- New depots switched on by Aurora as part of rapid UK electrification rollout
- Hundreds of zero-emission buses to be powered by upgraded grid connections
- Latest additions expand partnership footprint nationwide
We at Aurora Utilities, the independent distribution network operator (IDNO), are accelerating Stagecoach Group’s zero-carbon transition, energising a growing number of bus depots across the UK as part of a major electrification programme.
Sites now live include Aldershot, Arbroath, Ardrossan, Ash Grove, Barking, Barnstaple, Bow, Bromley, Cheltenham, Dover, Dundee, Exeter, Gloucester, Kilmarnock, Leyton, St Andrews and Torquay.
Aurora’s expanded network upgrades will enable capacity for around 1,330 new electric buses – representing more than 16% of Stagecoach’s total UK fleet – and marking a major step forward in the operator’s electrification plans. The programme will cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year while modernising depot infrastructure across the country.
Aurora is adopting and operating the new grid connections required to power high-capacity EV charging infrastructure, enabling faster, more flexible connections at scale.
The London depots – including Ash Grove, Barking, Bow, Bromley and Leyton – are aligned with Transport for London’s ambition for all London facilities and public transport to run on renewable energy by 2030.
Simon Reilly, CEO of Aurora, said: “Stagecoach is moving at pace to decarbonise its fleet, and we’re proud to be energising the infrastructure that makes that possible. Each new connection brings hundreds of zero-emission buses closer to reality on UK roads. Our team’s experience and strong relationships with network operators mean we can deliver faster, smarter grid solutions that turn net zero ambitions into operational progress.”
Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management and Infrastructure Director at Stagecoach, added: “Electrifying our nationwide depots is critical to delivering a modern, sustainable public transport network. Aurora’s expertise as an IDNO has allowed us to accelerate new connections, and get more electric buses on the road sooner, lowering our emissions and benefiting the communities we serve through more reliable services.”
Alongside fleet electrification, Stagecoach is investing in battery storage and on-site solar to further reduce reliance on the grid and strengthen energy resilience.
Aurora, licensed by Ofgem in 2024 and backed by a $200 million investment from I Squared, supports transport operators, developers and public sector organisations nationwide with fast, flexible grid connections that power decarbonisation.
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about our work with Stagecoach, and IDNO grid connections and network management support.
