Trisha's Blog: Reflections from the Independent Stakeholder Group: keeping ambition front and centre

At our January meeting, the Independent Stakeholder Group (ISG) came together to reflect on what RIIO-T3 Final Determinations mean in practice — not just on paper, but for the people, communities and consumers affected by NGET’s work. These discussions are happening at a time of notable change and heightened expectations of what electricity transmission infrastructure should deliver beyond keeping the lights on.

One of the strongest themes from the conversation was clarity around commitments. While most RIIO-T3 commitments remain unchanged from the submission of the plan last year, some are affected by funding decisions, and a small number need further consideration. The ISG was clear that where this happens, stakeholders need straightforward explanations of why, what has changed, and what that means in the real world. Ambition shouldn’t disappear just because funding routes change — it needs to remain visible, credible, and well-articulated. Closely linked to this was the need to tailor how commitments are communicated. Different commitments matter to different audiences, and the ISG challenged NGET to avoid a one size fits all approach. A commitment that resonates with local communities will not land in the same way with connected customers, national stakeholders or delivery partners. Being explicit about who a commitment is for, and why it matters to them, will be key to building trust and understanding.

Another key area of focus was on reopeners. which enables transmission owners and Ofgem to revisit what new requirements are needed within the price control period. These reopeners will define much of RIIO-T3 — and the process is getting more complex. Our view is simple: clarity early or cost later. Roadmaps must become concrete delivery plans, and the machinery of process must not crowd out social, environmental or community value. With the sheer volume of reopeners, ISG input is to target for impact. That means getting in early — at the Eligibility Letter (EL) stage, ` preferably before — when Ofgem first decides whether a project is eligible to proceed and choices are still genuinely open. If heavier requirements are pushed into the EL stage and that stage is moved further along project timelines, the ISG’s ability to influence decisions shrinks accordingly. In parallel, we are ready to provide thematic, portfolio-level challenge where that will lead to better, faster outcomes than project-by-project debate.

We also gleaned the insights shared by Chris Baines, Independent Chair of NGET’s Stakeholder Advisory Group, on the value of leadership rooted in long term thinking, collaboration and early engagement. Chris shared powerful examples of how early,

meaningful engagement with environmental and community voices can improve decisions and public acceptance, even where difficult trade-offs are involved.

Looking ahead, the ISG’s message was consistent: be clear about ambition, be honest about constraints, and be confident in the wider value NGET’s infrastructure can deliver. Independent challenge isn’t about slowing progress — it’s about helping make sure progress lands in the right place.

— Trisha McAuley OBE, Chair, NGET ISG