We've appointed Sharon Darcy as the new Chairperson of SSEN Distribution's Independent Stakeholder Group (ISG), following Tracey Matthews’ retiral.
A qualified accountant, Sharon has over 20 years’ experience in policy and regulatory roles, including as former CEO of the leading think-tank Sustainability First. She currently holds Non-Executive Director roles for organisations including Energy Saving Trust, CHEM Trust and Portsmouth Water.
The ISG is playing a critical role in shaping our plans for the upcoming ED3 price control, and helping assess the strength and quality of our engagement with customers and stakeholders. As Chairperson, Sharon will lead fellow ISG members in independent scrutiny and critical thinking to support the further development of our business plan for the five-year period from 2028 to 2033.
Supporting - and scrutinising - our continued ED3 leadership
Ensuring the views of stakeholders are both heard – and acted upon – is a key priority for us. At SSEN Distribution, we're already demonstrating leadership through our ED3 approach; we were the first Districution Network Operator to outline our emerging thinking for the ED3 price control. As this work continues, we'll continue to persuasively and clearly set out its long-term vision for how local electricity networks can deliver decarbonisation, unlock economic growth and drive wider consumer value.
Commenting on her appointment, Sharon Darcy said:
“I’m really happy to take up the role of chairperson of SSEN Distribution’s Independent Stakeholder Group. Tracey Matthews, who’s the outgoing Chairperson, has done a great job in building a high-powered and knowledgeable group, and I’m really looking forward to working with them, and the wider SSEN Distribution team.
“This is an exciting - yet critical - time for Distribution networks. To support further economic growth and the delivery of our shared decarbonisation goals, significant investment is needed. At the same time, many of SSEN Distribution’s customers face real cost of living and financial pressures.
“The ISG is key to ensuring the interests of SSEN Distribution’s stakeholders shape the company’s decision making, strengthening the ED3 business plan and building confidence in the process.”
SSEN Distribution’s Managing Director, Chris Burchell said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Sharon as Chair of our Independent Stakeholder Group as we progress and complete our RIIO-ED2 commitments and look ahead to the further, positive change we can deliver in ED3 for the customers and communities we serve.
“We fully place high value on listening and acting on the needs of our customers and stakeholders to help inform our priorities and plans - and I’d like to thank our outgoing Chair, Tracey Matthews for her dedication, contribution and support over the past five years. In that time, the influence of our ISG has been clear in helping us develop our thinking and strategies for customers – Tracey has made a big difference.
“Sharon’s wealth of experience, alongside that of her fellow ISG members, will ensure our future plans continue to be fully informed by customers and stakeholders and I’m looking forward to working with her and the chairs of our other stakeholder groups, the Inclusive Service Panel and DSO Advisory Board, to act on insights and learnings and create a strong stakeholder-led business plan for ED3.”