Ahead of COP26, which will be held in Glasgow at the end of October, I met with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution to discuss their plans for securing a cost-effective and efficient transition to net zero for Salisbury. At their request, I am sharing the content of our discussion to help local customers engage with the move to net zero in our area.
As the distribution network operator for the Salisbury constituency, SSEN are responsible for maintaining the electricity network and ensuring the power keeps flowing. As our constituency transitions to net zero, SSEN will have a role to play in enabling and supporting the uptake of low carbon technologies - such as electric vehicles and heat pumps – for Salisbury and South Wiltshire’s customers, communities, and businesses.
During the meeting we discussed SSEN’s draft business plan for its upcoming price control, RIIO-ED2. The price control is a review by Ofgem, the energy regulator, of the next five years of planned investment, priorities, and revenues for the UK’s distribution network operators. With the UK’s world-leading commitment to transitioning to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the next price control period, 2023-2028, is an important positioning piece for ensuring we are on the right trajectory.
SSEN is inviting all customers and businesses who are interested in learning more or providing feedback about the plans for the next five years to visit: https://ssenfuture.co.uk/. There, customers will find a copy of the draft business plan, a summarising video, and an online consultation form to provide their views on the plan.
In our meeting, SSEN also outlined its three strategic outcomes for its next price control, which will help build a strong foundation to meet new demand and make decarbonisation a reality for the customers and communities the constituency. The three strategic outcomes were co-created and informed by stakeholders and customers, helping ensure SSEN can deliver a local and inclusive transition to net zero by:
- Prioritising strategic investment in its infrastructure and technology to create the safe, resilient and responsive network that its customers need.
- Providing a valued and trusted service for its customers and communities; empowering them through innovative, data-led energy solutions, inclusive services and tailored support.
- Using collaboration and whole-system thinking to create smart, flexible, local energy networks that accelerate progress towards a net zero world.
It was a pleasure meeting with SSEN and getting a better understanding of their plan for supporting Salisbury today and in creating a net zero tomorrow. I encourage all who are interested to please visit the link above and help inform how Salisbury and South Wiltshire can best prepare for the net zero transition.
