SONI Appoints New Independent Board Members

SONI Limited (System Operator for Northern Ireland) has appointed new independent Board members.

The four new Board members are Dr Peter McNaney CBE (Chair), Peter Ewing, Angela Love and Charlie Villar.

Appointing new independent Board members marks the first major milestone in the implementation of a decision made by the Utility Regulator which required changes in SONI’s Transmission System Operator licence.

As Northern Ireland's Transmission System Operator (TSO), SONI plans and manages the electricity transmission system to ensure power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed. The company also plans the upgrades to the grid to support the delivery of the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy.


Alan Campbell, SONI Managing Director, said: "SONI ensures the safe and secure flow of electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. The appointment of our new Board marks a new and exciting milestone in our journey as Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator.

"At this crucial time in the energy transition, our team looks forward to working with the new Board members, who each bring considerable expertise and experience, to drive forward our mission to deliver a cleaner energy future for everyone in Northern Ireland."

Newly appointed SONI Chair and former Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, Dr Peter McNaney CBE, said: "Northern Ireland has made significant progress over the last number years and has been highly successful to date in the integration of renewable energy onto the electricity grid, and SONI has played a key role in this progress. In the coming years, delivering the challenging ambitions set by the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and Climate Change Act is going to require a step change in intensity of ideas, collaboration, and delivery within the energy industry and beyond.

"Along with the other new members of the Board, I look forward to working with the team in SONI to deliver its vision for the future and ensuring it can thrive as a successful Transmission System Operator for the benefit of consumers, local communities, businesses and farms across Northern Ireland."