Nikki Pillinger – Specialist Connections Manager

“Knows how to make an attractive connection, and the costly pitfalls to avoid” 

Nikki is one of the most respected and well-liked individuals in the connections community. She has over 11 years of experience in the energy sector, with eight as a specialist in grid connections. At Roadnight Taylor, where she’s worked for the past three years, Nikki manages the end-to-end grid connection process for a broad client base.

With an MSc in Energy Policy from the University of Exeter, she previously led grid teams at British Solar Renewables and GRIDSERVE, delivering connections for utility-scale renewables, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure.

Nikki has overseen the origination, de-risking, and energisation of numerous connections projects, as well as playing a key role in grid-related aspects of project acquisitions and sales. She brings deep technical and commercial insight into what makes a connection viable—and how to avoid costly missteps.

She is co-chair of Regen’s Grid Connections Working Group, and sits on several DNO steering groups and Solar Energy UK’s grid steering group. In these roles she champions best practice and technical and commercial policy improvements to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Beyond her grid work, Nikki is passionate about education and community energy. She lectures at the Centre for Alternative Technology, advises Avalon Community Energy in Glastonbury, and volunteers with local conservation and food initiatives. As a STEM Ambassador and Regen ReWiRE mentor, she supports the next generation — especially women and young people — into careers in sustainability. When she finds spare time, she enjoys hiking, horse riding, and wild swimming.