Utility Week

Investing in the electricity network must be the backbone of building back better

As networks submit their official responses to Ofgem’s RIIO2 draft determinations, SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies shares his view with Utility Week readers. He says that far from putting net zero at the heart of the coronavirus recovery, the regulator’s plans could jeopardise it.

Ofgem deals a tough hand

The draft determinations for gas and transmission networks proved Ofgem is serious about holding companies to account for their costs and investments. Ahead of official responses from the affected companies on Friday, Ted Hopcroft and Liz Parminter of PA Consulting discuss the regulator’s approach and how it compares to Ofwat’s in PR19, as well as looking at what distribution companies can learn for their business plans.

To futureproof asset management build on a solid data foundation

The foundations of emerging asset management applications are data and analytics. Gowri Rajappan and Tony McGrail of Doble explore the importance of ensuring this information is accurately maintained and available on demand to various applications.

Net zero is not pie in the sky – but it will take fundamental changes

Net zero by 2050 can be achieved but only if consumers change how they think about energy, according to Louis Burford, of Centrica Business Solutions. He sets out his view that this societal shift will only be possible through action from government and pinpointing the right incentives.

Recession and the future of electricity utilities

The country has now entered a severe recession and considering the widespread impact already caused by Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown, this period of economic downturn is set to shake the energy sector further. So, how can the government keep policy for the industry on track, and maintain pace of transformation, while tackling the deepest financial crisis on record? Andrew Whitehead, of law firm Shakespeare Martineau, discusses.

Why back office automation is key to helping the vulnerable

Parseq's managing director Craig Naylor-Smith believes rethinking how payments are allocated can help utilities improve their customer experience and avoid reputational damage when supporting vulnerable consumers in the wake of Covid-19. He argues that while the channels customers use to interact with their suppliers have become more digital, the back office has fallen behind.

Covid underlines the need for grid digitalisation

Digitalisation and automation of the distribution network are often seen as projects for the future, but with Covid-19 forcing the hand of innovation, network operators should acting now, according the Depsys chief technology officer, Joël Jaton

SSEN: Making our commitment to net zero

Achieving net zero – too cheap to meter or too expensive to deliver?

Testing Times