Dumfries & Galloway Local Retires After 40 Years at SP Energy Networks
A Dumfries & Galloway stalwart has hung up his hard hat after spending the last four decades keeping the lights on across the region.
After more than 40 years at SP Energy Networks, Kenny Bowie is now reflecting on how the south of Scotland’s electricity network has been transformed during that time for customers and communities.
Kenny joined the energy company in 1984 as a Craft Apprentice Fitter, before working his way up through numerous roles to Head of Planning and Design and then District General Manager in Dumfries. He served in the DGM role for three years before retiring, with Stuart McConnachie taking over in 2025.
Kenny saw firsthand the transformation of the energy network in the south of Scotland – from connecting some of the region’s first windfarms bringing clean, green energy on to the grid to new cutting-edge technology helping engineers spot network faults before they even happen.
Kenny’s career at the company spanned 41 years, a remarkable milestone that stands alongside the achievements of 35 colleagues in the region who recently celebrated 30 years at SP Energy Networks. Together, their dedication has played a vital role in powering lives and helping the south of Scotland produce clean, green energy for generations to come.
Kenny Bowie, retired District General Manager at SP Energy Networks in Dumfries said: “I’ve seen firsthand how SP Energy Networks and ScottishPower have been shaping energy and powering communities across the south of Scotland for decades and I’m honoured to have been a part of it.
“From connecting rural homes and bringing together the best engineering teams during storms to restore power as quickly as possible, through to teaching local children about electrical safety and supporting young people into a lifelong career, I’ve enjoyed every minute. In 2019, I was honoured to receive the ScottishPower Community Champion Award, and to this day it remains a really special moment for me.
“I’m proud to pass the baton to Stuart McConnachie and the brilliant team that works tirelessly across the region to keep electricity flowing. With incredible upgrades due in the coming years, we’re going to see even more exceptional innovation and a modern, smart, reliable and resilient network that will help local communities as they head towards a cleaner and greener future.”
Stuart – the new District General Manager at SP Energy Networks in Dumfries – has worked closely with Kenny over the last 30 years and, like his former boss, joined SP Energy Networks as an apprentice.
Since then, he’s worked in the specialist Live Lines Hands-On team, coordinated major projects, and championed operational safety and delivery.
Stuart said: “This is a really exciting time for the south of Scotland with more than £56 million investment being pumped into our distribution network until 2028, with further investment to come. This will make a real and long-lasting difference for the 126,000 homes and 8,000 businesses we serve across the south of Scotland.
“I know I’ve got big boots to fill, and Kenny will be sorely missed by the team. I look forward to building on the brilliant work led by Kenny over the last 40 years to keep doing our best for the people of the south of Scotland.”
Kenny added: “I’m really looking forward to making the most of retirement; spending more time with family and friends; and being on the other side of a storm when it hits! I will be eternally grateful to SP Energy Networks for giving me such a fulfilling and rewarding career. It really has been amazing, but it’s now time for the next chapter.”
In addition to the £56 million being invested in the local electricity distribution network to 2028; SP Energy Networks is also investing £12 billion in its transmission network across central and southern Scotland over the next five years as the country moves towards an all-electric future.
