‘STEaPP Chat’ is our new format of short chats with researchers, educators, and policy advisors, showcasing the work we do at the Department of Science Technology Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) of University College London (UCL). The 20-30 min long chats will not only demonstrate how academic work ties into the world of policymaking, attempting to improve peoples’ lives, but also shows why we teach what we teach. Episode 1 of 'STEaPP Chat' hosted by Andreas and featuring Yacob Mulugetta, Professor of Energy and Development Policy at STEaPP, discusses network infrastructures for essential services in the development context.