Build Back Better

Retaining utility customers in a recessionary environment

With tech giants like Google entering the utility space, suppliers need to rethink their current business models in order to retain customers. This is the view of Andrew Field, of digital performance specialist, Teleperformance. He believes retailers must integrate competitors’ services alongside their own and harness technology to appeal to the modern consumer – one who is conscious of and takes an active interest in personal energy consumption. But what else can utility companies do to remain relevant?

White paper ‘simply kicks the can down the road’

Ed Miliband has said the government still has “a long way to go” to show the requisite ambition on decarbonisation. While welcoming aspects of the Energy White Paper, he warned it left too many questions unanswered.

CCC stands out in climate policy blitz

White paper outlines UK ETS plans

Councils call for devolution of net-zero powers

Delivering meaningful social outcomes – pointers for “purpose-led” utilities

Coronavirus has prompted utilities' leaders to take a fresh look at what it means to deliver on their social contract - but what should meaningful approaches to delivering positive outcomes like social and economic mobility for communities look like? Senior industry representatives and other experts shared some key considerations with Utility Week.

BEIS director of clean growth replaced

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)’s director of clean growth is leaving to take a new role working with Tony Blair. Utility Week understands a replacement has been identified.

Don’t expect white paper to grab the headlines

With publication of the Energy White Paper still expected this month, Josh Buckland – who wrote an early draft of it – gives his view on what to expect.

UK bolsters 2030 climate target

Covid is a catalyst for digital transformation

Why point 11 is the most important in PM’s 10-point plan

Boris Johnson's Green Industrial Revolution is good news, but there's an important aspect that needs to go on the list, says PA Consulting's Ted Hopcroft

Winners and losers from PM’s green plan

Utility Week’s policy correspondent David Blackman discusses the implications on the utilities sector of Boris Johnson’s plan for a “green industrial revolution”. He assesses the winners and losers from the speech, as well as the areas where question marks remain.

Plans for a green industrial revolution must be backed up by substance and investment

PM’s vision puts ED2 in the spotlight

Former Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan has told Utility Week that Boris Johnson’s green plan has “shone the spotlight even more brightly on RIIO-ED2”. He pointed to the move to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel car sales to 2030 as having major ramifications for DNO’s business plans for the next price control and said there will “inevitably be tensions” around the levels of investment required.

Regulatory reform required to achieve 10-point plan