Social DSO

Our vision is to be the leading social distribution system operator (DSO) in Great Britain. A social DSO goes beyond the technical functions of distribution system operation by ensuring a fair and inclusive transition to a net zero carbon future.

Our Social DSO Strategy provides a clear framework for ensuring the energy transition benefits everyone – focusing on decarbonisation, creating economic value but delivering societal benefits at the same time. We call this ‘DSO for good’.

Our strategy outlines how we will transition to distribution system operation through a social business model – a model that ensures fairness, equity and inclusivity and formalises a culture and mindset already embedded in our business.

To ensure our approach is well informed, inclusive and reflective of stakeholder needs we have worked with our customers and stakeholders using a collaborative approach that integrates diverse viewpoints to develop, shape and refine our strategy.

We will continue this engagement with all our stakeholders to improve our approach, build a pipeline of future initiatives, ensuring they are tailored to specific needs and drive long-term social value.

Our goals

As part of our strategy we have developed defined goals to tackle societal issues, enhance community wellbeing and fulfil our responsibilities to customers:

Launching our new improved Community Energy Fund

As part of our Social DSO Strategy we have expanded our Community Energy Fund to distribute investment and opportunities more fairly across the region.

The fund supports investment in clean energy, sustainability and climate-related projects by providing grants to local community groups for initiatives such as community EV charging hubs, battery storage and solar projects.

We have now enhanced the fund to better support community energy groups with matched funding and a structured governance framework that promotes fair access, co-investment and outcome-based support.

This strategic evolution is designed to unlock social value, strengthen local resilience and contribute to flexibility targets by empowering community-led organisations.

As a ‘social DSO’ we will encourage flexibility service providers to contribute part of their payments to the fund. (Our research shows that flexibility services are more likely in urban, wealthier areas where there are higher numbers of low carbon technologies.)

We’re now preparing to allocate funding as part of a pilot involving one to three community initiatives. If you’d like to take part, or if you have a proposal that’s ready to move forward, we’d love to hear from you.

Please register your interest here.