Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks has been appointed chair of EURELECTRIC’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) Committee following the March meeting of its Board of Directors.
EURELECTRIC represents the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level. Its mission is to contribute to the development and competitiveness of the electricity industry, to provide effective representation for the industry in public affairs and to promote the role of a low-carbon electricity mix.
Some 2,400 DSOs own and operate the distribution network of power lines and cables across Europe that delivers electricity from transmission networks to homes and businesses. They form the backbone of the European power system, representing 97% of all power lines and collectively employ around 240,000 people. Over the next 10 years, European DSOs are expected to spend £250bn developing smarter grids and improving reliability for around 260 million customers.
Frank has over twenty-five years’ experience working in the energy sector, in both the UK and USA. He is a professional engineer with extensive experience in the operation of gas and electric infrastructures and modern asset management.
Frank is responsible for all aspects of ScottishPower’s network operations across its licensed areas for Transmission in Scotland and for Distribution in Scotland, Merseyside and North Wales. The company manages more than 30,000 substations, over 40,000km of overhead lines and 65,000km of underground cables, connecting 3.5 million homes and businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Frank Mitchell said: “I am very grateful to the Board of Eurelectric for this opportunity and delighted to serve as chair of the DSO committee. Along with the committee, I look forward to promoting the interests of the European power distribution business as we approach new challenges and record levels of investment in Smart grids to support the growing decarbonisation of our energy mix.”
EURELECTRIC Secretary General Hans ten Berge said: “EURELECTRIC is pleased to welcome Frank Mitchell on board. Our DSO work makes up a vital share of our activities in Brussels, be it on smart grids, active system management or network innovation – to name just a few. With so much going on at EU level, we look forward to Frank’s contribution in further strengthening our DSO representation towards EU policymakers, making sure that our sector’s views are heard loud and clear.”