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NETWORK / 5 / APRIL 2017 L E A D E R C O M M E N T Distribution network operators will become distribution system operators: within the industry, that's become accepted wisdom. At Network's Future Networks conference in Birmingham, the DSO transition was top of the agenda, with SP Energy Networks' Colin Taylor labelling it the "biggest change it 60 years", and "crucial to meet our energy system challenges" (p16). DNOs are ahead of the curve. They know it's a matter of survival, and most have started to experiment with the new ways their businesses will have to work. We explore some of these early incarnations of DSO activity on pages 22 and 23, and it's encouraging to see that many of the new activities make sound business sense – Project CLASS, for example, stands on its own feet commercially. It's good news that networks have, collectively, begun to get their heads around the new model. But for the DSO transition to become reality, two important things must happen. The ' rst is well documented – the regulatory and policy system has to adapt to allow power networks greater " exibility. Much of this is already under way, with the Future Power System Architecture project exploring new models of operation, and BEIS's smart systems consultation looking at practical ways to reform the industry. Ministers are set to report their planned next steps this spring, which is not a moment too soon. Networks must be allowed the freedom to evolve if they are to play a full role in the smart power system of the future. The second has received less attention: networks must take stakeholders along with them. DNOs have signed up to the DSO agenda – but are suppliers willing to work with them in new ways? Have customer groups and other stakeholders been kept abreast of the DSO transition and what it could mean for them in ' nancial and practical terms? As SSE's Stewart Reid says on page 9, "bringing the end users on the journey with the industry will be vital". Reid outlines how SSE worked with customers on its New Thames Valley Vision project to help them understand the outputs of the technology trials – an early example of the outreach work that will need to be done. The focus to date has understandably been on the engineering challenges created by adapting to a new breed of power system. But it's never too early to start thinking about the soš er challenges of communication and co-operation. These don't always come easy to networks, but a change of this magnitude cannot be achieved inœisolation. C OMING SO ON ∙ FPSA2 • The future of energy storage • SME Focus • Smart telecoms YOUR NET W ORK Give the people what they want Let us know what projects, technologies and topics you want us to cover Have your say Express your opinions and respond to content by blogging or writing for the magazine A social Network Follow us on Twitter: @Network_mag Email the editor: ellenbennett@fav-house.com The focus to date has understandably been on the engineering challenges created by adapting to a new breed of power system. But it's never too early to start thinking about the soš er challenges of communication and co-operation. These don't always come easy to networks, but a change of this magnitude cannot be Ellen Bennett ellenbennett@fav-house.com