Northern Ireland’s independent electricity transmission operator SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) welcomes the arrival of Jo Aston as its new Managing Director.

Ms. Aston joins SONI from the Utility Regulator, where she most recently served as Director of Wholesale Energy Regulation for more than five years. In this role, she was responsible for the regulation of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on the island, in partnership with the electricity regulator in the Republic of Ireland.

Last year Ms. Aston led a fundamental redesign of the Single Electricity Market, involving the introduction of new arrangements to increase both competition and downward pressure on prices.

Prior to her work in the regulation of electricity Ms. Aston was director of water regulation for seven years. She is a graduate of Queens University, Belfast, is a chartered civil engineer and has worked in the private and public sectors.

Mark Foley, EirGrid Group Chief Executive Officer said: “Jo’s experience spans all aspects of the utility business, from managing a team of professional designers and directing a large operational workforce, to overseeing the development of Public Private Partnerships.

“It is a genuinely exciting time for Jo to lead SONI. She has the skills to carry out this role to a very high standard, at an important time, and we are pleased to have her expertise.

“Jo understands the critical role that SONI plays in developing, operating and managing the Northern Irish power system. I am confident she will ensure that SONI continues to deliver benefits to businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland.”

Ms. Aston commented: “I am delighted to join the impressive team at SONI as the new Managing Director. This is a period of rapid transition for the energy sector across Northern Ireland and SONI is playing a pivotal role as we move to a low-carbon economy.”