Regina Finn announced as Independent Panel Chair at National Grid’s Distribution System Operator
We have announced Regina Finn as the chair of our newly formed Distribution System Operator (DSO) Panel.
This independent panel will play a vital role in the future development of the DSO and is being set up to both advise and challenge – ensuring the company remains focussed on developing a smart and flexible network that facilitates decarbonisation at the right time and cost for its customers and communities.
An experienced chief executive, strategic leader, and independent chair with experience across regulation, competition, and consumer policy in the UK and beyond, Regina brings with her considerable experience and insight.
Her sector expertise includes infrastructure, water, energy and telecommunications.
Regina was the first Chief Executive of Ofwat, the water regulator for England and Wales, where she was instrumental in embedding customer engagement into the regulatory regime. She also headed up the Commission for Energy Regulation in Ireland, as well as the Office of Utility Regulation in the Channel Islands. Regina has a deep interest and passion for enabling net zero and is Chair of the Low Carbon Contracts Company and the Electricity Settlement Company. Both companies play a key role in the delivery of the UK's clean, sustainable, and affordable energy goals.
Commenting on her appointment Regina said: “The role of the DSO in decarbonising our electricity system is crucial. Distribution networks need to be smart, intelligent, and agile. They can harness the power and flexibility of both producers and consumers to maximise efficiency and minimise costs. I am excited to be part of this journey and support NGED to deliver on the vision of a DSO that creates real value for its customers, its stakeholders, and the environment.”
Ben Godfrey, Director of the Distribution System Operator, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Regina to the role of Independent Panel Chair. Her wide-ranging experience and strategic mindset will really help us steer the DSO to ensure we are delivering real value for our customers and communities on our journey to decarbonisation.”
Also commenting on the appointment, Cordi O’Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Regina is a strong and experienced leader and I have every confidence that she will advise and challenge the DSO to ensure it is performing to the best of its ability.
“The distributed electricity network has changed significantly in recent years and the DSO is the best tool in our armoury as we anticipate growth, provide flexibility, increase capacity and drive value for customers. Regina will be a key player in helping us achieve those goals.”
Regina will make her first appearance as the Independent DSO Panel Chair at NGED’s DSO Governance event on 31 January 2024, with the wider DSO Panel membership intending to meet for the first time in March 2024.