DSO Stakeholder Panel

Craig Morley serves as the Energy Manager at Bruntwood, a prominent commercial property company deeply invested in sustainability and innovation within the real estate sector. With a background rich in energy management and a forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability, Morley is steering Bruntwood's efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

His involvement with the Energy Innovation Agency further underscores Bruntwood's dedication to sustainability, showcasing their proactive approach to retrofitting buildings, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering a sustainable environment for their customers and the wider community. 

Gareth Candlin is a driven professional serving as the Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth at Westmoreland and Furness Council over seeing planning, economic development and housing delivery with 15 years’ experience in the field. With a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting sustainable development, he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that support both environmental resilience and the affordable homes for communities within Westmorland and Furness. Gareth utilises his expertise and strategic thinking to guide the council's efforts in driving inclusive growth and prioritising sustainable practices. His leadership and collaborative approach enable him to work closely with stakeholders, community groups, and government bodies to create a positive impact on the overall well-being of the region.

Greg Dodd is currently serving as the Regulation and Strategic Planning Director at Northern Gas Networks (NGN) with over 15 years of experience within the utilities industry. Dodd's expertise lies in asset and risk management and strategic decision-making. Prior to his current position, Dodd held strategic roles within NGN, including Head of Strategic Planning and Head of Asset Strategy. His focus is on driving business improvements, strategic planning for achieving net zero and enhancing customer service, safety, and environmental resilience. Throughout his career, Dodd has demonstrated a commitment to whole-system thinking and collaboration, utilising strong leadership skills and knowledge of the UK-regulated utility industries to drive strategic initiatives aligned with business goals and the shift towards sustainable energy.

James Johnson has over 20 years of experience in sustainable energy and environmental policy. As Head of Regional Programme for the North West Net Zero Hub he participates in the North West of England’s journey towards the UK's net zero goals. He leads a team that provides expert advice, manages grant programs, and promotes net zero initiatives. Previously, James worked as a consultant within the construction sector, demonstrating a consistent commitment to sustainable solutions. His expertise in building services design, policy and regulation, project management, and stakeholder engagement helps him champion the rapid changes needed to meet national and regional climate plans.

With a BSc in Fuel & Energy and an MSc in Renewable energy, Kate has experience and expertise across all renewable energy technologies and a passion for delivering Net Zero. Kate believes that not only is Net Zero of strategic importance, in terms of CO₂ savings and climate change mitigation, but also with the increased urgency around the UK's Energy security, added to the pressing requirement to dramatically reduce the cost of energy and alleviate the pressure of price shocks. With years of experience, Kate brings a whole system thinking perspective to our Net Zero transition. Kate is a great advocate for Hydropower, which she believes is the workhorse of renewable energy. With little visible impact, it continues to power communities year after year, decade after decade and with further support, it could continue to grow as a sector, bringing further benefits to the UK energy transition.

Matt Fawcett is a co-founder of Carbon Co-op, an energy services and advocacy co-operative, based in Greater Manchester. Matt leads the organisations Energy Systems Team, overseeing the development of our smart meter data service, our home energy management system and OpenADR flexibility service. A long term advocate of open technologies and community-based approaches to energy transition challenges, he is active within LF Energy, convened by the Linux Foundation, he also runs Manchester's long running EcoHome Lab householder meetup

Masdar Arlington Energy develops, constructs and operates battery storage assets across the UK. Meriel heads up the development of the in-house 3GWh+ portfolio from inception to construc-tion. Meriel has M&A experience, acquiring project rights as well as operational assets. Meriel has supported the successful raise of senior debt financing by developing bankable projects.

More recently, she has been engaging with regulators to provide insight into how the electricity sector is applying policy, with a view to making the policy that governs the industry better and more effective. There has been specific focus on addressing the whole system approach to ensure an increase in the penetration of renewables and flexible assets.

In his role at Lancashire County Council Jonathan acts as the lead officer in the county's decarbonisation efforts and in supporting clean and green growth. He has previously held a number of director level roles in local and central government, many of which were focused on delivering local renewable energy projects.