Eclipse Power Network controlled grid connection stage gate governance process

Eclipse Power Networks, a rapidly growing independent Distribution Network Operator (iDNO), recognised the need to refine their grid connection process to better serve their customers and support the company’s ongoing expansion. As part of a broader business transformation initiative, Eclipse sought the expertise of Bentley Compton Consulting Limited (BCCL) to introduce a controlled grid connection stage gate governance process and refresh their engineering processes.

The primary challenge with this piece of work was to design and implement a new portfolio management tool and associated processes within an ambitious 10-week timeframe. Eclipse needed a solution that would streamline the grid connection process, ensuring that the business could handle increased customer demand while maintaining its high standards of service that customers have come to expect. The solution also had to be scalable, future-proofing Eclipse for further growth.

The BCCL team, led by Zig Bentley, was tasked with delivering a comprehensive solution that involved both process reengineering and the integration of a new portfolio management tool (Monday.com). The approach was highly collaborative, engaging the entire Eclipse team from senior management level to frontline staff. 

What did the process include?

• Workshops and stakeholder engagement: BCCL facilitated workshops to gain a deep understanding of Eclipse’s existing operating model. These sessions were essential in ensuring buy-in across the whole organisation and in capturing critical insights that would inform the new process design.
• Development of a stage gate governance process: A new controlled grid connection stage gate governance process was mapped out, supported by detailed evidence checklists at each stage. This process aimed to standardise the connection procedures, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce time-to-connection for customers. 
• Refinement of Engineering Processes: The engineering processes were refreshed to align with the new governance framework. This ensured that the technical aspects of grid connections were streamlined, contributing to faster and more reliable service delivery.
• Rollout and Training: The new processes and tools were introduced through an all-company off-site day. This event, known as the playback day, was pivotal in ensuring that every team member understood and was committed to the new ways of working.

The 10-week program was a resounding success, culminating in a highly engaged and motivated workforce ready to implement the new processes. Key outcomes included:

• Improved business performance: The introduction of the stage gate governance process has led to a more efficient and controlled grid connection process, significantly improving the customer journey and operational efficiency.
• Scalable solutions for future growth: The new processes are designed to be scalable, providing Eclipse with the tools necessary to manage future growth without compromising service quality.
• High-quality outputs: The quality of the work produced by Bentley Compton made the rollout of new processes seamless and well-received by both the internal team and customers.

BCCL delivered a tailored and effective solution that has significantly enhanced Eclipse Power Networks’ ability to manage grid connections. Their deep engagement with the Eclipse team, combined with their expertise in business transformation, ensured that the project was completed on time and to the highest standards, setting the stage for continued growth and success.  

Spencer Thompson, Managing Director at Eclipse Power Networks, stated:

“At Eclipse Power, we employed Bentley-Compton to lead part of our Business Transformation programme to embed our new portfolio management tool (Monday.com) and our new processes and procedures. No mean feat in a fast-moving growing business. We did this in record time in an intense 10-week programme culminating in an all-company off-site day for the rollout. We have to say Zig and Simon were fantastic; the high level of engagement in the business, excitement, and drive was impressive. Simon, in particular, at the coal face, was a force to be reckoned with leading to the success of the playback day. We can’t recommend these guys enough; the listening and care for our business and where we wanted to take this for our next phase of growth were outstanding. The outputs were of the very highest quality, making our engagement with the team and customers easy to roll out.”

Garry Bridges, Head of SHESQ & Transformation at Eclipse Power Networks, added:

“Bentley Compton was instrumental in driving our business transformational programme by facilitating workshops to get a detailed understanding of the current operating model and to ensure active participation and engagement from the senior management team through to the team members. The future operating model was mapped onto stage and gate process flows supported by key evidence checklists, and an all-employee playback session was held to outline the new ways of working and to explain how the process improvements would drive business performance, ensure scalable processes to meet future growth projections whilst enhancing the customer journey. Zig and Simon brought a level of enthusiasm that was infectious, leading to collaboration across the teams to find solutions to business challenges. On a personal level, it was great working with Zig and Simon, who made sure we had plenty of fun along the way!”