Company strategy

UU pledges to prioritise safety and support ‘over any short-term impact’

As well as reflecting on the company’s performance in the past financial year, and price control period, United Utilities chief executive Steve Mogford has addressed the impact of Covid-19, saying the safety of staff and support for customers will be the unequivocal focus regardless of the hit to finances and targets. The company also revealed £51 million of losses on its Water Plus retail joint venture.

CCW says water sector research is failing to engage customers

Going beyond the buzzwords: Fostering a culture of mental health awareness

Wider water sector raises concerns to CMA

Shifting behaviour could reduce CO2 emissions post-lockdown

Changes to daily household routines as a result of lockdown could have a long-term positive impact on carbon emissions, data from EDF has revealed. While historically additional energy demand has been created at peak times, typically between 4-7pm, the lockdown has meant that demand has smoothed throughout the day.

Water Plus losses mount for SVT

Network payment holiday risks creating ‘zombie energy suppliers’

Talks are believed to be underway between Ofgem and energy suppliers over the possibility of suspending network charges for three months. However, Neil Cornelius, managing director at global consulting firm Berkeley Research Group, warned such plans could risk retailers building up additional debts.

Waterwise says cuts to efficiency programmes are ‘false economy’

Watchdogs to CMA: Customers must come before shareholders

Concerns that redeterminations of water company business plans could benefit shareholders more than consumers have been raised by watchdog groups, with one suggesting firms that argued otherwise were masking “a far more important conflict” between themselves and the regulator.

Ovo redundancies: Sector must rally around workforce

Ovo announces 2,600 redundancies

Ovo Energy says the rapid change in consumer behaviour as a result of the lockdown has prompted the faster integration of its business with SSE Energy Services, meaning 2,600 roles are set to go in 2020. The GMB union has accused the company of a “betrayal of promises” made to workers when it completed the acquisition SSE’s retail arm at the start of the year.

Pure Planet unveils new tariffs

Utility Week lockdown poll reveals customer satisfaction issues

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.

EDF looks ahead to a post-pandemic future

Philippe Commaret, EDF’s retail managing director, talks to Utility Week about how the lockdown has impacted the company's strategy and its relationship with both its customers and its workforce.