Utility Week Congress 2016

With smart meters, water competition and Brexit all in the mix, there will be plenty to talk about at this year’s Congress.

New entrants, new markets, evolving regulatory pressures, rising customer expectations and digital disruption, all against the backdrop of climate change – how will the utility sector as we know it evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century?

In the wake of momentous decisions on Britain’s future relationship with Europe and measures which aim to fix deep-seated problems in the energy retail market, Utility Week Congress returns to unpick what transformation strategies for utilities should look like in a future with unclear risk and reward ratios.

Building on the success of the past three years, the fourth Congress will have scope to reflect on the energy market remedies from the Competition and Markets Authority, and take stock of issues revealed through the shadow opening of the non-household water retail market.

We’ll assess the latest state of play for the stalling smart meter rollout and consider the shape of new smart grid markets, incorporating new features like energy storage and local system operation.

The first day of Utility Week Congress, which takes place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, will focus on new markets and new horizons, with the second day looking at how utilities make the shift towards becoming more service provider than simply a utility provider.

Across market segments, there are moves to create a more dynamic, competitive and innovative utilities sector. By bringing together senior executives from incumbents, new entrants, investors and the supply chain, along with influential regulators and policymakers, the Utility Week Congress will challenge convention, inspire change and test strategic resilience.