Customers

Editor's Picks

Can DSOs put the customer first?

Can DSOs put the customer first?

SSEN’s advisory board chair is challenging DSOs to rethink how close they are to customers, as we round up our recent series of reports produced with the network on the future of the operator.

1 year ago

‘Why is Boris Johnson on the PSR?’

1 year ago

Smart meter installations fall to lowest level in years

1 year ago

Trust in water sector hits all-time low

1 year ago

Local energy plans must be funded to ensure a just transition

1 year ago

Latest

Hydrogen production by 2050 may need to match today’s electricity generation

6 years ago

Ofgem ‘disappointed’ with Scottish Power’s lack of progress on complaints

Ofgem has confirmed the opening of a compliance case into Scottish Power’s complaints procedures and has warned the company could face enforcement action if it does not improve. The regulator added that it has been “increasingly concerned” about the volume of Scottish Power’s referrals to consumer bodies.

6 years ago

Water sector fights hard on customer satisfaction

Water companies beat the all-sector average on customer satisfaction, but drill down into the data and there is still work to be done with younger customers,

6 years ago

Mixing energy and water

In the latest of a series of articles exclusively for Utility Week members, Maxine Frerk – former senior partner networks at Ofgem – gives her view on the price control processes across the utilities sector. She examines the themes emerging from the PR19 appeals and what read across we can identify for the price reviews in energy.

6 years ago

Five energy suppliers banned from taking on customers

6 years ago

Lack of autoswitching regulation is causing ‘serious problems’ for customers

Regulation is needed for third-party intermediaries (TPIs), such as autoswitching services, Citizens Advice has claimed. A report from the charity has found fewer than 15 out of around 70 energy suppliers are being offered by some autoswitching services claiming to cover the entire market.

6 years ago

Weekend press round-up: Scottish Power accused of ‘harassment’

Our latest summary from the national papers includes a report accusing Scottish Power of "cruel harassment" after a number of non-customers claimed they were billed for large debts by the energy supplier. Also in Scotland, calls have been made for an inquiry into the collapse of an energy company backed by the Scottish government. Meanwhile Anglian Water co-owner First State Investments wants to buy the UK arm of an energy company that converts waste into power, according to City sources.

6 years ago

New EV code of practice launched

As electric car and van use becomes more widespread in the early 2020s, the number of chargepoint installers operating on the market will also have to increase. The new code is a voluntary scheme which offers members a model quotation, contract and warranty as well as access to alternative dispute resolution services if things should go wrong.

6 years ago

Karam: Ofwat ‘didn’t follow precedent’ on Bristol’s FD

Bristol Water chief executive, Mel Karam, talks to Utility Week about the company's reluctant decision to challenge Ofwat's final determination - for the third price review in a row. He discusses where he believes the regulator has got it wrong and the lessons learnt from previous challenges.

6 years ago

Unheard energy complaints pose challenge for the sector

6 years ago

Ofgem investigates British Gas over PPM changes

6 years ago

Be utterly predictable. Because letting people down isn’t an option

6 years ago

Social tariffs should be issued for vulnerable energy customers

A “social discount” or tariff should be introduced for vulnerable energy customers to improve affordability of bills for the lowest income households. A new report from charity Christians Against Poverty found more than half of pre-payment meter customers it helps show signs of self-disconnection, prompting calls for a number of recommendations to help the vulnerable.

6 years ago

Budget cuts cost jobs at Anglian

6 years ago

Expert View: How can field management technology help us deliver net zero?

6 years ago

Supporting retail market innovation for net zero

Ofgem director Neil Barnes sets out the regulator's vision for achieving net zero at the lowest cost. This includes the priority to accelerate innovation and create products and services that help consumers support decarbonisation through their energy use.

6 years ago

Water company ratings shift on the back of CMA decisions

Credit rating agency S&P has given its vedict on the water companies of England & Wales after taking into account the reactions to the 'toughest determination ever' from Ofwat.

6 years ago

Networks shouldn’t get ‘hysterical’ about impact of EVs on the grid

The disruptions posed by the electrification of the transport sector have been over-estimated by the network operators, industry experts have claimed. A panel convened by Delta-EE discussed how the UK could become a leader in electric vehicles and what lessons there are from other countries.

6 years ago

SMETS2 smart meters hit 4 million milestone

Centrica-owned British Gas installed the 4 millionth second-generation smart meter (SMETS2) in Kent. Last month a record 138 million messages were sent between SMETS2 meters.

6 years ago

An industry on flood alert

6 years ago

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