At Aurora, its the people behind the scenes who fuel our drive for innovation and push us to deliver excellence every single day. That’s why we are delighted to introduce our new Head of Network Operations, Stuart Reeder, to the business. His journey and passion for the energy sector exemplifies the spirit of Aurora.
Let’s dive into his fascinating story and insights…
Q: Can you share a little about your career journey so far?
“I began my career as an apprentice in the electronics industry, focusing on commissioning and repairing the circuitry behind heavy machinery and inverters. It was my technical curiosity that then led me into the nuclear sector, and I took on an engineering role at British Nuclear Fuels’ Magnox power station located on the East Anglian coast.
“As the plant transitioned into its decommissioning phase due to its age, I moved to British Energy, overseeing the electrical systems at the county’s only pressurised water reactor; an experience filled with record-breaking generation and supply achievements.
“And for the past two decades, I had the opportunity to contribute to the distribution industry at UK Power Networks. I took on the role of Control Engineer and was then appointed to Network Manager for London.
“ There I held leadership duties which spanned the day-to-day operations of the capital’s power grid, from low voltage customers to 132kV networks, interacting with a wide range of stakeholders and overseeing national transmission assets.
“Building up this experience in energy ultimately paved the way for a role at Aurora, and I am delighted to take the helm of the new created role; Head of Network Operations.”
Q: Can you share any career highlights or memorable moments?
“One of my ‘career standout moments’ was taking charge of London’s Control function; a role with immense responsibility, managing the nation’s most power-intensive network under extreme pressure. Leading a team which delivered superior customer service and operational performance was a point of great pride.
“More recently, I was part of an award-winning innovations team at UK Power Networks that implemented a solution to significantly reduce customer minutes lost across a quarter of the UK’s power footprint.
“Beyond technical achievements, I’ve developed a passion for mentoring and training the next generation of engineers. I’ve worked with educational institutions across the UK to speak to students about how rewarding a career in STEM can be, and reflecting on my own commitment to building a brighter future for the industry.
“We must invest in future talent; it is incredibly important to help young people navigate a career path, and discover how rewarding and critical the work within the energy industry can be. Nothing is as rewarding as watching the people you have mentored rise to success, it is incredibly satisfying.”
Q: Why did you choose to join the energy sector?
“At my core, I am an engineer driven by complex problem-solving and the technical challenges that the energy sector presents. I’m inspired by the chance to shape a sustainable future and by the engineering that ensures power is delivered efficiently and safely, every single day.
“The sector also fuels my passion for innovation and the use of cutting-edge technologies, from integrating smart tech and battery storage to advancing renewable energy solutions. It’s this continuous drive to ask, “What if?” that keeps me motivated and engaged.”
Q: As Head of Network Operations, what are your key responsibilities?
“I oversee the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of power to our customers and stakeholders. My main responsibilities include managing network performance, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards.
“A critical aspect of my role is responding to system faults and quickly implementing restoration plans to minimise customer downtime. I also lead the acceptance of new assets into the operations department, ensuring our customers receive top-tier service and reliability.”
Q: Why did you decide to join the Aurora team?
“For me, it was the team at Aurora that made the difference. I saw a rare opportunity to join a group of hand-picked individuals, all experts in their fields, working towards a common goal: driving the UK’s decarbonisation towards net zero.
“When you have a business made up of experts in their field, it pushes everyone to be on their A-game. As an engineer there is nothing more rewarding than achieving a shared goal through innovation, energy and desire. It makes every work day inspiring.”
Q: What do you think sets Aurora apart?
“Aurora stands out because of our fast, flexible, and straightforward approach to electricity connection and distribution. As an IDNO, we focus on connecting large-scale developments, from data centres to EV charging and battery storage, quickly and efficiently.
“Aurora’s ability to streamline grid connections while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and customer service makes it a standout player in the energy distribution sector, and I am looking forward to working with the wider team to continue to drive this exceptional growth.”
Stuart’s journey from an electronics apprentice to Head of Network Operations at Aurora is testament to a career built on innovation, dedication, and passion for engineering. His commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability aligns perfectly with Aurora’s mission, and we’re thrilled to have him at the helm of our network operations.
Stay tuned for more team updates as we continue to power the future with innovation and purpose.
