SSEN Transmission's Independent Stakeholder Group, previously know as the Network for Net Zero Stakeholder Group, was established in August 2020 with the aim of providing SSEN Transmission with expert challenge, feedback and opinion on topics presented for discussion.
This group was specifically established to understand the processes and methods used by SSEN Transmission to fulfil the regulatory objectives of RIIO-T2 price control and assess the degree to which the T2 business plan was co-created and supported by stakeholders.
In early 2023, the Network for Net Zero Stakeholder Group began to scrutinise the process, content development and stakeholder engagement for the RIIO-T3 business plan (2026-2031) as part of its remit from SSEN Transmission.
In the autumn of 2023, Ofgem’s Future System and Network Regulatory (FSNR) framework decision was published mandating the establishment of Independent Stakeholder Groups (ISGs) for Transmission Owners. ISGs are expected to provide formal challenge and scrutiny on RIIO-T3 plan development as well as the implementation of the plan thereafter. It was agreed with Ofgem that the existing Network for Net Zero Stakeholder Group fulfils the ISG role and will hold SSEN Transmission to account on delivering the commitments made in the RIIO-T3 plan settlement.
-
Tracey Matthews
Chair
Tracey is an experienced Executive within the utilities industry. She is highly skilled in Business Planning, Operations Management, Business Transformation and Programme Management. Tracey is the independent Chair of the SSEN Transmission RIIO-2 Network for Net Zero Group and is Chair of the SSEN Distribution RIIO-2 Powering Communities to Net Zero Group providing independent scrutiny of the delivery of RIIO-2 price control business plans and development of the RIIO3 period business plans. This scrutiny has a particular focus on the enhanced stakeholder engagement programmes and the value being delivered to customers and consumers. Tracey has a non-executive portfolio and is currently a non-executive on the Board of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Energy and Utility Skills Group Ltd., and Transport for Greater Manchester.
-
Geoff Aitkenhead
Member
Geoff was the Asset Management Director at Scottish Water for 14 years to July 2016. Since then, Geoff has maintained his involvement in the field of asset management, including investment delivery through independent consultancy roles including work with Scottish Water International and Southern Water. Geoff has also been active in the field of leadership development as an associate of Ceannas. Geoff was a well-respected member of the RIIO-T2 User Group and was also an active member on the SSEN Distribution Customer Engagement Group, during the ED2 price control period.
-
Claire Mack
Member
Claire is currently CEO of Scottish Renewables, a member organisation dedicated to strengthening business relationships, and utilising Scotland’s abundant natural resources to secure a future that will deliver on jobs, investment, energy security and climate change. Claire has a wealth of experience in Stakeholder Management and Engagement, Business Strategy, Policy and Change Management. Claire was former Director of Policy and Place at Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Ofcom, the communications regulator in the UK.
-
Doug McAdam
Member
Doug has spent the last 30 years in private commercial businesses across the aviation, utilities/facilities management, energy and land management sectors, both internationally and in the UK. From 2006 to 2017 he was CEO of Scottish Land & Estates representing land owning and rural businesses across Scotland. Doug now runs his own consultancy business and currently sits on a number of public and private boards including chairing Wild Deer Best Practice Scotland and the South Grampian Deer Management Group. Previously Doug was a member of both the RIIO-T2 User Group and the SSEN Stakeholder Advisory Panel.
-
Julian Leslie
Member
Julian is the Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at NESO (National Energy System Operator). As a chartered engineer with three decades of transmission system operation, planning and investment experience, Julian’s role is to prepare Great Britain’s electricity network for net zero operation, defining future network needs so that market and network owners can invest in the right technology solutions at the right time. Julian is also developing whole energy system plans on a national and regional basis.
-
Rachel Grant
Member
Rachel is Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), having previously worked as ONR’s Head of Policy. Rachel is responsible for a multi-site team of policy, communications and change professionals to ensure effective policy advice and influence across ONR and with government departments, agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Rachel has worked in a variety of policy, strategy, and programme management roles across government and regulators including the Cabinet Office, Home Office, and the Health and Safety Executive, and holds an LLB law honours degree.
-
Network for Net Zero Stakeholder Group - 2023 Annual Report.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 28 May 2024
- Size:
- 11.6 MB
-
Terms of Reference October 2024.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 13 November 2024
- Size:
- 384.9 KB
Victoria Murchie
Stakeholder Engagement Manager & SSEN Transmission's Independent Stakeholder Group Secretariat

- Email: transmission.stakeholder.engagement@sse.com
- Telephone: 01738 340658
- Address: Grampian House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3GH