SPEN unveils RIIO2 customer engagement group

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) has unveiled its customer engagement group (CEG), which will scrutinise the network operator’s RIIO2 business plan.

Group chair and former Ofgem director John Howard, who was appointed last August, will meet with the group monthly to oversee the plan, due to come into force in 2023.

The CEG met for the first time in January 2020, where members were introduced to key individuals of the RIIO2 project team before being given an overview of SPEN’s business, customers, regulatory framework and external environment.

The CEG consists of:

Andy Billcliff

A former director of UK Hydropower at RWE Innogy, Billcliff has more than 40 years’ experience in power plant development, construction and operation.

Chris Clark

Managing director of Emtech Energy and chair of the Solar Trade Association, Scotland.

Matthew Cole

Previously Npower’s head of vulnerable customers, Cole is now an independent consultant working in and around the energy industry to help companies achieve positive outcomes for customers in vulnerable circumstances.

Sam Ghibaldan

Has experience in strategy, government, consumer advocacy and utilities regulation and is currently director, customer forum, at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland.

Matthew Hannon

Works as director of research and senior lecturer at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, within the University of Strathclyde’s business school, specialising in low-carbon energy technology and business model innovation.

Teresa Perchard

More than 30 years’ experience of consumer affairs policy and advocacy in a number of markets, including as board member of the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland and director of policy and advocacy at Citizens Advice.

Benny Talbot

Specialising in local supply, energy flexibility and community engagement, Talbot is innovation manager for Community Energy Scotland

Janette Webb

Edinburgh University professor of sociology, co-director of the UK Energy Research Centre, and member of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Energy Scientific Advisory Committee.

Howard said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to assemble such an impressive group of experts to take on this important work. The business plan will be an extensive, technical and complex document requiring sufficient expertise to scrutinise it properly and I am delighted to have been able to attract members with a wealth of experience in the energy industry and beyond.

“Although the group has been newly established, I’ve been struck by the enthusiasm and rigour demonstrated by the group thus far and relish the opportunity to work constructively with both the group, SPEN and the energy regulator Ofgem, over the coming months. This will help ensure the company’s business plan is underpinned by the needs and expectations of its consumers and stakeholders.”

Frank Mitchell, chief executive of SPEN, said: “We have a long track record of engaging with stakeholders on the biggest strategic issues facing the company and we’re fully committed to working transparently and collaboratively with the CEG as we engage on and then develop the plans that will ultimately help our communities transition to the zero-carbon economy.”