John Pettigrew

National Grid

Chief Executive

John Pettigrew is Chief Executive Officer of National Grid PLC. Since his appointment in 2016, John has driven a strategic evolution of the business; driving value for shareholders, increasing operational efficiency, overseeing high levels of safety compliance and placing National Grid at the heart of the energy transition. In 2021, John led National Gird’s delegation to COP26, meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and other world leaders, to discuss immediate priorities and long-term goals in the fight against climate change. John joined National Grid as a graduate trainee in 1991 and has held a number of senior roles over the last 30 years. These include UK Director of Engineering (2003-2007), Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for the US Electricity Distribution & Generation business (2007-2010), Chief Operating Officer for UK Gas Distribution (2010-2012), and UK Chief Operating Officer (2012-2016). John is a member of the Electric Power Research Institute Board and the Edison Electric Institute Executive Committee, and sits on the CBI’s President’s Committee. He is a Non-executive Director and Senior Independent Director of Rentokil Initial PLC. In 2017, John was invited to join the government’s Inclusive Economy Partnership by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Sessions With John Pettigrew

Thursday, 9 March

  • 08:50am - 09:25am (CST) / 09/mar/2023 02:50 pm - 09/mar/2023 03:25 pm

    The Electrification of Everything?
    Electricity accounts for roughly 20% of global final energy demand today, up from around 15% twenty years ago. Accelerating electrification is considered a key pathway to a low-carbon future as wind, solar and other zero-carbon electricity sources continue to expand around the world. In sectors like transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are already growing rapidly, and charging infrastructure is being built—but requiring significant expansion. In other sectors, such as industrial heat and buildings, however, electrification has just begun and remains a complex process involving more than just a technology substitution. What are the opportunities and challenges in continued electrification? What technologies are available to convert gas-based heating to electricity? How will electrification change utility load profiles as more buildings are heated with electricity? What new infrastructure is required to support winter peak demand? What implications are there for utilities and will the generation portfolio need to change to meet new winter demand? How will infrastructure needs be met as more EVs hit the road? What commercial models are there for EV charging?