Challenges are building.
Trust, they hear from some quarters, is running at an all-time low, not helped by negative public perception around high levels of executive pay. The spectre of renationalisation has well and truly reared its head and widespread political uncertainty continues to wreak havoc with planning in utility boardrooms across the country.
And while energy and water companies have been transforming how they operate and serve their customers, the rapid pace of change has made business as usual – let alone planning for the future – increasingly difficult for an industry in transition.
Against this developing picture, Utility Week has listened to those business leaders and experts in our sector who are keen for change.
This change could help utility firms embrace the fairness agenda to forge greater trust with consumers. It could see government provide increased support to utility firms to help them deliver more in the face of huge challenges. And it could ultimately enable utilities to build a new rapprochement with the public.
So today we are launching a campaign, which we are calling a New Deal for Utilities. It will engender debate between industry, policymakers and those representing consumers in a bid to move forward to strike this two-way bargain.
Our multimedia coverage will make the case for utilities and the important role they play in society for the public good. Yet it will also highlight what needs to be done in terms of fairness, public trust and engagement.
Over the next few weeks we will run a series of stories, features, analytical insight, interviews, columns and in-depth premium content featuring news and views from across the sector.
We will be hearing from energy retailers and generators, networks and water companies, about their key concerns and the support they need. We will also be seeking opinions from consumer organisations and lobby groups.
Our aim is to foster collaborative involvement from industry players, policymakers, regulators, investors, stakeholders and consumer groups to help draw up a list of action points for the future.
This will reflect how the industry can meet the challenges ahead, while offering clear pledges that will help it move towards achieving a new, fair social contract with the public that is truly fit for the future.
We start with the findings of our exclusive survey about what the public really thinks about utilities – including about renationalisation. It’s a survey that those leading our UK water and energy companies will want to read.
JOIN THE DEBATE
Follow our campaign online at www.utilityweek.co.uk, on our Twitter @Utility Week and on LinkedIn, #NewDealForUtilities. To share your thoughts or for more details contact suzanneheneghan@fav-house.com