Distribution System Operation

As the North West network operator, it is essential that we facilitate the decarbonisation of transport, heat and our energy system, with minimal increases to customer bills while maintaining high levels of network reliability. Distribution system operation (DSO) refers to the systems and processes needed to operate energy networks in the net zero carbon future. Join our mailing list to keep up to date on the latest news and events.

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Distribution System Operation (DSO) is key to Net Zero. We're planning for the future to meet the needs of our customers by forecasting demand and generation usage, we're able to identify where flexible services can help and understand where reinforcement is needed. We're continually sharing this data to support your decision-making.

Meet Cara Blockley, our Head of Distribution System Operations

Cara has been a valuable member of Electricity North West since 2008. In her role, Cara is responsible for overseeing the network capacity investment programme, regional flexible services, and Distribution System Operation processes. With her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient transition to Distribution System Operation.

Cara is driven by a strong commitment to delivering exceptional performance that exceeds stakeholders' expectations. Her primary focus is to understand the wants and needs of stakeholders and align them with the company's objectives. By doing so, she aims to improve business processes and enhance the visibility of data, enabling Electricity North West to make informed decisions and optimise its operations.

Cara Blockley headshot

The teams behind Distribution System Operation

Christos Kaloudas

Capacity Strategy Lead manager

Christos Kaloudas

Capacity Strategy Lead manager

Christos Kaloudas has been with Electricity North West since 2015 and is currently the Capacity Strategy Lead manager in the Asset & Technology directorate. In his current role, Christos is leading our demand & generation forecasting, the network reinforcement planning and the technical engagement with stakeholders on Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) and other developments. He holds a PhD in power systems and has over 15 years experience in electricity industry and industrial research on power systems in the UK and EU.

Lois Clark

DSO Commercial Strategy Manager

Lois Clark

DSO Commercial Strategy Manager

Lois joined the company in 2014 starting in our operational department, over the years she has developed a wealth of experience and expertise, now playing a pivotal role in shaping our approach to DSO transition. Lois leads our DSO engagement strategy, and commercial strategy, including our flexibility market development activities and the ongoing contractual management of customer capacity. One of Lois' key responsibilities is to lead the delivery of the DSO incentive performance. She also drives the development of flexible connections management and flexible services which is essential for maintaining a reliable and efficient energy network. Continually reviewing them through engagement and consultation with key stakeholders. This proactive approach enables us to adapt and respond to changing stakeholder needs.

Simon Brooke

DSO Compliance & Reporting Manager

Simon Brooke

DSO Compliance & Reporting Manager

Simon is the DSO compliance and reporting manager for Electricity North West’s DSO Directorate and has over 32 years experience in the electricity supply industry working in a range of operational, commercial and regulatory roles. In his current role he is responsible for monitoring and reporting compliance against Electricity North West’s DSO obligations and commitments. Simon’s recent roles include RIIO-ED2 DSO Business Plan lead, capacity strategy manager and regulation manager.

Mike Taylor

Head of customer engagement

Mike Taylor

Head of customer engagement

Mike has worked with electricity networks for over 35 years and has loved every minute. As head of customer engagement for the DSO directorate, Mike is responsible for making sure our customers have all the support and advice they need to adopt low-carbon technologies.

Mike is passionate about clean green energy and new technology and believes it's an exciting time to be in our industry as we all work towards the transition away from fossil fuels.

Documents & Resources

Our electric vehicle strategy sets out the actions we will take to lead and support our customers and wider stakeholders on our journey to decarbonise the region’s transport.

With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the UK’s roads is likely to rise to more than 35 million by 2050, with over three million of these predicted to be within the North West.

As the region’s network operator, it’s our responsibility to plan for the future needs of our customers and stakeholders and prepare the electricity network for the rapid uptake of EVs and associated charging infrastructure needed to support this.

Our EV strategy focuses on five key principles and sets out the actions we will take to facilitate the transition to EVs and make the North West a cleaner, greener place to live and work.

Making it simple - we will make it as simple as possible for our customers to connect their EV charge points to our network
Listening to our customers - we will support and engage with our customers and wider stakeholders to help them decarbonise their transport
Working smart - we will use innovation and investment to prepare our network for the rapid uptake of electric vehicles
Leading by example - we will lead the transition to EVs in our region by identifying opportunities to decarbonise transport in our own business
Playing our part in the national strategy - we will work with the rest of the electricity and transport industries to inform national policy.

While developing our strategy, we have considered and incorporated the customer and stakeholder feedback we have received to date. If you have any further comment on our strategy, please contact us.

pdf Electric vehicle strategy 2021 2.8 MB - 6th Jan 2022