In 2022, the world looks very different from just two years before. As customers face an unprecedented cost of living crisis, utilities are clear that they must deliver on their public service commitments – but to do so, they must balance the competing objectives of affordability, sustainability and resilience.
With the cost of living crisis, utilities’ leading role in the drive to net zero, and the changing geo-political landscape created by the Ukraine conflict, the old ‘trilemma’ has never been more pressing.
One thing is clear – it’s time for a new approach. These issues must be tackled head-on; the difficult decisions must be made; and industry must stand up and lead the change. As the established voice of the UK’s energy and water businesses, Utility Week is launching a new flagship event, the Utility Week Forum, 8-9 November 2022, that will get to the heart of today’s challenges.
We work with the industry day in, day out, throughout the year and since the time of privatisation. You’ve told us that you want fresh thinking, lively debate and new and diverse voices – as well as the opportunity to share your own insights, and co-create tangible solutions to take back to the front line.
We’ve listened to what you want – and we’ll be sharing our agenda with you in the weeks ahead. We’re delighted to welcome industry leaders including:
- Ofwat’s chief executive David Black
- National Infrastructure Commission chairman Sir John Armitt
- Yorkshire Water chief executive Nicola Shaw
- UK Power Networks chief executive Basil Scarsella
- Eon UK chief executive Mike Lewis
We’re also excited to bring new voices to the debate, including:
- Severn Trent’s finance business partner Charlotte Heeney
- EDF’s back office asset management and revenues director Christopher Dalley
- Cadent’s director of procurement Mark Henderson
We’ll be hearing from other sectors and infrastructure providers, including the Coal Authority and the Greater London Authority. And we’ll be hearing from you, with opportunities to ‘storm the stage’ and share your own insights, as well as co-create discussion groups with your pan-utility peers.
The Utility Week Forum is about squaring the circle of affordability, sustainability and resilience. It’s the Utility Week brand brought to life, and will shape Utility Week’s campaigning agenda in the months ahead. It’s unmissable – register your interest here to be among the first to see the full agenda.