Transmission Is UK Grid Reform Really Working? - Low Carbon
Feb 12, 2026
Ed Birkett, New Projects Director at Low Carbon who develops large-scale solar and storage, explains the tangled UK grid connection reforms. He breaks down the gate one/gate two system, why a 1,000GW queue formed, and how substation siting and battery co-location are now shaping project timelines and costs. The conversation covers who wins or loses under the reform and urgent next steps to unlock capacity.
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Episode notes
Talk To Networks Before Offers Arrive
- Engage networks early to understand likely terms before gate two offers arrive.
- Use those conversations to de-risk planning, financing and FID decisions.
Late Delays Raise Costs
- Delays after final investment decision harm developers who already spent money.
- That increases required returns or stalls projects, raising consumer costs.
Hold Networks Accountable Now
- Push Ofgem to use existing licence conditions to hold networks accountable now.
- Monitor the end-to review but demand interim enforcement to reduce investor risk.