About Us

Avon Utilities and Generation is an engineering-led consultancy specialising in generation site development, grid connections, utility infrastructure, and technical project delivery.

Established in 2018, the business brings together extensive experience across embedded generation construction, distribution and transmission connections, and gas utility infrastructure.

Who we support

Support is provided for developers, investors, asset owners, ICPs, UIPs, EPCs, planners, and utility providers.

Projects often involve multiple stakeholders, technical dependencies, and commercial pressures. Avon Utilities helps bring those moving parts together so decisions can be made with confidence.

How we work

The approach is practical, commercially aware, and grounded in real project delivery.

Rather than looking at technical issues in isolation, Avon Utilities considers the full project lifecycle — from feasibility and connection strategy through to procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.

Problem solvers for complex infrastructure

Complex projects need more than standard advice. They need experience, ingenuity, and the ability to make difficult problems easier to understand and solve.

That is where Avon Utilities adds value: combining technical knowledge with clear communication, stakeholder management, and delivery-focused thinking.

Company

Founded in 2018 by former utility and multi-utility contracting directors, Avon Utilities and Generation is an experienced and commercially driven business delivering specialist utility and infrastructure solutions across the UK.

The company specialises in Developer Services, IDNO Consultancy, Electrical Engineering Design, Grid Connections, Gas Connections, Utility Mapping, and Surveying services, supporting developers, investors, and contractors from initial feasibility through to project energisation.

With a strong focus on reducing project risk, streamlining utility delivery, and increasing client IRR, Avon Utilities and Generation combines practical industry expertise with a proactive, solutions-led approach to help clients deliver complex developments efficiently and cost-effectively.

Meet the team

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David Owen | Head of Finance / Commercial

David brings specialist knowledge of the UK energy, generation and utilities and leasing markets, Electricity Connections Market and the Grid Reform Process.  An invaluable business leader focused on business improvement, maximising profitability and shareholder returns, including senior management experience in £1B+ turnover companies. Financial acumen in business processes, developing and negotiating leasing contracts, mergers & acquisition, and risk management strategies. Mr. Owen holds a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) certification.

Leigh Williams | Head of Engineering

Leigh brings diverse experience within the energy sector with over 20 years of industrial experience in the UK ESI within OEM, utility, regulatory and consulting organizations. He has held leadership roles within large consulting organizations and the energy services business of the UK’s railway infrastructure operator. He established a niche consultancy business in 2015, which worked with some of the UK’s pioneering battery developers. His recent experience has been focused on working with an investment fund developing infrastructure, improving asset performance, creating co-investment strategies for assets and improving the performance of O&M business. Dr. Williams is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and holds a PhD in High Voltage Engineering from Cardiff University. He is a member of The IET (MIET) and CIGRE (MCIGRE) and sits on the Executive Committee of CIGRE UK.

Mathew Jones | Head of Operations

Mathew is a results focused Senior Leader with a track record of delivering successful business performance and change through high performing teams.  With 20-years experience in the Utility sector, he brings in-depth experience in business operations and the assessment/development of electrical assets and infrastructure for commercial, industrial, and power generation sites, leading on planning and land owner management.  As a senior leader of Sterling Power Group, Mathew led the full range of business services and HR function, with a focus on talent identification, people retention, and development programmes.  Other skills and experience include mergers and acquisitions, project management, restructuring and business performance challenges, business development, and rebranding.  Mathew holds an MBA from Aston University.

Michelle McDonnell | CAD / Technical Drawing Engineer

MICHELLE is a highly skilled CAD and drafting specialist with extensive experience delivering utility-scale BESS and generation site layouts, detailed drawing packs for planning submissions, and multidisciplinary infrastructure design support. With a strong background in LV electrical design and gas network calculations using GasWorks, Michelle combines technical precision with practical project delivery across complex energy and utility environments.

Holding a Mechanical Engineering degree alongside a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering, Michelle brings a unique analytical and engineering-led approach to design coordination, technical drafting, and layout optimisation. Her expertise spans feasibility through to construction-ready documentation, supporting developers, utilities, and engineering teams in the successful delivery of energy infrastructure projects.

Wayne Askey | Senior GAS Engineer

Wayne Askey is a highly experienced multi-utility infrastructure designer and project manager with an extensive background in gas utility engineering, technical compliance, and infrastructure delivery. A former Senior Business Manager at British Gas and Centrica, Wayne has also held leadership roles as a Utility Business Director, delivering complex engineering and utility projects across the sector.

With qualifications in mechanical and gas utility infrastructure design engineering, Wayne combines strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and operational leadership. He has a proven track record in technical advisory services, engineering implementation, compliance management, and subcontractor network management.

Driven, proactive, and solutions-focused, Wayne is known for identifying opportunities, leading with initiative, and delivering practical, high-quality outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

If your project needs experienced technical support from feasibility through to delivery – speak to our team.