet..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk

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 Our links: Website: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/connect.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWhWVzJXTEZCRjZYeWtUbFdOMmkzY3ZFTV9XUXxBQ3Jtc0ttamlDM1l2b0pHQklFT3dNWXZiUlJhZWlKRmN4UUdvcEVzQzV0cUdZOGNDaFJDaUFQN1dDSVFHbEt5SzF4b210eVVZZ0hwNmFOY1ZGUURDZEJ5OV9nVVVNZElod3d3bGtBS3FrT0puZEZIaHZpcVhGYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fconnect..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Newsletter sign up: https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/newslet.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRnbmdTeEVyTUROT0hOaXFZWjMwX09keHU1QXxBQ3Jtc0tsLUtyWGtOOUU2cnhaeFYwQ3NWd2pIZ3pIbkF1M0NEUS1wV1ZQVGl5b1YwTW55N1lMTVY3Q0czYU0wbkNQb2JTRTZIWGlmeUZkQ29IOXlWRkd2QXZwYlUxZnBJRGp5Q0U4SE51UHNUeG01MTZVekFpbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froadnighttaylor.co.uk%2Fnewslet..&v=SM5_zVEXX0w]. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roadnight-taylor-ltd Talk to us at info@roadnighttaylor.co.uk