We, Aurora Utilities, the fast-growing Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has launched a new, purpose-built Network Operations Centre that provides real-time visibility of its electricity network and managed assets while generating high-quality operational data to support customers’ resilience, investment and net zero decision-making.
Launched in February 2026, the bespoke, in-house facility gives Aurora’s operations team a single, live view of network performance, and the ability to remotely manage assets centrally. This enables proactive monitoring, faster incident response and clearer communication with customers – all delivered at no additional cost. Using state-of-the-art technology, the centre also produces operational data that helps Aurora customers understand how their assets perform in practice, supporting pricing and investment decisions, evidence-based sustainability reporting and long-term infrastructure planning, including insights into emissions levels.
While network operations centres are well established in transmission and large utility environments, they remain uncommon among IDNOs and are typically outsourced. This latest investment by Aurora therefore represents a step change in service for customers operating in energy-intensive, 24/7 or mission-critical environments, including data centres, major industrial and commercial facilities and national transport hubs.
This substantial investment in our asset operations facility significantly strengthens our in-house capabilities, positioning it to better support customers on their electrification journey. It also complements our market-leading in-house teams across legal and land rights, design, and project delivery – creating a fully integrated offering that drives efficiency and excellence.
The launch comes amid rising expectations around operational transparency. In a recent survey of UK developers and investors planning new infrastructure projects in 2026, conducted by Aurora Utilities, 71% said they are concerned about access to ongoing, real-time updates on the performance of their operational assets, with nearly a quarter (23%) describing themselves as very concerned. All respondents said access to real-time operational data directly influences their investment decisions.
Respondents also highlighted the growing role of real-time insight in governance and risk management. Half said it supports compliance with performance standards and cybersecurity requirements through detailed audit trails, while almost half noted that continuous, centralised oversight enables earlier fault detection, faster isolation actions and a reduced risk of cascading failures.
Over time, the insights generated will also help Aurora and our customers assess the real-world impact of infrastructure and operational decisions, informing more resilient network design and sustainability strategies grounded in operational evidence rather than assumptions.
Jeremy Wright, Chief Operating Officer at Aurora Utilities, said:
“Customers are telling us very clearly that visibility and confidence in network performance matter – not just operationally, but commercially. Our new network operations centre allows us to manage our network and the performance of our customers’ assets proactively, whilst sharing meaningful insights to help them meet their own resilience, compliance and sustainability requirements, without adding cost or complexity.”
Our new Network Operations Centre, which is based at the company’s London headquarters, provides around-the-clock operational coverage managed by its in-house operations team. It forms part of our continued investment in building resilient, transparent and future-ready electricity networks across Great Britain.
