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ENA split reveals sector fault lines
What prompted Britain’s gas companies to resign en masse from the Energy Networks Association and what does it mean for the wider sector’s message around net zero? Utility Week editor James Wallin examines the tensions on both sides, the catalyst for the walkout and what the two sides can still agree on.
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At the digital crossing point?
Are utilities at a crossing point where data transforms operations? A recent Utility Week roundtable with NTT DATA canvassed the experts and asked them what they'd most like to see next year when it comes to automation of processes.
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Where next for Thames after Bentley’s shock departure?
The abrupt departure of Sarah Bentley from the helm of Thames Water has raised serious questions about the future of the UK's largest water company. Utility Week understands the move was prompted by mounting board-level discontent at the progress of the turnaround plan. Now there are even suggestions that the government and Ofwat have discussed the possibility of using the special administration regime. So, what are the next steps for Thames Water and what will remain of Bentley's turnaround plan?
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Community partnerships key to finding local solutions
We all have a role to play in leaning into the challenges brought by climate change, Susan Davy, chief executive of Pennon writes. The southwest is one of two regions still in drought following last summer, which has spurred the water company to ramp up its resilience efforts through a range of big and smaller projects. Davy sets out the company's efforts from household level to desalination.
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Winter is coming so where is the plan?
A sense of urgency in government about affordability issues next winter is severely lacking, industry figures have told Utility Week. But what are we asking of ministers in the fight to protect the most vulnerable from the worst effects of the cost of living crisis?
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A dark day for energy
The explosive accusations about the behaviour of British Gas contractors and Ofgem’s damning review of customer service standards across the retail sector, contrasted with Shell’s admission of eye-watering profits, made for a dismal day for energy. Utility Week editor James Wallin discusses what this means for the industry’s long-term reputation, the debate over prepayment (PPM) meter customers and the role of regulation.
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Is PR24 destined to repeat the mistakes of PR19?
Over the second half of this decade the water sector faces unprecedented challenges which require a radically different way of looking at investment strategies and ways of working. However, Ofwat’s blueprint for spending plans between 2025 and 2030 offers few signs of genuinely new approaches. Ruth Williams assesses where the regulator’s final methodology for PR24 could have been bolder and what it says about where Ofwat will throw its weight in the next five-year period.
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Stop the Drop: Empowering customers to save water
Water companies must explore new and innovative approaches to customer engagement, now more than ever, writes Laura Flowerdew, chief customer and digital officer at Pennon Group, owner of South West Water. The company launched an incentive scheme for customers in drought-stricken parts of the region. She shares how customers have helped restore drastically low reservoir levels via a reward programme.
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Sunak’s COP-out conundrum
The new prime minister appears to be wavering on his decision to attend the COP27 climate conference. Utility Week's policy correspondent David Blackman examines why a potential backlash in "blue wall" seats may force Rishi Sunak into his maiden U-turn.
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Heat off to help out
The government's u-turn on plans to launch an public information campaign on cutting energy consumption makes no sense in a world where every consumer is an active player in the fight against climate change, writes Utility Week editor James Wallin.
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