​Sponsored by: 

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Delving into the benefits of digital twins and BIM for UK utilities to drive asset management decisions and productivity throughout projects. Join this session to discover novel approaches to maximise your use of digital twins and BIM. ​

Chair welcome and introduction
Ruth Williams, Chief Correspondent - Utility Week

Connecting assets and the need for a whole systems whole life approach
Mark Enzer OBE FREng, Strategic Advisor - Mott MacDonald

Leveraging digital twins to Power Wales Renewably
Joshua Visser, Senior Manager - Innovation Incubator - NESO

Developing the Virtual Asset: how utilising BIM in the delivery phase can lead to improved asset management
Scott Pritchard, Lead Digital Information Manager - SSEN Transmission

Solving civil engineering problems with BIM – illustrated with case studies
Matt Piper, Global Industry Director Infrastructure - ESRI
 

​Sponsored by: 
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Showcasing innovative uses of AI and technology to drive automation across networks and increase visibility of assets. Learn how you can embrace digital tools and AI to improve asset efficiency, increase information gathering and make informed decisions at speed.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Ben Hargreaves, Head of Content - Utility Week

River Deep Mountain AI – AI, automation and digital tools
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation - Northumbrian Water Group

SPEN’s progression towards digital transformation and future aims within the electrical industry
Jason Wheeler, CAD Designer - SPEN

Regaining Control of Legacy Asset Data with 3D Imaging and AI
Thomas Grand, Chief Operating Officer - Samp

Explaining the important actions happening nationally and across the sector to remove the barriers to realising maximum value while minimising risk from opening and sharing data.

Chair welcome and introduction
Melissa Tallack, Stream Co-Lead - Northumbrian Water

Emerging and changing landscapes
Gavin Starks, Chief Executive - Icebreaker One

Overcoming barriers to data sharing – cross sector progress
Brian Matthews - STFC

Insights from the data sharing working group to drive best practice across sectors
Sarah Hayes, Chair - Digital Twin Hub Data Sharing Working Group
 

​Sponsored by: 

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Outlining the value in intervening and upgrading assets before failure to minimise disruption to customers. Discover the steps you need to take to monitor your network, collect data and make accurate predictions and informed asset management decisions.  
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​Chair welcome and introduction
Rob Horgan, News Editor - Utility Week

The Intelligent Gas Grid – for network optimisation and improved forecasting using data, machine learning and AI
Bethany Foster, Energy Systems Innovation Lead - Innovate UK UKRI

Powerful grid-edge insights: predictive asset management from 30,000+ LV monitors
Dave Roberts, Chief Technology Officer - VisNet from EA Technology

Pre-fault detection - identifying network faults before interruption to customers' power supplies
Stewart Reid, Head of Future Networks - SSEN Distribution

Using AI to detect and predict and prevent incidents
Alex Saunders, Wastewater Operations Director - Southern Water
 

​Sponsored by: 

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Discussing how to gain customers’ trust to scale the roll out of smart meters at pace and unlock network efficiencies from the data. Join this session to understand how to maximise smart meter data to better inform asset management strategies, solve problems and accelerate consumer behaviour change.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

The challenges and opportunities in unlocking smart meter data for public good
Yumann Siddiq, Policy Manager - Smart DCC

Giving the customer power over how their data is used
Lindsay Congreve, Head of Metering - Anglian Water

Using aggregated smart meter data to improve network visibility
Emerson Smith, Data Science Apprentice - National Grid

The trust equation: scaling smart meter adoption and unlocking network optimisation
Ronald Starreveld, Distinguished Enterprise Architect - Salesforce

​Sponsored by:

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Exploring the digital tools utilities and their supply chain can embrace to better design and optioneer projects. Join this session to understand how to drive efficiency and productivity through your infrastructure design, build and maintenance projects. Explore how to bridge the skills gap and accelerate delivery at scale.

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​Chair welcome and introduction
Rob Horgan, News Editor - Utility Week

Powering information management in electricity transmission
Amanda Shanks, Lead BIM Manager - SSENT

 

Driving productivity in capital projects by embracing digital design
Neil Pullen, Head of Design - Severn Trent

The contractor/consulting engineer's perspective
Richard Hutchinson, Head of Engineering - Balfour Beatty

Using digital tools and 'Environmental Integrated Design' principles to manage consenting and delivery risk
Rupert Green, Market Lead – Net Zero Energy Infrastructure - AtkinsRéalis
 

Providing insight into the latest developments in robotics and automation to improve your asset management operations. Learn how to maximise these tools to improve the safety of your workforce and increase efficiency in maintenance.

Chair welcome and introduction
Ben Hargreaves, Head of Content - Utility Week

Ofwat funded Pipebot Patrol: autonomy and robot survival in the sewers
Clive Surman Wells, Innovation Partnerships Manager - Northumbrian Water Group

Using drones to minimise risk to the workforce and improve engineering decision making
Amanda Smith, UAV Equipment Programme Lead - Sellafield

Robotics in HVDC operations
Brant Wilson, Innovation Portfolio Manager - SSEN Transmission
Dominic Cusk, Co-Founder & Managing Director - Ross Robotics
 

​Sponsored by: 

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Highlighting digital solutions to help utilities sweat their existing assets at a time of unprecedented delivery and asset management requirements. Learn how to improve efficiency on your existing network to minimise cost to customers.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Ben Hargreaves, Head of Content - Utility Week

Harnessing wastewater modelling through long term sensing
Ally Potts, Technical Lead - Clean Rivers & Seas Task Force - Southern Water

Facilitating system optimisation through digitalisation of local grids
Eric Brown, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank and Grid Scientific

Using near real-time data to manage sludge stocks – improving decision making to enable effective movement through the process
Heather Naylor, WR Optimisation Project Manager - Anglian Water

Maximizing impact, minimizing cost: achieving operations excellence
Scott Broadley, Chief Customer Officer - FYLD
 

Sponsored by:

Delving into how utilities can maximise and mine data to accelerate the decision making process and drive productivity. Join this session to discover how to improve information management, embrace generative AI and drive efficiency in decision making. 

Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Generative AI and synthetic data for smart energy systems
Gareth Jones, Chief Operating Officer - Centre for Net Zero

STREAM – Fuelling data driven decision making with open and shared data publication
Melissa Tallack, Open Data Lead - Northumbrian Water

BioConnect – using data and BIM to enhance environmental awareness and streamline processes
Mohamed Ellithy, BioConnect Programme Lead - Turner & Townsend
Dr. Parham Momeni, Senior Innovation Engineer (CENG) - Data & Digital lead, Future Networks - SPEN

From static plans to dynamic strategies: Transforming mindsets to unlock smarter, more resilient utilities
Harry Atkinson, Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer - Sensat
 

Storage plays a crucial role in enhancing energy flexibility and creating a clean energy system. Maximising grid scale and domestic storage is essential to facilitating the integration of renewable energy and enhancing grid stability. Join this session to discover how the industry is embracing domestic and long duration storage and partnering with battery owners and operators to respond to grid needs.  

Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Embracing partnerships through battery contract innovation
Arthur Schillemans, Commercial Manager - Octopus Energy

The benefits & barriers to V2X & the UK V2X programme
Josey Wardle, Innovation Lead – ZEV Infrastructure - Innovate UK

Long duration storage – enabling seasonal flexibility – LDES
David Hill, Director of Global Commercial Operations - Form Energy

As the demand side response market develops, removing barriers for industrial and commercial users of energy to participate in multiple balancing markets is critical to maximising energy flexibility available. Join this session to learn how I&C consumers are engaging in energy flexibility and how interoperability between markets is enabling participation.  

Chair welcome and introduction
Natasha Mills, Policy Officer - The ADE

Engaging with I&C customers to unlock flexibility
Duncan Oliphant, Head of Commercial Flexibility - Northern Power Grid

Harnessing relationships to encourage I&C participation
Dr Somayeh Taheri, CEO and Co-founder - Urban Chain

The I&C perspective: participating in flex and reducing demand
Andrew Dixon, Head of Energy Efficiency - Welsh Water

​Sponsored by: 

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Providing domestic and commercial users with tangible benefits to engaging in DSR and flexibility markets is critical to scaling energy flexibility. This session will unearth novel tariff innovations which are enabling energy flexibility markets and encouraging participation.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

MHHS: what’s next?
Sara Vaughan, Chair - Elexon

Data as the Key to Smarter Tariffs: Why Collaboration Matters
Ben Tucker, Energy Product Expert - Gorilla

Smart products and tariffs
Alexandra Meagher, Group Head of Regulation - Octopus Energy

Crowdflex: insights on consumer energy flexibility
Jack Hailstone, Energy Innovation Lead - OVO

​Sponsored by: 

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While scaling up energy flexibility it is essential to bring all customers on the journey and ensure vulnerable customers benefit from energy flexibility savings. Join this session to gain insight into the latest updates, best practice and lessons learnt from domestic flexibility and protecting vulnerable customers.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Andrew Ross, Founder and Director - Centre for Energy Equality

Flexibility for All? Inclusive flexibility through the lens of ‘flexibility capital’
Michael Fell, Senior Researcher - University College London and Nesta

Unlocking benefits for communities and vulnerable households through Virtual Power Plant and Vehicle to Grid schemes
Andrew Ross, Founder and Director - Centre for Energy Equality

Unlocking the flex potential of domestic decarbonised heat – Insights from Project EQUINOX
Alex Jakeman, Associate Director - Guidehouse

Crowdflex and Plug in to Win: encouraging customers to plug in their EVs and participate in flex
Russ Morgan, Head of Commercial Innovation - Ohme

With the UK set to decarbonise heating, unlocking potential flexibility and minimising disruption to the grid is essential. Join this session to discover best practice in the rollout and adoption of low carbon heat.

Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Lowe, Founding Director - Thermal Storage UK

Automating heat pump use to match peak demand
Oli Berry, Lead Behavioural Scientist - NESTA
Andrew Schein, Director of Trials and Analysis - Centre for Net Zero

Engaging consumers in low carbon, flexible heat
Jenny Russon, Senior Research, Policy and Campaigns Officer - The MCS Foundation

The role of energy in flexible decarbonised heat
Chris Watling, Senior Commercial Manager-Low Carbon Heat - OVO
 

As the energy flexibility market becomes more established, how will the market facilitator operate alongside other planning and governing bodies? Join this session for an update from the market facilitator and insight into how regulators, industry and supply chain will come together to accelerate energy flexibility.

Chair welcome and introduction
Avi Aithal, Head of Open Networks programme - ENA

Regulating emerging markets
Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director for Governance for Data and Digitalisation - Ofgem

Market Facilitator: accelerating flexibility
Steven Gough, Head of Flexibility - Elexon

Coordinating process from transmission to distribution
Jon Wisdom, Head of Market Change Delivery - NESO

Flex Markets Unlocked
Ankit Patel, Programme Manager - Arup

DNOs need to lead the change and evolve their operations to enable flexible energy. As they shift to the DSO model, networks must adopt smart and digital tools to drive efficiency, accuracy and maximise the potential of smart energy networks. In this session, discover how smart networks, digital tools and innovations are supporting the roll out and scaling of energy flexibility.

Chair welcome and introduction
Dr Richard Dobson, Business Leader: Digital - Energy Systems Catapult

Building the energy system's data sharing infrastructure
Simon Evans, Programme Director, Virtual Energy System - NESO

Data-driven needs: how we focus flexibility where it’s required 
Jamie Bright, Data Science Lead - UK Power Networks

Data driven and digitised networks underpin DSO and flexibility at scale
Maizura Mokhtar, Senior Data Scientist & Technical Lead - SSEN Distribution
 

As participation in energy flexibility markets increases, automating response signals and removing barriers to consumers is critical to scaling up energy flexibility. Join this session to unearth how to best use data, manage assets and enable consumer participation in flex markets.

Chair welcome and introduction
Dr Richard Dobson, Business Leader: Digital - Energy Systems Catapult

The Regulatory landscape enabling flexibility: spotlight on Flexibility Market Asset Registration
Nina Klein, Principal Policy Expert - Ofgem

Bigger and faster: automating the end-to-end customer journey for local flexibility
Alex Howard, Head of Flexibility Markets - UK Power Networks

Flexible flexibility: how customers can maximise both revenue and green impact in flexibility markets while retaining control
Laura Myers, Product Development Lead - Flexitricity

Embracing data driven decision-making
Rachel Stanley, Flexibility Market Lead - OVO

While scaling up energy flexibility it is essential to bring all customers on the journey and ensure vulnerable customers benefit from energy flexibility savings. Join this session to gain insight into the latest updates, best practice and lessons learnt from domestic flexibility and protecting vulnerable customers.

Chair welcome and introduction
Ben Hargreaves, Head of Content - Utility Week

Prioritising diversity of demand on the network
Elizabeth Porter, Senior Flexibility Markets Analyst - SSEN

Is there any value for major energy users?
Eddie Proffitt, Technical Director - MEUC

Utilising digital tools to harness the value of flexibility within networks
Keith Evans, DSO Technical Lead - Electricity North West

Delving into the projects putting the environment, nature and biodiversity at the heart of decision-making. Exploring the policy decisions required to make wetlands a clear choice and hearing from peers who have successfully delivered wetlands.

Chair and scene setting
Jon Yates, Head of Delivery - Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force - Southern Water

Delivery and implementation of wetlands – best practice and international overview
Robert McTaggart, Technical Director - Stantec

Role of partnerships in ramping up delivery
Dr Robin Price, Director of Quality and Environment - Anglian Water

Embedding green infrastructure: ongoing maintenance
Bryony Bowman, Research Fellow - University of Birmingham
 

Outlining the importance of the gas grid to delivering energy security and resilience in a net zero world. Learn how gas networks and electricity generators are working innovatively to play their part in the clean power mission with hydrogen, hydrogen blending, biomethane, CCUS to play a critical role in a clean energy system.

Chair welcome and introduction
Oliver Lancaster, Chief Executive - IGEM

The value of the gas system in delivering clean power & net zero
James Earl, Chief Executive - Future Energy Networks

Gas transmission – providing security and resilience on the pathway to 2030 and beyond
Katie Petherbridge, Innovation Delivery Manager - National Gas

A whole systems approach and the importance of storage
Chris Wright, Hydrogen Senior Development Manager - Centrica
 

Taking a deep dive into the projects embracing NbS and SuDS to minimise pollution, manage water holistically and improve social value. Discover how to overcome regulatory challenges; design, build and maintain NbS; and shift from grey civil engineering options to blue/ green infrastructure which puts nature at the heart of projects
 
Chair scene setting: Shifting mindsets in the water industry
Jon Yates, Head of Delivery - Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force - Southern Water

What are nature based solutions and why we need them
Alexandra Combes - Scottish Water

Incentivising a nature first approach 
Jo Jolly, Director, Environment and Innovation - Ofwat

Collaboration and Standardisation: How can we make NBS projects easier to implement?
Brendan Bromwich - Mott MacDonald

​Sponsored by:

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Providing insight into the planning and projects dedicated to improving water resources and ensuring sufficient supply for both domestic use and water’s anticipated role in green energy generation. Join this session to hear how the water sector is planning to meet demand.  

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​Chair welcome and introduction
Ruth Williams, Chief Correspondent - Utility Week

Understanding biodiversity metrics and the State of Nature Report
Nick White, Principal Advisor – Net Gain - Natural England

Water companies’ role in restoring and regenerating our natural environment
Dan Ross, Environmental Strategy Manager - Southern Water

Biodiversity: measuring a base line
Sophie Mortimer, Biodiversity Manager - Affinity Water

Reservoir Discontinuance – Removing Barriers in the Lake District National Park
Lyndon Baker, Associate Geomorphologist - AtkinsRéalis
 

​Sponsored by: 

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Providing insight into the planning and projects dedicated to improving water resources and ensuring sufficient supply for both domestic use and water’s anticipated role in green energy generation. Join this session to hear from transfer and storage schemes improving climate resilience and managing demand.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week WWT

Station of nation – water scarcity
Lee Dance, Organisational Director - Water Resources South East

Talk title coming soon
Polly Chancellor, Head of Strategic Projects, Water Services - Pennon Group

Planning for water – setting ourselves up for success
Julie Morton, Head of Water Resources - Thames Water

Deploying innovative welding techniques to maximise water re-use
Murdo MacAngus, Commercial & Operations Development Director - Serimax
 

Exploring the partnerships and technologies working together to unearth efficiencies in planning and delivering local clean energy systems. Join this session to learn from regional case studies and the policy enabling regional decarbonisation.    

Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

PRIDE: using cutting-edge digital tools to support collaboration between local authorities, energy networks and regional stakeholders to deliver local and regional decarbonisation
Liza Troshka, Innovation Engineer - National Grid

RESP: forecasting network investment for decarbonisation
Bridget Hartley, head of regional energy strategic planning - NESO

To plan or not to plan: moving from acronyms to action at the local level
Guy Newey, Chief Executive - Energy Systems Catapult

​Sponsored by: 

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Delving into the challenges around leakage and outlining how to minimise risk and disruption to customers. Join this session to gain insight into innovations and best practice in detecting and fixing leaks across networks, and understand the investment required - whilst managing national requirements.

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​​Chair welcome and introduction
Ruth Williams, Chief Correspondent - Utility Week

Climate investment
Penny Hitch, Head of Optimisation - Anglian Water

Innovative approaches for the use of data in testing climate vulnerable mains
Jeremy Heath, Innovation Manager - SES Water

Gas leakage analytics – using technology to detect, monitor and address gas leakage
Dave Moon, Director of Investment & Future Energy - Cadent Gas

Leveraging a Redundant AMI network to reduce leakage

Tyler Simpson, Vice President - Global Water Sales - Hubbell

Exploring innovative approaches to reduce process emissions, minimise the water sector’s carbon footprint and strive for net zero. Join this session to discover the projects optimising processes, trialling carbon reduction innovations and implementing better monitoring to drive down the release of harmful greenhouse gases. 

Chair welcome and introduction
Ruth Williams, Chief Correspondent - Utility Week

Driving circularity in the water sector – understanding the challenges and opportunities
Rob Naylor, Senior Innovation Engineer - Thames Water and UKWIR Circular Economy team

Biomethane: a circular approach to reducing emissions and part of the decarbonisation puzzle
Sebastian Burgess, Strategy Specialist - Cadent Gas

Ofwat funded project Actilayer - capturing emissions
Ziye Dai, Senior Innovation Technical Expert - Severn Trent

 

Unearthing the low carbon solutions being adopted by utilities and their partners to monitor and reduce carbon and enable the delivery of net zero infrastructure. Join this session to understand the latest innovations and approaches transforming the traditional way of building and maintaining critical national infrastructure while also delivering social and environmental value.  

Chair welcome and introduction
Rob Horgan, News Editor - Utility Week

Calculating carbon on streetwork operations and delivering social value on projects
Alison Williams, Road to Net Zero - HAUC UK

Improving client contractor relationships to enable early engagement to uncover low carbon innovations
Hannah Leggatt, Head of E&S Delivery - Clancy

How the enterprise partnering model supports social value on major projects
Tim Winnett, Head of Major Onshore Programmes for SI Procurement - National Grid

 

Exploring how utilities can support vulnerable customers to prevent debt, improve customer retention and reputation and fulfil their social and regulatory responsibilities. Taking a proactive approach to communicating reasons behind bill increases and supporting customers to win public trust. 

Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Holistic approach to supporting customers with their energy bills
Louise Walsh, Chief Customer Contact Officer - Utilita

Vulnerable customer strategy and working with local authorities to auto enrol to social tariffs
Nicola Chitty, Affordability & Vulnerability Lead - Southern Water

Making energy better for the wallet and the planet
Nicola Wilson, Head of Customer Propositions - OVO

 

This session will explore how utilities are increasing customer trust to encourage the uptake of low carbon technology and drive the net zero agenda. Join us to understand how you can help the able-to-pay market take the next steps and ensure no one is left behind in the transition. 

Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

The importance of customer protection for installation of green products
Justin Macmullan, Policy Advisor - Consumer Protection - Which?

Creating products that customers love to drive uptake of low carbon technologies
Tessa Hillen, Flexibility Programme Manager - Octopus

The home energy saving technology journey - interoperability is key
Lisa Bunting - Centrica

Exploring strategies for efficiently and effectively rolling out low carbon heat while winning over customers. Join this session to gain insight into key issues impacting low carbon heat, including a community approach to decarbonising heat and the roll out of new solutions. 

Chair welcome and introduction
Jenny Russon, Senior Research, Policy and Campaigns Officer - The MCS Foundation

Clean Heat Neighbourhoods: developing an area-based approach to clean heat
Andy Marsden, Design Team - Nesta

Unlocking Mass Decarbonisation of Heat: how to make heat pumps as easy to buy as a gas boiler
Aimee Clark - Octopus Energy

AI for tackling Systemic Challenges in Electrification
Sam Young, AI Practice Manager - Energy Systems Catapult
 

Encouraging domestic and commercial customers to be mindful of their water and energy consumption and actively engage to accelerate net zero. Putting consumers at the heart of the energy transition and water resource resilience planning to better prioritise their needs and tailor communication.

Chair welcome and introduction
Codrina Cretu, Mission Manager - Nesta

Understanding and ‘profiling’ customers by energy usage – what can this tell us about behaviour?
Seth Caldwell, Head of Data Science - Sustainable Future Team - Nesta

The wholesaler’s perspective: Working with retailers and local businesses to improve water efficiency – findings from pilot schemes and trails
Emily Thornton, Water Efficiency Programme Co-Ordinator - Northumbrian Water

The retailer's perspective: The business case for water efficiency
Tom Abel, Director of Sales and Sustainable Solution - Business Stream

​Sponsored by: 

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Harnessing AI and digital solutions to revolutionise the way gas, water and power service their customers. Join this session to discover new technology that improves customer service and experience for a diverse range of customers, while maximising operational efficiencies.

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Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Laying the foundations for AI to play its part in delivering great customer service
Sally Ainsworth, Customer Service Director - United Utilities

Using AI and Machine Learning to build a Net Zero grid with customers at the heart
Ben Ferris, Data Scientist - Octopus Energy

Winning customer trust with people and agentic video intelligence
Hattie Lister, AVP Commercial Business - Vyntelligence

Demystifying how to bridge the looming skills gap in the utilities industry, securing the new skill sets needed to deliver sustainable water infrastructure and the net zero transition. Join this session to explore how to get the most from your workforce; improve morale; and make the utilities sector an attractive industry for leading talent.

Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Meeting demand and preparing a future workforce
David Nash, Director of Strategy & Policy - ECITB

Readying the workforce for success – looking at new skill pools to deliver results
Jon Yates, Head of Delivery - Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force - Southern Water

Inclusion and unlocking the most from your workforce
Isobel Green, Project Engineer - SSEN Transmission

 

Sponsored by:

Delving into the tools available to better operate in the field and manage the workforce and supply chain partners more efficiently. Discover how to communicate and improve H&S and support customer facing field operatives through embracing digital tools. In this session, uncover the latest approaches and innovations enhancing efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Chair welcome and introduction
Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Leveraging advances in AI/technology to improve productivity
Nisarg Hirani, General Manager: Sustainability and Transformation Strategy - Scottish Water

Working safer & smarter – the tech to improve safety & productivity
Victoria Hobson, Value Stream Manager - SPEN

NUAR (National Underground Asset Register): working collaboratively for smarter, efficient and safe field operations
James Darvill, Managing Geospatial Consultant - NAUR

Practical applications to deliver real world best practice, and unlock higher productivity in the field
Tom Dodds, Director - Totalmobile

​Sponsored by: 

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Sharing best practice in minimising the likelihood of outages and pipe bursts and how to communicate to customers. Gain practical insights to minimise customer dissatisfaction when responding to unforeseen disruption and planned asset management.    

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​Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Best in class experiences from incident and crisis management communications
Alex Williams, Head of Customer Contact Centre - UKPN

SIF Blade Black Start Demonstrator - how new technology can enable wind farms to restore the grid following a blackout and minimise service disruption
Daniel Barlow, Future Network Technology Manager - SPEnergyNetworks

One size doesn't fit all: tailoring customer communications in times of disruption
Kathryn Salisbury, Head of Customer Contact - Welsh Water

Insights from rail: Predicting preventative maintenance and reducing outages through remote infrastructure monitoring and IoT
Gerard Donohue, Chief Technology Officer - Telent
 

Uncovering new approaches to charging and billing customers to encourage behaviour change. Trialling and embracing tariff innovations to best support customers, improve affordability and offer consumers more choice.

Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Affinity Water’s domestic tariff trial – changing the way we charge for water to improve affordability
Lucy Hurst, Project Manager - Affinity Water

Goodbye bills, hello service. The rise of tariff innovation
Zac Curtis, Innovation Lead - E.ON

Protecting residents against rising energy costs: working with social landlords to provide innovative billing and financing for low carbon technologies
Jayesh Mistry, Head of Energy Services - SERO

Innovation in energy retail: could secondary suppliers unlock more flexibility and fairer ways to incentivise consumers
Tom Luff, Practice Manager (Electricity Markets & Policy) - Energy Systems Catapult
 

Leakage continues to be a priority for gas, power and water networks as utilities seek to maximise supply and meet demand. Join this session to discover the latest innovation projects exploring new ways to prevent, detect and fix leaks across utilities networks.    

Chair
Ben Hargreaves, Head of Content - Utility Week

Case study: Dark Fibre
Darius Bristow, Project Manager - Severn Trent Water

Tech enabled leakage reduction for gas networks
Chris Rison, Head of Smart Network - Cadent

Case study: Managing Background Leakage Project
Anna Taliana, Project Manager - Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water

​Sponsored by: 

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As we move towards Net Zero and Clean Power 2030, the pace of connection of distributed generation is rapidly increasing. This requires innovative thinking, industry partnerships and deep collaboration, while meeting high standards of affordability and resilience in order to effectively serve communities.  

Join this session to explore practical innovations and approaches to accelerate the transition and avoid the innovation doom loop. 

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Chair and scene setting
Ellen Bennett, Managing Director - Utility Week

Product-based & data driven approach in delivering customer value at pace
Tim Manandhar, DSO Solutions Manager - UK Power Networks

Leveraging digitalisation and cloud to unlock network capacity
Ben Scowen, Vice President - UK & Ireland Cloud & Core Leader - Kyndryl

Connections 360: Providing data transparency and helping customers to self-serve
Sangeeta Agrawal, Head of Technology Delivery - NESO
 

​In partnership with: 

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Identifying novel innovations in the water sector is critical to ensuring water companies deliver on net zero targets, clean rivers and build infrastructure at pace. Join this session hosted by UW sister brand Springwise to unearth impact-driven innovations you never knew you needed. Stay ahead of the companies and technologies leading the change and disrupting the utilities industry. 

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Chair introduction
Matthew Hempstead, Commissioning Editor - Springwise

Onunda offers energy self-sufficient and closed-loop treatment of biosolids via hydrothermal carbonisation and rotary kiln technologies
James Meyer, CTO & Co-founder - Onunda

Wizso is a small pellet that you drop into the toilet after you pee to avoid the need to flush, saving water, carbon and money
Arthur O'Brien, Founder & Director - Wizso

Tova is supporting utilities with its proprietary machine learning hydrologic model that forecasts water availability anywhere
Alexa Bruce, Chief Executive - Tova

 

​Sponsored by: 

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Innovation and investment will be key to building the energy future. The benefits of transforming the energy system are huge, resulting in increased economic growth, more jobs, lower bills in the long-term, and increased security of supply.    

Discover how National Grid is utilising innovative approaches and technology to maximise the potential of current assets, whilst driving the development and evolution of new solutions to enable the energy transition.  

​Chair and scene setting
Ruth Williams, Chief Correspondent - Utility Week

Panel
Gary Stockdale, Net Zero Innovation Manager - National Grid
Steve Smith, Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer - National Grid
Amjad Karim, Founder and CEO - Keen AI

To achieve Clean Power 2030 and ambitious AMP8 targets water, gas and power need to do things differently. Utilities must innovate and change their way of working to drive the UK’s net zero ambition, improve operational resilience and champion sustainability and clean waterways. Discover how Ofwat and Ofgem are supporting and championing innovation in the industry.  
 

Chair
Eric Brown, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank and Grid Scientific

The Secret to unlocking innovation across Utilities… Is being open about the need to change!
Jodie Giles, Programme Director - Strategic Innovation Fund - Ofgem
Dimosthenis Kaldis - Ofgem

Change through innovation – the time is now!!
Marc Hannis, Principal, Innovation Fund - Ofwat

In partnership with: 

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With a view towards the 2030s, gas networks provide an opportunity to drive down emissions through the scaling of biomethane. Come and find out about the action being taken, some complimentary solutions, the size of the prize and the rapid progress in France.
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Chair and scene setting
Oliver Lancaster, Chief Executive - IGEM

The Green Gas Task Force: Maximising biomethane
Nic Crowe, Co Chair - Green Gas Task Force

Vision to reality: Creating more capacity for the green gas
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero and Sustainability - Wales and West Utilities

Experiences from the continent and the French biomethane journey
Annette Kroll, Head of Regulation and Advocacy Renewable Gas - ENGIE
 

National Grid, SSEN and SPEN are working together on an innovation-funded project to develop a consistent approach and methodology for assessing the biodiversity impacts, risks and dependencies of their global supply chains. Join this session to learn more about Project Nature, and what it means for the UK transmission and distribution sectors.

Chair
Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Panel
Chris Plester, Net Gain Technical Lead - National Grid Electricity Transmission

​In partnership with: 

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This session will explore how UK energy networks and innovators are collaborating to accelerate the deployment of innovation. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, attendees will gain practical advice on progressing solutions to business-as-usual deployment.

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Chair Introduction
Stewart Reid, Head of Future Networks - SSEN Distribution

Panel
Ruth Babbington, Principal Policy Expert – Innovation - Ofgem
Kat Lennox, Managing Director - Rawwater Applied Technology
Chris Carter, Head of Innovation - SP Energy Networks
Paul Cuttill, Director - TSAFET Ltd
Alan Greig, Innovation Lead - APK Industries

Ambitious delivery targets in AMP8 and to achieve Clean Power 2030 combined with a national competition for resource, requires the industry to embrace novel technologies and ways of working to unlock efficiencies and maximise productivity. Join this session to discover the latest learnings from innovation projects exploring new ways to drive deliverability, improve network resilience and increase asset management efficiency.  

Chair
Ellen Bennett, Managing Director - Utility Week

Case study: Sub-Seasonal Forecasting
Michael Angus, Industry Consultancy Scientist - Met Office

Case study: Safe Smart Systems
Reece Cook, Principal Data Scientist - Anglian Water

Case study: Phase Switch System Project
Stuart Fowler - National Grid

​In partnership with: 

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Identifying novel energy innovations is critical if we are to meet net-zero targets, enable UK decarbonisation, and build infrastructure at pace. Join this session hosted by UW sister brand Springwise to unearth impact-driven innovations you never knew you needed. Stay ahead of the companies and technologies leading the change and disrupting the utilities industry. 

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​​​Chair introduction
Matt Hempstead, Commissioning Editor - Springwise

AssetCool automates grid uprating and maintenance with power line robotics and materials science
Niall Coogan, CEO - AssetCool

Rendesco is pioneering and scaling heat as a utility and asset in the UK
Tim Delport, Head of Energy Innovation - Rendesco Ltd

Gridraven delivers dynamic line ratings with precision weather forecasting
Tuuli Jevstignejev, Chief Communication Officer - Gridraven

Looking at decarbonisation at a local level is critical to planning and achieving net zero in different regions. Collaboration between distribution networks and local government has never been more critical to achieve net zero targets. Join this session to discover the work being done to engage with all stakeholders when planning for Clean Power 2030. 

Chair introduction
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive - UK100

Net zero by 2030 – what can a London government do (and not do)?
Tim Pryce, Head of Clean Energy - London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

Where energy and communities meet - lessons from two years of collaboration between DSO and Local Authorities
Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero - UKPN

DSO for good
Paul Auckland, Head of Economic Regulation and DSO - Electricity North West

With approximately 34 million smart meters connected to the smart meter network and 2.3 billion messages transmitted monthly, smart meter data plays a pivotal role in supporting the transition to Net Zero. It can help build a more flexible and sustainable energy system. For utilities, like other sectors, meeting the Net Zero challenge is going to require a shift in thinking than has been the norm in the past, and moving towards innovative solutions and strategies. Join us for a session exploring how utilities can securely and safely unlock access to smart meter data and foster innovation that drives the transition to Net Zero, while delivering tangible benefits to consumers 


Chair opening remarks
Paul Clark, Partnerships & Projects Director - Smart DCC

Panel
Jo Lomax, Consumer Vulnerability Manager - UKPN
Dimitrios Stefanoglou, Sustainable Innovation Analyst - Utilita
Simon Tricker, Co-founder & CDO - Urban Tide

As the water industry ramp up to deliver the biggest AMP, ensuring major projects look beyond cost is critical. The way the water industry designs, builds, maintains and procures assets must change giving weight to lower carbon options, social value, nature and whole life cost. How can the water industry deliver genuine social value in AMP8 and beyond? 

Discussion points: 

• How can the industry create standards to better quantify social and environmental values when procuring projects?How can asset owners better work with the supply chain to encourage innovation and new ways of working? 
• How can the industry take learnings from the Construction Value Tool Kit and similar initiatives to change the way the sector perceives value? 

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here 
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Paul Hickey, Managing Director - RAPID

The water sector faces increasing pressures from climate change, infrastructure challenges, and regulatory demands. With £3bn earmarked for nature-based solutions (NbS) in AMP8, a critical skills gap limits effective implementation at scale. The CWA, CIWEM, The Rivers Trust and 25+ partners are developing a collaborative programme addressing NbS literacy and career pathways to overcome these challenges. 

Join this session to explore: 

• What skills gaps prevent wider NbS adoption across planning, design, implementation, and maintenance? 
• How can we create inclusive career pathways to attract diverse talent into NbS roles? 
• What approaches can accelerate knowledge transfer across the sector? 
• What immediate actions can build capability for effective NbS delivery? 
• How can we better communicate NbS value to key stakeholders? 

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here.
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Gabriela Dotro, Chair - Constructed Wetland Association

Paul Shaffer, Director of Projects - CIWEM

As the utilities industry faces an identity crisis in conjunction with a looming skills gap attracting new talent and skillset new models of operating require has never been a bigger challenge. How can energy and water take a united approach to transform public perception through the power of social media? 

Discussion points:  

• How is social media helping or hindering the industry’s image? 

• How can utilities maximise the reach and opportunity of social media to transform public perception and attract talent? 

• How can the industry lead the change on public engagement? 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here 
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Louise Wapshare, Chief Executive - Smartest Energy Business and Director, WUN

 

Data is critical for UK utilities as it underpins everything from operational efficiency to regulatory compliance and customer service. Utilities companies must come together to improve data sharing to unlock innovation, empower customers and support decarbonisation objectives. Data sharing, however, comes with challenges including commercial sensitivities, privacy risk, and standards and interoperability. Join this session to collaboratively overcome these challenges with your peers and drive tangible change.  

Discussion points:  

• What will it take to make data sharing as easy as using a smart phone while also making it secure, robust and legally compliant?   

• What people are working on and where achievements and progress has been made  

• What areas are causing the most headaches and what change is needed to make progress faster? 

• How can we best balance speed of progress with collaboration to ensure data sharing infrastructures can easily inter-operate if and as needed? 

• Which organisations are currently supporting the linking up of DSI initiatives across sectors? 

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here. 
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Sarah Hayes, Chair - Digital Twin Hub Data Sharing Working Group

Melissa Tallack, Open Data Lead - Northumbrian Water

Energy customers are increasingly aware of the opportunity to play an active part in the energy system. This consumer flexibility - how they use, store, and trade energy - is still in its early stages. Over the coming years an array of tariffs, rewards, and incentives will be on offer to those willing and able to participate. However, the assets and technology required often come with a hefty price tag. In order to access the widest range of flexibility, and enable the most customer to benefit from participation, are we doing enough to make it accessible to all customers including the most vulnerable? 

Discussion points:

• What are the barriers to customers learning about and participating in flexibility? 
• What policy, commercial, and technology solutions can help reach the widest range of customers
• What specific actions are needed to ensure vulnerable customers can participate and are not left behind? 

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here.
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Russ Morgan, Commercial Innovations Director - Ohme

With new targets to hit around decarbonisation, transmission and distribution system operators need to work together to build a more decenralised and flexible energy system which will enable Clean Power 2030 and beyond. Integrating renewable energy to the grid, coordinating planning and investment and improving digitalisation and standardisation is critical to improving network visibility and unlocking efficiencies in achieving net zero.  

 

Discussion points:  

• How can network and system operators better coordinate planning and operations?   
• How can we achieve whole system optimisation by increasing access of DERs to both T-D markets
• How can we better leverage digitalisation and standardisation to drive network visibility and operational decisions?   
• What can be done to better share data and forecasting to drive whole system planning and operations?  

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here.
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator

Tim Manandhar, DSO Solutions Manager - UK Power Networks

Understanding all stakeholder views when planning the future energy system is crucial to ensure local areas get the energy infrastructure required to meet local and national net zero ambitions. It is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders when planning the future energy system. This approach ensures that local areas receive the necessary energy infrastructure to meet both local and national goals. 

Join NESO in this interactive session to discuss the importance of bottom-up planning. During this collaborative workshop, we are seeking valuable input from a range of stakeholders, such as local communities, industry experts, and policymakers. By participating, your insights will directly influence NESO's new RESP role.  

This is a unique opportunity to have your say and to help ensure that the energy system is not only efficient and resilient but also tailored to the specific needs of local areas. 

Join us and be part of the conversation that will drive the future of energy planning. 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here 
These are drop-in facilitated workshops please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Bridget Hartley, Head of Regional Energy Strategic Planning - NESO

The energy transition requires not just technological advancements but also active customer engagement. Utilities must find ways to bring customers on board, ensuring they understand, support, and participate in the changes needed for a more sustainable and flexible energy system. This workshop will explore strategies to build trust, communicate effectively, and incentivise customer involvement in the energy transition. 

Discussion points:  

• What are the biggest barriers preventing customers from engaging with the energy transition, and how can utilities overcome them? 
• How can energy companies better communicate the benefits of new technologies (e.g., smart meters, flexible tariffs, demand-side response) to build trust and participation? 
• What role should financial incentives, regulation, and community-led initiatives play in driving customer adoption of sustainable energy behaviours? 

 

Attendance is open to Utility Week members. Check if you're a member here. 
These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time. 

Facilitator
Matthew Cole, Chief Executive - Fuel Bank Foundation

In the energy sector, venture-backed startups are developing new technologies that will be essential for boosting capacity and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. However, the now-cliched Silicon Valley approach to innovation – ‘move fast and break things’ – doesn’t work in the context of the critical infrastructure we rely on for our daily lives. You can’t move fast and break the grid. So how can established industry players best co-operate with startups to ensure that first-of-a-kind technologies are deployed efficiently and safely in time to meet our climate targets? 

Discussion points:   

• What is the best model for partnering with startups on pilot projects and operational testing? 
• What are the benefits of investing in startups through corporate venture capital?  
• How can we get the most out of the different organisational cultures of startups and large organisations?  
• How can key industry players support innovative companies beyond money and contracts? 

These are drop-in, facilitated workshops. Please come prepared to join in and share your views and experiences. To secure your place please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the session start time.

Facilitator
Matthew Hempstead, Commissioning Editor - Springwise