Responding, David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s gas and electricity network operators said:
“Transforming traditional energy networks with digital innovations is a foundational part of putting customers at the heart of the Net Zero journey. It makes networks smarter, more flexible and more able to manage increases in local renewable generation, green gas, heat pumps and electric vehicles.
"The publication of the Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan along with the Energy Digitalisation Strategy is a huge sign of progress towards the intelligent and adaptive energy system which the energy networks have already begun building.”
Responding to the consultation on the future of the system operator, David continued:
"With considerable digitalisation, decentralisation, and decarbonisation happening across the energy sector to unlock Net Zero, it makes sense to look at the role of the Electricity System Operator in supporting net zero. We'll study this consultation carefully and continue to work with BEIS and Ofgem to develop the future of this role."
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
Press contacts
You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.