Panelists from Energy UK and Arqiva outlined how ED-3 will demand smarter, more secure, and more resilient distribution networks amid rapid electrification, growth, and climate-driven volatility. Key pressures include network readiness, cybersecurity as a national security issue, and systemic resilience that spans IT/OT, processes, skills, and interdependent utilities (notably telecoms).
Building a more resilient network – How DNOs can stay connected & ED3-ready
Panelists from Energy UK and Arqiva outlined how ED-3 will demand smarter, more secure, and more resilient distribution networks amid rapid electrification, growth, and climate-driven volatility. Key pressures include network readiness, cybersecurity as a national security issue, and systemic resilience that spans IT/OT, processes, skills, and interdependent utilities (notably telecoms).
DNOs must shift from long-term, rigid plans to adaptive, data-driven operations, increase real-time monitoring and control, and scale data management while sharing standardized, digestible network data with industry to reduce blind spots and guide investment.
Collaboration across DNOs should deepen to align practices and improve reputations. Supply-chain partnerships will be vital to bridge skills gaps and accelerate delivery; examples include Arqiva’s managed connectivity that blends cellular and satellite for assured OT communications and risk transfer, with interest growing in enterprise-grade LEO for higher throughput and lower latency.
Success in ED-3 hinges on outcome-focused design, resilience embedded end-to-end, and transparent engagement with customers and peers.
DNOs must shift from long-term, rigid plans to adaptive, data-driven operations, increase real-time monitoring and control, and scale data management while sharing standardized, digestible network data with industry to reduce blind spots and guide investment.
Collaboration across DNOs should deepen to align practices and improve reputations. Supply-chain partnerships will be vital to bridge skills gaps and accelerate delivery; examples include Arqiva’s managed connectivity that blends cellular and satellite for assured OT communications and risk transfer, with interest growing in enterprise-grade LEO for higher throughput and lower latency.
Success in ED-3 hinges on outcome-focused design, resilience embedded end-to-end, and transparent engagement with customers and peers.
Speakers
- Charles Wood, Deputy Director of Policy, Energy UK
- John Lillistone, Director of Market Development & Go-to-Market Strategy, Arqiva
- Russell Williams, Senior Product Manager, Arqiva
"There’s under 1,000 working days until 2030 now, so in the near term we really need to see a drastic change to pull in all the expertise available so networks can make a swift transition to new technologies while building long‑term in‑house capability."
Charles Wood
Deputy Director of Policy, Energy UK
