This month we meet Product Innovation Lead, Gareth Wordingham who gives us an insight into his varied, customer centric role at Guernsey Electricity Limited.
What is your role at Guernsey Electricity?
"I’ve been the Product Innovation Lead at Guernsey Electricity (GEL) for the past four months. With electricity, the product is not just about making sure the lights come on; it’s about how we set our prices, handle billing, communicate with customers, and respond to their calls.
And there are a lot of changes on the horizon as the States of Guernsey passed the Electricity Strategy in 2023.
Across the island, there's a growing demand for clean, electric cars and increased heating solutions, such as air source heat pumps. Plus, GEL have a forward fixed price arrangement in place with EDF which will be coming to an end in the coming years, and has saved Guernsey £70 million over the last two years.
With all this going on, my job is to make sure our products work. Not just for now, but also ensuring we meet the future needs of our customers."
How does your job help keep our island running?
"Gradually, as power prices become more dependent on wind and solar through our connection to the European grid, Guernsey needs to be flexible to avoid higher costs.
Guernsey Electricity collects great data from our meters, but have no way to share it. So, I’m working to change that so we can tackle the problem of when (i.e. what time) we use energy, together. Products like Super Economy 12 help, but we need more solutions.
I'm also working with our Customer Service team to improve our services. For example, most people pay monthly. But our statements are usually sent quarterly – other industries have moved on. With online billing, we can provide monthly statements and save a huge amount of paper."
What other industries have you worked in?
"A few years ago, I worked on an energy efficiency project for social housing.
At Energiesprong UK, rather than paying for electricity, tenants pay for warm houses and water at a predictable cost. We transformed a demonstration street for Nottingham Council with wall insulation, solar panels, and a ground-source heat pump, which led to much nicer houses – and savings that were passed on to the tenants."
Read more about this project here.
What does a typical day look like for you?
"I start my day by getting the kids to school and then head to my desk with a coffee.
Meetings are inevitable, so I like to start early with a clear agenda and preparation. My desk, the large whiteboard and the windows are covered with Post-it notes and sketches of our plans.
Lunch is either with colleagues or a walk around St Sampsons harbour for some fresh air.
Afternoons involve clearing emails or reading documents, as I feel less creative then. After another coffee, I push to finish the documents or presentation packs before its home time."
What is your proudest achievement so far?
"Decarbonising as part of my day job.
As a global problem, few individual actions can really swing the dial, except perhaps by not flying, being vegetarian, having fewer children, etc. However, in 2007 I had the chance to join a team promoting the decarbonisation of the whole UK electricity network.
The political recognition of that push has directly led all suppliers to cut emissions and started projects like the Hinkley Point C power station and offshore wind farms.
Now, replacing a gas boiler with any electric heating in the UK significantly reduces carbon emissions and will improve as the grid decarbonises further."
I may have only played a small part, but the impact is permanent.
What was your dream job growing up? Or what did you want to do when you grew up?
"I wanted to be a crusading lawyer from the TV like Perry Mason. But at university, I found my poor memory for case names was a problem and I wanted a more collaborative profession. My law degree still serves me well, but not as I had dreamed."
What is the most unusual thing about your job and how would you describe it to someone who knows nothing about it?
"The job requires being half artist, half engineer. I work to identify our customer’s needs, imagine solutions, and then translate those needs for the IT, customer service and technical teams to bring products to life."
The blend of creativity and technical expertise is unique.
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day- who would it be and why?
"I would swap with Satya Nadella.
Since 2014, he has transformed Microsoft with focused, direct changes. He moved past a failed mobile OS to deliver a product range focused on users, and their current work on AI, cloud computing, and service delivery is highly relevant.
Plus, I admire how Nadella's positive and visionary leadership has changed their company culture for the better."
Who inspires you the most?
"Tony Robbins inspires me when facing tough problems. His relentless focus and drive for success is infectious, so I reach for my peak state when working. While I may not agree with some of his views, his dedication is motivating.
What advice would you give your younger self?
First, make sure your job aligns with three things:
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something you enjoy,
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something you're good at,
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something that produces valuable output.
If it doesn't, plan and make the change.
Second, if you can't solve a problem, ask for help. In recent years, I’ve worked with a coach, a mentor and a therapist, each having different tools to help answer your questions. Pick the best, and change your life."
What are the best benefits offered by GEL in your opinion?
"I’ve got quite a specialist role, so it was advertised in the UK.
I was particularly drawn to the highlights of Guernsey’s beautiful island life, its proximity to France, amazing beaches – and it’s great for kids. Plus, there is some work to do with a great team.
It’s also great to finish at the office and go to watch the sunset from Cobo with a beer or BBQ. Before making the move to Guernsey, I’d still be on the train back home from London."
Bonus question – who do you like to follow on LinkedIn and why?
"I have followed Guy Kawasaki since before LinkedIn.
As Chief Evangelist at Apple, he taught me that great products need to connect with users and inspire them. He now has a podcast where he interviews remarkable people which is always worth a listen."
Check out Guy Kawasaki's LinkedIn.
