Lunch & Learn: Securing grid connections
Part of the Future Homes Standard Essentials Series
Date / Time:
Friday 5 June 2026, 1-2pm
What is the webinar about?
As low carbon technologies become normal features of new homes and become expected under Future Homes Standard, securing right-sized electrical connections at the right time becomes much more critical.
All-electric homes require greater electrical capacity for loads like electric heating and electric vehicles, but also for the export of electricity generated by photovoltaic panels and, increasingly home batteries. At the same time, other sectors are competing for capacity, increasing the importance of engaging early and making informed connection applications.
Join the discussion with our panel of experts from homebuilding, network operation and electricity supply to understand the good practices developers should follow to securing connections, avoiding the pitfalls of overdesign, under capacity and delay in a grid-constrained environment. Hear about various approaches to mitigation, to help secure timely electricity supply without impacting the householder’s experience.
Meet the Speakers
Matthew Wilson, Group Technical Director, Hill Partnerships
With 31 years of experience in the housebuilding industry, Matthew began his career as an Architectural Technician with David Wilson Homes in 1995 before progressing through Technical Coordinator and Technical Manager roles. Following the acquisition of David Wilson Homes by Barratt, Matthew remained with the business before joining Hill in 2008 as a Technical Coordinator.
Over the past 18 years with Hill, Matthew has progressed through a number of senior technical positions and now serves as Group Technical Director. His experience encompasses the management of the full design process, both pre- and post-planning, including the coordination of consultant teams and statutory providers across a wide range of residential developments.
Since his promotion to Group Technical Director in October 2025, Matthew's focus has shifted towards a more strategic role, with responsibility for regulatory compliance, Building Safety Regulator matters, and the assessment and implementation of industry policy and regulatory change.
David McDonald, Networks Director, Advanced Electricity Networks
David is a highly experienced leader with more than 20 years’ experience in network operations, specialising in the lifecycle management of critical energy infrastructure. He has held senior roles across the electricity distribution and connections sector, including Head of Asset Management at Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (DNO) and Managing Director of eSmart Networks (ICP).
He brings expertise in network asset optimisation, grid capacity planning, and system reliability, with experience integrating low-carbon technologies and distributed generation. David has led complex infrastructure projects and managed emergency response across distribution networks, focusing on maintaining network reliability and enabling efficient connections to the grid.
He contributed regularly to “The Grid” podcast, sharing insight on grid capacity, connection reform, housing electrification, and the integration of renewables into the UK electricity network.
Nicola Kennedy, Head of Strategic Sales, E.ON Next
Nigel Banks, Technical Director - Zero Bills & Low Carbon Homes, Octopus Energy
Nigel is passionate about improving homes to benefit our health, our wallets and our planet. Having worked in housing design, construction and manufacturing, Nigel now leads Octopus Energy’s work with housing partners to make full use of low carbon technology to lower and even eliminate energy bills.
When combined with Octopus Energy's customer service, this helps unlock more sustainable energy for customers globally.