Speaking at a Utility Week fringe event at the Conservative Party conference this week, ENW chief executive Steve Johnson said the networks were in a position to deliver for customers “as if in a competitive market”.
Also on the panel, minister for constitutional reform John Penrose, who has written a paper on trust in the utilities sector, said the strong regulation of energy networks currently in place would remain “crucial”, but suggested the competitive parts of the energy industry, such as the suppliers, could benefit from a “lighter-touch approach”.
Network companies have been working to improve customer satisfaction and awareness and, at the event, energy ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith said they had “improved beyond all recognition”.
As part of their efforts, an emergency number for electricity networks will be delivered by the energy networks association next year, allowing customers to contact their local distribution company to report any damage to the network.