The Joint Radio Company (JRC) has become Energy Connect. For more than 60 years we have been working with our members, the electricity and gas companies, as they deploy operational telecommunications infrastructure that enables the safe and secure operation of the energy networks.

As UK energy networks become more complex, digitalised and decarbonised, our new name reflects our increasingly important role at the intersection of energy and telecommunications. We are a not-for-profit, member-owned organisation, supporting energy networks in the UK and Ireland. We work alongside our members in energy transmission and distribution to help them deploy the secure, flexible, resilient and future-proof telecom systems needed to monitor and control the UK’s rapidly changing energy system.

Energy networks are changing

The energy system is becoming more complex.

As the UK pushes towards a low carbon, resilient, secure and sovereign network, increasing numbers of renewables are being integrated into the energy system. This more complex, low-inertia energy network requires even greater visibility and control to ensure the overall stability and availability of the grid.

To keep supply and demand in balance, millions of energy flows now need to be managed and optimised in real time by smart digital technologies, every second of every day.

How do we help?

The resilient communication network underpinning energy infrastructure is the backbone of the future digitalised energy system.

Energy Connect works with its members to design and develop telecoms systems that meet their requirements. We partner with technology providers and academia to highlight the benefits of the latest innovations in wireless technology for the energy sector.

  • Network design

    Network design

    Our specialists provide network and infrastructure design and consultancy services across the full range of operational telecoms technologies – public and private mobile networks, dedicated telemetry solutions, satellite and more.

  • Long-term spectrum access

    Long-term spectrum access

    Radio frequency spectrum is a finite national resource. For six decades, Energy Connect – formerly JRC – has coordinated the spectrum allocated to the energy sector to enable the most efficient use of the limited resources available. 

  • Speaking up for the sector

    Speaking up for the sector

    Energy Connect represents the operational telecoms needs of the energy sector to Ofcom, government bodies and international standards organisations.

  • Sharing knowledge

    Sharing knowledge

    We bring the latest technologies and solutions in operational telecoms to our members through workshops and training events.

Adapting to the new energy landscape

The transition to Clean Power 2030 and a modern, digitalised energy grid is placing significant technical demands on the energy sector’s telecoms infrastructure.

Energy Connect works closely with technology providers, universities and network operators to shape the ubiquitous, high-speed wireless networks needed to keep pace with this rapid change. As the energy landscape transforms, our role in developing operational telecoms and safeguarding radio frequency spectrum has never been more important to UK energy security, sustainability and independence.

News

Keep up to date with the latest news, insights and developments in energy sector telecommunications.

Publications

Read our latest announcements, consultation notifications and responses to Ofcom consultations and other government reports.

Get in touch

Conferences & Workshops

Our conferences and workshops bring together members, policy makers and industry leaders to discuss market developments and the ever-changing telecoms needs of the energy sector.

JRC Annual Seminar Nov 2025

JRC Annual Seminar Nov 2025

Our annual conference for 2025 focused on the theme of delivering flexibility and resilience through digitalisation.