We're creating an independent Innovation Advisory Board

We have announced plans to establish what would be the first Innovation Advisory Board of its kind in the UK distribution network sector, bringing together independent expertise from across industry, technology and academia to help shape our future innovation priorities.

The announcement was made at Living Innovation, an event we hosted at London's Science Museum with a keynote speech from Ofgem Chair Mark McAllister. Leaders from across energy, technology, regulation and industry came together to explore how successful ideas can be scaled into practical outcomes for customers.

Cordi O'Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution delivering the opening speech.

Cordi O'Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:

"Delivering the network our customers and communities need is not something we can do alone. It requires us to think differently, work collaboratively across sectors, and move faster in turning good ideas into real-world outcomes.

"For us, innovation is not about running more pilots. It is about focusing on the challenges that matter most, learning from others, and scaling what works.

"Our new Innovation Advisory Board will bring together independent expertise from across sectors to challenge our thinking and ensure our efforts remain focused on delivering tangible benefits for customers, communities and the wider energy system. I look forward to what we can achieve together."

Mark McAllister, Chair of Ofgem, said:

"At Ofgem we are focused on making sure innovation translates into real improvements in how networks plan, operate and connect customers, so the system is more efficient, resilient and affordable.

"The discussions at Living Innovation showed the value of bringing the right people together to turn that progress into practical delivery."

Mark McAllister, Chair of Ofgem providing the keynote address.

Laura Sandys CBE, Chair of the Energy Networks Innovation Taskforce, said:

"There has never been a more important time to turn innovation into business as usual to unlock value for customers and unlock growth. That is what the Energy Networks Innovation Taskforce was established to support.

"It's encouraging to see organisations across and beyond the sector leaning into that challenge and working together to turn ambition into action. Living Innovation is a positive signal of that intent, and plans for an Innovation Advisory Board show a real commitment to delivering on that ambition."

Phil Steele, Future Technology Evangelist at Octopus Energy, said:

"Innovation isn't about running more projects. It's about creating a culture where people are encouraged to challenge assumptions, find better ways to solve real problems for customers and then scale what works.

"One of the most encouraging things about Living Innovation was the willingness to bring together different perspectives and learn from outside traditional industry boundaries. Events like this matter because they create the space for honest conversations, fresh thinking and new partnerships."

The board will provide independent challenge and insight as new ideas are developed, tested and scaled, helping us focus our innovation efforts on areas that deliver the greatest value for customers and communities.

Left to right: Phil Steele Future Technology Evangelist Octopus Energy, Laura Sandys Innovate UK Chair, Marzia Zafar Deputy Director of Digitalisation and Innovation at Ofgem and Emily Spearman Director of Innovation at National Grid Electricity Distribution on the Defining the Innovation Challenge panel. 

Establishing the Innovation Advisory Board is one of the ways we intend to turn the discussions from Living Innovation into action. Throughout the day, speakers explored how organisations can learn from other sectors, accelerate the adoption of successful ideas and work together to tackle shared challenges.

Discussions drew on perspectives from regulation, technology, industry and international case studies, including examples from Australia and the United States where innovation is already delivering benefits for customers and communities.

Living Innovation is intended to be the first in a series of events designed to bring together experts from across industry, technology, regulation and academia to help shape the future of innovation.

Left to Right: Roisin Quinn COO at National Grid Electricity Distribution, Dermot Nolan Non-Executive Director at the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), Jodie Giles Director of the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund at Innovate UK, Adam Parr Former CEO and Chairman of Williams F1 and Cathy McClay, Managing Director, National Grid Distribution System Operator taking part in the From Ambition to Customer Impact panel session.