Reforming Grid Connections 2025 Agenda

TACKLING THE CONNECTIONS BACKLOG
9:20 AM																KEYNOTE: Reforming Connections for 2030 and Beyond Understanding who takes priority in a ‘first needed, first served’ queue model (TMO4+) Exploring the effects of pausing the queue Ensuring supply, demand and storage connection issues are addressed Optimising data use to manage the queue effectively Providing clarity on what happens if projects are pushed back Matt Vickers, Director of Connections Reform, NESO
9:35 AM																Exploring a policy shift to accelerate connections Rationale for reform and future-proofing Aligning connections with strategic planning and delivering strategic plans Ensuring Clean Power 2030 Delivery Jack Presley Abbott, Deputy Director of System Planning and Connections, Ofgem
9:50 AM																Questions and answers
10:00 AM																Panel discussion & questions: How can we make connecting to the grid business as usual? Is existing network infrastructure considered when analysing who to prioritise in the queue? Are decision makers looking at impacts to distribution when choosing who to prioritise at transmission level? How do stakeholders across the sector come together to lead the change and drive efficiency for customers while supporting innovation? How can we mitigate risks around potential legislation? Are RESPs, SSEP and planning reforms ready to accelerate connections for Clean Power 2030? How do we maintain investor confidence while mitigating constraints around capacity, licensing and resources? Mark Adolphus, Director of Connections and Sustainability, UK Power Networks Austen Toone, Major Connections - Senior Manager, SSEN Spencer Thompson, CEO, Eclipse Power Alana Cairns, Transmission Customer Liaison Manager, SPEN Transmission John Twomey, Director of Customer and Network Development, National Grid Electricity Transmission
11:00 AM																Refreshments, networking and exhibition

BALANCING LOW, MEDIUM AND HIGH VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS TO THE GRID
11:30 AM																Accelerating low carbon domestic connections Insight into the ENA’s Connect Direct form Connecting EVs and batteries on a domestic scale to mutually benefit the grid and customers Dan Clarke, Head of Innovation, ENA
11:45 AM																Exploring capacity trading to increase economy Understanding the prosumer model Ensuring demand side connections are not delayed by the transmission queue Chris Greenfield, Project Manager for BiTraDER, Electricity North West
12:00 PM																Questions and answers
12:10 PM																Case study: Connecting data centres to the grid Managing increasing demand for data centre grid connections Exploring the role of IDNOs and ICPs in connecting low voltage projects Nicola Pitts, Executive Director, INA
12:25 PM																Exploring sustainable methods of decarbonising industry Maximising sustainable manufacturing Encouraging the electrification of large industrial users and ensuring they can connect to the grid Arjan Geveke, Director, Energy Intensive Users Group
12:40 PM																Understanding the Strategic Road Network Introducing high speed EV charging on a national scale Dr Russell Fowler, Grid Connection and Strategy Manager - Strategic Charging Infrastructure, National Highways
12:55 PM																Questions and answers
1:05 PM																Fork buffet lunch, networking and exhibition

BALANCING RISK AND REWARD WHILE MANAGING THE QUEUE
2:05 PM																Understanding the role of AI in managing the queue Exploring the short- and long-term benefits of using artificial intelligence Digitally evaluating projects to aid decision making Delving into the AI ‘Net Lever or Net Load’ debate to decarbonise Jamie Bright, Data Science and Development Manager, UK Power Networks
2:20 PM																Questions and answers
2:25 PM																Fireside chat: Network Operator’s perspective – managing connections offers and engaging with developers during the process Implementing connections reform process at transmission and distribution level What are DNOs and TOs main priorities and what do they expect when hearing from customers? Engaging early and strengthening collaboration with project promoters to reduce delays How can we optimise connection process of large strategic demand customers Paul Lowbridge, Head of Customer Management, National Grid Electricity Transmission Paul Glendinning, Director of Energy Systems, Northern Powergrid
2:50 PM																Panel discussion: Debating Flex vs Build and the relationship with connections How can we get the balance right between building new infrastructure and optimising flexibility? With increased building, how can we ensure customers are properly compensated? How can we ensure that we have the right skilled workers and resources to build the infrastructure we need in the next 5 years? Will industry provide more commercial opportunity through build or flexibility? What role does MHHS play in the future of flexibility? Marcia Poletti, Head of European System Change, Octopus Energy Simon Harrison, Clean Power Commissioner, and Group Head of Strategy, Mott MacDonald Will Duncan, CEO, Telis Energy Nigel Bessant, Head of Network Operations, SSEN Distribution
3:25 PM																Refreshments, networking and exhibition

LONG & SHORT-TERM PLANNING TO REACH NET ZERO
3:55 PM																Building the workforce of the future Optimising workforce planning to meet grid goals Ensuring the UK has the level of skilled workers required to improve grid infrastructure Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, Energy and Utility Skills
4:10 PM																Understanding long- and short-term planning through RESPs Standing up regional energy strategic planning across the nations and regions of Great Britain Ensuring national strategic energy planning aligns better with future local energy demands and economic growth plans Bridget Hartley, Head of Regional Energy Strategic Planning, NESO
4:25 PM																Questions and answers
4:35 PM																Chair’s closing remarks and close of the Reforming Grid Connections Conference 2025