Smart utilities

UKPN challenges data geeks to predict EV charging hotspots

EV charge point market set for 30% growth despite Covid

The UK electric vehicle (EV) charge point market is set for an almost 30 per cent annual growth despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, new research has found. Delta-EE said the virus is expected to result in a 30 per cent decrease in EV sales this year, however.

Yorkshire’s first step to decarbonising its fleet

Yorkshire has converted an LGV tanker to run on hydrogen as it embarks on a 10-year plan to decarbonise its fleet of vehicles

SES teams up with Vodafone

SES is using smart technology from Vodafone to monitor its networks and find leaks in the mains and in customers' homes.

Ovo pledges all-electric fleet by 2030

Centrica: Banning diesel and petrol cars from 2030 would ‘send a signal’

Centrica has become the latest industry giant to throw its weight behind bringing forward the planned ban on sales of new internal combustion engine cars and vans to 2030.

Energy suppliers resume smart meter rollout

Time of use tariffs generating unprecedented interest in energy

More than 4m smart meters operate in ‘dumb mode’

National Grid and SSEN to use excess wind for electric heat

Build trusted foundations to unlock open data benefits

Embracing open data is essential for the digital transformation of the utilities sector and an effective response to climate change. But it must be founded in a rigorous and integrated approach to data governance, say Talend's Sean Crouch.

Open data – why it matters and why it’s hard

Candid discussion at a recent virtual round table debate hosted by Utility Week, in association with Talend, showed a growing will to embrace open data principles among utilities is being stymied by doubts over internal data quality and consistency.

Power Transition seeks fresh funding for ‘energy mapping’ platform

UU teams up with AI-tech firm to listen for leaks

United Utilities claims to have amassed the largest collection of leakage data in the world after partnering with a tech firm to tackle the issue using acoustic sensors and artificial intelligence.

SSE urges government to target net-zero power sector by 2040

SSE has submitted a five-point action plan to the government, aimed at putting the net-zero journey at the heart of the post-pandemic economic recovery. In it, the company says that setting a new target for decarbonising the power sector by 2040 could be the cornerstone of any green recovery.

Northumbrian and Waterwise innovate through Covid-19

As social distancing changes the way we all live and work, two significant events in the water calendar have been announced to go ahead but online. Waterwise's Conference and Northumbrian's Innovation Festival will take place in July and September respectively.

National Grid enhances capability to get frequency response from wind

UU: Customer service is an emotional interaction not a process

United Utilities' customer base includes some of the most deprived parts of the country and these people are now facing ever increasing hardships because of the pandemic. Customer services and people director Louise Beardmore tells Utility Week how empowering staff to help wherever possible has earned the company praise from those it serves.

Blueprint for rapid EV charging network unveiled

The government has set a target that every motorway service area in England will have six high-powered electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by 2023. A new policy paper released by the Department for Transport sets a goal of 2,500 rapid chargepoints across England’s motorways and major A roads by 2030 and 6,000 by 2035.

Smart meter installations see 95% drop during lockdown