Energy & Utility Skills Group joins expert consortium to accelerate next phase of the UK Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan

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Energy Networks Association (ENA) and BEAMA have appointed Energy & Utility Skills as part of a consortium to deliver the next phase of the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan. We will work alongside leading energy consultancies LCP Delta, EA Technology and Frontier Economics.

This phase builds on last year’s interim report, which identified more than £100 billion in required investment, the potential to support tens of thousands of additional jobs by 2050, and the foundations for the wider net zero economy to contribute billions to the UK economy.

Developed on behalf of ENA and BEAMA, the Sector Growth Plan will demonstrate the electricity networks sector’s contribution to the UK economy. In particular, it will consider how the sector strengthens the UK supply chain for products and services, and how it creates high-quality jobs while improving energy security. It will also set out a comprehensive roadmap for delivering benefits.

The growth plan will also explore the UK’s potential to become a world leader in network technology, capabilities and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), building on the sector’s existing strengths. This would amplify the economic benefits and position the UK industry for export opportunities.

In this phase, the consortium will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s current capacity, future growth opportunities and barriers to delivery. This will include a detailed assessment of supply chains, skills pipelines, investment pathways and the policy environment. By working closely with industry stakeholders, the consortium will identify critical gaps, prioritise interventions and develop a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure the sector can scale at pace.

Together, the consortium brings complementary strengths across forecasting, economic modelling, network planning and workforce intelligence:

  • Energy & Utility Skills will provide our industry‑leading workforce intelligence across transmission, distribution and the wider supply chain.
  • LCP Delta are specialists in power market forecasting, network modelling, investment analysis, strategic advisory, and delivering large, multi-stakeholder projects.
  • EA Technology are leaders in electricity network innovation and critical electrical infrastructure solutions.
  • Frontier Economics are experts in network regulation and Green Book-
    compliant economic impact assessments.

Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement, said:

“Energy & Utility Skills is proud to be leading the workforce analysis and research for this next phase of the Sector Growth Plan. Preparing the electricity networks sector for the scale of growth forecast requires an in-depth understanding of current capability and the future skills needed to deliver it. By bringing robust evidence, insight and industry engagement to this work, we aim to provide a clear roadmap that ensures the sector can build, attract and retain the skilled workforce essential for long-term success.”

Tom Veli, Head of Networks at LCP Delta and Project Lead, said:

“Britain’s electricity networks provide the foundation for secure, clean energy and act as the engine for long-term economic growth. The Sector Growth Plan is about turning ambition into action, creating clarity around investment, strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring we have the skilled workforce required to deliver at scale.

“We are proud to be supporting BEAMA, ENA and the entire industry in unlocking this major economic and workforce opportunity.”

David Mills, Head of Consulting at EA Technology, said:

‘‘EA Technology are pleased to be part of the consortium delivering the Sector Growth Plan, helping to shape a strategic, evidence-based roadmap that ensures our networks are future-ready.  We are proud to bring our experience and analysis to this project, especially as the energy networks undergo a period of accelerated change.”

Claire Thornhill, Director at Frontier Economics, said:

“Frontier is very pleased to support this important work. Understanding the economic impact of investment in electricity networks can help ensure that wider benefits to the UK are delivered through the programme.”

The final Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan is due to be published in summer 2026 providing a key blueprint for how the sector will support the UK’s net zero transition and long-term economic growth.

About LCP Delta

LCP Delta™ is a trading name of Delta Energy & Environment Limited and Lane Clark & Peacock LLP (LCP). LCP Delta™ combines the expertise of LCP Energy and Delta-EE to provide a single partner across the whole energy value chain. We are a team of passionate people using data, primary research, insights, analysis and models, embracing advanced technology and innovation to accelerate the energy transition globally. Find out more here.

About EA Technology

Originating in 1966 as a groundbreaking research and development organisation serving the electricity industry, EA Technology is a global provider of power engineering solutions, supporting customers in delivering safe, reliable, resilient and efficient electricity networks. Recognised as a world-leading expert, EA Technology works collaboratively with partners across the energy, utilities, infrastructure and associated sectors to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy system.

Focused on network reliability and resilience, grid access and asset investment optimisation, EA Technology helps electricity network owners and operators improve performance, unlock capacity and ensure investment delivers maximum value. Combining deep engineering expertise with advanced analytics and digital innovation, the organisation enables safer operation, faster connections and future-ready networks.

About Frontier Economics

Frontier Economics is an employee-owned, independent economic consultancy, with offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris and Prague. We advise governments, regulators and major companies on complex questions relating to policy and strategy.

Further information about Frontier is available at www.frontier-economics.com

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