Prof. David Flynn, Associate Director of CESI, was part of the strategic advisory team of the SP Energy Networks Customer Engagement Group (CEG). Prof. Flynn provide independent analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with data and digitalisation for the energy transition. SPEN will be committing over £3.2B over 5-years in their plans submitted to Ofgem. 

Over the last two years, the CEG has carried out a robust process of providing independent challenge to SP Energy Networks on the approach taken in the business plan for the RIIO-ED2 price control period.

The CEG met monthly to review our proposals before our business plan was submitted to Ofgem in December 2021. They provide us with an important external perspective, feedback, and challenge, and have full access to our emerging thinking and senior directors.

Prof Flynn stated:

Throughout the UK we can see Network Operators doubling their financial commitments to data and digitalisation. We are witnessing one of the most expansive role outs of a cyber physical network. This will create great opportunities for our integrated Whole System ambitions, vital to accelerating decarbonisation in the UK, as well as providing a means to readdress some of the vulnerabilities and asymmetries that exist in today's energy market. 

The CEG met monthly to review our proposals before our business plan was submitted to Ofgem in December 2021. They provide us with an important external perspective, feedback, and challenge, and have full access to our emerging thinking and senior directors.

The CEG Report on the Business Plan of Scottish Power Energy Networks for the RIIO-ED 2 Price Control is available to read, as well as further information on the SP Energy Networks website. 

This investment in data and digitalisation will raise challenges and create some new threats, such as workforce resilience in the UK energy sector for new skills, regulation of digital technologies in the energy market etc., but with collaborative working across the industrial supply chains and with academia, we can help to create an inclusive and decarbonised digital energy economy.