Energy Networks Association names new chairman

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has announced that the chief executive of Northern Powergrid, Phil Jones OBE is its new chairman.

Jones has been in the electricity distribution sector since 1993 and has spent a number of years as an active representative on the Smart Grids Forum and Ofgem’s Sustainable Development Advisory Group.

In addition, he has also led cross-industry work that provided technical advice to the government and Ofgem on the development of networks to support the connection of much larger quantities of distributed generation.

Jones takes over the role following the untimely death of the previous ENA chairman and the chief executive of Western Power Distribution (WPD), Robert Symons, who passed away earlier this month following a battle with cancer.

Jones was also president of the Energy Networks Association between 2008 and 2010 and, in 2007, was awarded an OBE for his services to the industry.

“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow board members and the leadership at ENA to build on the work that Robert Symons was doing before his time in the chair came to a sad and premature end,” said Jones.

“The role that ENA’s members play in delivering Britain’s energy is rapidly changing. The networks have a huge part to play in enabling our customers to be at the centre of the delivery of a smarter, cleaner energy system. It’s a great time to be part of a networks business.”

The chief executive of ENA, David Smith, added: “Having joined Northern Powergrid in 1993, Phil brings 25 years of extensive experience to the role of ENA chairman and indeed has previously served as ENA President between 2008 and 2010.

“I look forward to working closely with him to ensure that we as an industry not only continue to fulfil our responsibility to delivering affordable, reliable energy supplies across the country, but also rise to the opportunities ahead of us as our energy market continues to change in response to decarbonisation.”