Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network that powers everyday life for 8 million customers, is inviting consultation and debate on the hottest industry topics as part of its 2019 Consultative Roundtable series.

The electricity distributor's executive-led workshop sessions are bringing together bold thinkers from statutory bodies, local authorities, supply chain firms, academics, innovators and members of the public to talk through key topics before Northern Powergrid takes the learnings and ideas into company-wide business planning later this summer.

During the series so far, Northern Powergrid has gathered thinking on:

• The best way to deliver innovation
• Tackling clean air and enabling electric vehicles
• The future of electricity retail
• Heating infrastructure and the challenge of decarbonisation  

               Next week two further events in the series will be held:

• Climate change and resilience. The Cloth Hall, Leeds. Monday 13 May 10am-1pm
• Smart grids and making the most of data. The Barbican Centre, Wednesday 15 May 9.30am-1pm

“The energy landscape is evolving rapidly as new technology becomes available, our nations lifestyle’s change, and we commit to reducing carbon,” explained Siobhan Barton, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Stakeholder Relations. “We must make sure our network is serving the needs of all our 3.9 million properties across our patch. Getting early thoughts about how our local businesses, communities and politicians are approaching these changes in the coming years ensures that we develop a business plan that delivers more for less for our customers.”

So far the roundtable sessions have highlighted some impressive collaborations and bold projects across the area – from the electrification of local authority fleets to the clean air partnerships that span district borders. 

“We’ve generated lively debate and seen willing conversationalists at all the events so far,” continued Siobhan. “Impressive speakers have also kick started our conversations – including Anna Pearson from Royal Mail who shared the fascinating electric journey of the UK’s largest fleet - and at our Climate Change session our thinking will be sharpened by a keynote address from the Met Office’s Caroline Acton. The opinions of all our stakeholders continue to underpin and inform our actions and we're thankful for them taking the time to share their valuable views.”