Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 35 Meet the innovators Q&A What was your rst job in the utilities sector? My rst ever job in the utilities sector was a trainee engi- neer/scholar back in 2005. I was over the moon to have gained a scholarship with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Power Academy during my mas- ter's degree at the University of Strathclyde. Through the IET scholarship, I had the opportu- nity to go on work experience placements with EDF Energy Networks each summer – my favourite of which would have to be the London 2012 Olympic readiness programme. As well as winning me cool points among peers, it was an honour to get a small glimpse of the great minds and importance of teamwork preparing the infrastructure for a world-class sporting event. What is the most signi cant way that today's utilities sector di ers from the one you rst joined? There is so much that has changed! Take electric vehicles (EVs) – when I started in 2010 there were only 2,500 EVs across the UK. Looking today at UKPN's footprint alone, there are 150,000 EVs and using our data forecasting and extensive modelling we forecast up to 355,000 by 2025. Looking beyond to 2028, we predict between 1.6 million and 2.7 million EVs on our networks. What is your golden rule for overcoming challenges at work generally? Be brave, be kind and do it with a smile. My view is if things were easy and without challenge they would not present the same rewarding personal and professional growth opportunities. How would you describe your creative process in three words? Curious, collaborative and captivating. What's the best piece of advice you've been given? A good dose of perseverance and con- viction helps to drive change. These two ring true in meeting the chal- lenge ahead to facilitate net zero. What do you think is the key to creating the conditions for innovation within the utilities sector? Three key things that I have found to have enabled an innova- tion-friendly culture include: Adopting a mentality of continual improvement – as they say, "leave it better than you found it" – and don't stand still, always ask what could be better and learn in time what is and isn't working, and adapt. Empowering others to share their ideas, thoughts, and challenges. Make space in meetings for open dis- cussion and listening sessions. Every individual brings with them their diž erent backgrounds, skills, interests, experience, and exposure and when converged can drive forward meaningful advancements. Embracing and responding to suggestions. It is important all ideas are acted upon, I do not mean that all are put in practice, though they each must be assessed, and for a loop back to the colleague or cus- tomer if it is being taken forward or not, this transpar- ency on "what we are doing" and "what we are not doing and why" is vital so as to encourage colleagues and customers to share their perspectives. What excites you most about the next 10 years in the utilities sector – any trends, tech or speci c innovations? What excites me the most has to be seeing what choices for greener lifestyles are made available to customers. Where, and how these are presented creatively, and how these are designed and made to delight customers. Net zero is an important matter for society and it can be achieved through enjoyment. I remember my amazement years back walking into Ikea to buy a ¡ at pack and they were advertising a solar and storage package ož er for the home. Also, my rst London "green" cab journey with friends, we could not stop staring out of the panoramic roof to catch a glimpse of the London landmarks along our electric journey. So, I am excited to see what, where, and how green choices pop up in the future. As the more they permeate and appear in every day moments demonstrates there is increasing accessibility and equitability for customers to choose green. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the utilities sector at present? It is vital we attract and retain a diverse workforce as people are at the heart of shaping and helping us to suc- cessfully achieve net zero. I would encourage everyone to get involved in out- reach activities and pay it forward. I certainly bene tted from career talks when I was navigating my school, university, and professional career journey. Lynne McDonald is DSO readiness programme manager and local area energy planning manager at UK Power Networks Lynne McDonald from UKPN outlines her anticipation of greener lifestyle options to surprise and delight customers during the net-zero transition. three words? Curious, collaborative and captivating. What's the best piece of advice you've been given? A good dose of perseverance and con- viction helps to drive change. These two ring true in meeting the chal- lenge ahead to facilitate net zero. What do you think is the key to creating the conditions for innovation within the utilities sector?

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