On 7 November, we heard the sad news that Western Power Distribution chief executive Robert Symons had passed away at the age of 65, following a battle with cancer.
Symons was well known for being outspoken, determined, and passionate about the job in hand. Fellow industry leaders described him as an “industry trailblazer” and “tireless champion” of the critical role that network operators play in serving customers and in shaping the UK’s energy future.
He led Western Power Distribution (WPD) – which currently serves 7.9 million customers across the South West, South Wales and the Midlands – through a regulatory price review process that resulted in it being the only electricity or gas distribution company to have its business plan fast-tracked by Ofgem. He was also chairman of the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
A chartered engineer and fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Symons had joined the industry in 1971 as a student engineer with the former South Western Electricity Board (SWEB). He was appointed chief executive of WPD in March 2000 and led its expansion – including the purchase of Hyder in 2000 and Central Networks in 2011.
Symons was driven and had a strong vision for the critical role the energy networks would play in shaping the UK’s energy future. When Utility Week interviewed him in February – just after his appointment as ENA chairman – he spoke fervently about the transition the energy networks are going through to facilitate a low-carbon future.
In a column in July, he wrote about the need for networks to drive forward the shift from a passive to an active system. “The terminology of change – distribution network operator to distribution system operator – doesn’t quite sum up the way I, as an engineer, feel about the challenges we must overcome,” he wrote. “They’re fascinating, stimulating and invigorating – and who better than the distribution network companies to manage them through?”
As Phil Swift, operations director of WPD – who has been appointed to succeed Symons as chief executive – put it: “Robert’s contribution to the success of WPD and to the wider energy industry has been massive, and he will be greatly missed.”
Fellow industry leaders pay tribute to Robert Symons:
Basil Scarsella, chief executive, UK Power Networks
“Robert will be greatly missed. He made a major contribution to ensuring the highest levels of performance in the UK’s energy industry.
“During his 18 years at the helm of Western Power Distribution he strived for continuous improvement and his relentless focus on efficiency was an example to all.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues across the industry at this sad time.”
David Smith, chief executive, Energy Networks Association
“Robert was an industry trailblazer who led Western Power Distribution for many years. Their success is a testament to his dedication and leadership.
“ENA has been privileged to have him as our chairman. I will always be grateful for his support and counsel and will remember his great achievements across his career at both WPD and ENA.
“He made an immense contribution to the whole energy industry and we will miss him greatly.”
Jonathan Brearley, executive director of systems and networks, Ofgem
“I first met Robert when starting at Ofgem. Within minutes, we knew we would get on – we both love the countryside – he lived in the Southwest which is very close to my heart.
“I also realised quickly that he had a huge sense of mischief and would be a force to be reckoned with. Equally, Robert was full of wise words and advice – which I hugely appreciated. I have great respect for him and was very much looking forward to working on RIIO2 in earnest with him.
“Across Ofgem, many of us have worked with him for years. He will be hugely missed – a great loss to the industry as a whole. All of us at Ofgem send our thoughts and condolences to Robert’s wife Teresa and their family.”
John Pettigrew, chief executive, National Grid
“Robert made a real contribution to our industry through his strong leadership of WPD and as chairman of the Energy Networks Association.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Bill Spence, chairman, president and chief executive officer of PPL, WPD’s parent company
“Robert was a force of nature driven to deliver for our customers and never satisfied with the status quo, always challenging the business to reach higher for those it served.
“Those of us who knew Robert well lost a friend and mentor whose passion for success will not be forgotten soon.”
Phil Jones, chief executive, Northern Powergrid
“Robert has been a force of nature when it came to driving better performance for customers.
“He – and the company he has led for so long – has made an enormous contribution to the improvements that network customers are now able to take for granted.”
Colin Nicol, managing director, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
“Robert’s passing is a big loss to the electricity networks industry. He achieved a great deal in his career, both in driving forward WPD and in the impact he had working across the sector as an industry champion.”
Duncan McCombie, WPD Customer Panel member
“Robert was an incredibly kind, genuine and honest person with enthusiasm and energy for improving the industry. WPD will miss him tremendously.”