Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has appointed independent regulation expert Tracey Barlow to head up its new RIIO-T2 User Group.
As the company prepares for the next electricity transmission price control period from 2021, the new group will play a key role in scrutinising and providing independent, expert challenge to the development and delivery of SSEN Transmission’s business plan. Established as part of Ofgem’s call for networks companies to put stakeholders at the heart of their decision-making process, it will conduct this enhanced engagement as part of the preparations.
In her role as chair, Barlow will lead fellow members with specialist interest in the development of the transmission network in the north of Scotland, including representatives of network users and stakeholders such as generators, DNOs, customers and large energy users.
As an independent consultant specialising in business transformation in the energy, transport and utility sectors for blue chip organisations, she is currently chairperson of AGT Ltd and deputy chairman of the UK Rail Regulator.
Welcoming the appointment, Colin Nicol, Managing Director of Networks at SSEN said: “As a candidate with strong leadership experience within the energy, transport and utility markets, especially in the field of regulation, we believe Tracey will bring a wealth of independent expertise and insight to the role.
“The user group feedback will be extremely important for SSEN Transmission’s future plans and will shape how we operate, engage and invest in our network and our customers from 2021 onwards. We look forward to working with and listening closely to Tracey and the User Group’s views as our RIIO-T2 business plan progresses.”
Barlow said she was delighted to take up the role and to reflect the priorities of users and stakeholders of SSEN’s SHE (Scottish Hydro Electric) Transmission in the business plan for the next regulatory period. The aim, she said, was “to ensure the right outcomes will be achieved and investment is targeted on enhancing the sustainability of the network”.
“I am impressed with the commitment the SHE Transmission business is showing towards engaging with the user group. I want to draw upon the stakeholder community over the next month to establish a representative group which will ensure the upcoming business plan reflects the needs of current and future users”
A recruitment campaign for group members will launch shortly.