Content Programme

grad

2025 marks the tenth-year edition of Utility Week Live and this year is set to be the biggest and best yet. The exhibition has expanded across two halls and the FREE-to-attend Challenge Programme will run across four action-packed stages, under the headline theme ‘Lead the Change’. The programme will explore the biggest challenges facing utilities, including the delivery of Clean Power 2030, AMP8 plans and so much more.

Take away actionable insights from more than 175 of the industry’s most effective leaders. Speakers include Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for energy consumers, Matthew Humphrey, Head of asset management, Anglian Water, Juergen Maier, Chair, GB energy, and many more.

REGISTER FREE MEET THE SPEAKERS

Loading

10:00 11:00

Leading the energy transformation – can we really create a clean power system by 2030?

Utility Week Keynote Stage
With Labour’s commitment to delivering a clean power system by 2030 driving the integration of renewable sources and need for energy security, the UK's energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. Energy networks need a clear strategy and certainty to make investment decisions and maintain a resilient energy system. This panel unites policymakers those delivering the Clean Power 2030 mission to discuss strategies for navigating these challenges and ensuring a stable, sustainable energy future for all, asking:
- How will different bodies work together to streamline, accelerate and improve efficiency in delivering a clean power system?
- How will planning, regulation and investment adapt?
- What steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition to net zero while maintaining grid stability during periods of high demand?
- With the rise of decentralised energy systems, how can the UK ensure effective coordination across various energy stakeholders?
- How do keep the customer at the centre of this transformation
Chair introduction
Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Panel
Juergen Maier, Chair - GB Energy
Claire Dykta, Chief Strategy Officer - NESO
Nick Winser, Commissioner - Clean Power 2030
Chairperson

Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Speakers

Juergen Maier, Chair - GB Energy

Claire Dykta, Chief Strategy Officer - NESO

Nick Winser, Commissioner - Clean Power 2030
11:15 11:45

Energy Geeks Panel: Countdown to net zero

Utility Week Keynote Stage

Creating a clean power system by 2030 and hitting net zero by 2050 requires transformation in policy, investment and regulation. The energy industry needs to be reimagined. Hear from a group of industry leaders lobbying for change and pushing government to deliver certainty and a strategy which best serves customers, the environment and UK economy.

Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Panel
Eric Brown, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank
Maxine Frerk, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank
Laura Sandys - Energy Geeks thinktank

Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Laura Sandys - Energy Geeks thinktank

Maxine Frerk, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank

Eric Brown, Director - Energy Geeks thinktank
12:00 12:30

Transforming energy retail: are we heading in the right direction?

Utility Week Keynote Stage
Energy retailers are in the process of transforming from traditional suppliers to dynamic service providers, driven by green energy, decentralised generation, and smart technology. As the UK deploys its net zero plan, have we sufficiently considered the role of energy retailers and how their operations will change? Join this session to answer:  
- How have operations changed and what forecasted change are expected?  
- What low carbon and smart technologies are radicalising the retailer market?   
- How can the energy sector ensure customers stay at the heart of evolving business operations? 
Chair introduction
Beth Martin, Director of Retail - Ofgem

Panel
Bill Bullen, Chief Executive - Utilita
Chris Norbury, Chief Executive - EON
Chairperson

Beth Martin, Director of Retail - Ofgem

Speakers

Chris Norbury, Chief Executive - EON

Bill Bullen, Chief Executive - Utilita
12:45 13:30

Utility Regulators: Catalysts or barriers to achieving net zero?

Utility Week Keynote Stage
As the UK sharpens its focus on delivering net zero while meeting rising consumer expectations, the relationship between utility networks and regulators comes under scrutiny. To drive the energy transition and enable water network to address issues in a low carbon way, regulators must evolve their frameworks to align incentives, unlock critical investments, and ensure long-term service resilience, all while safeguarding consumer affordability and reliability. This session invites key regulators to discuss pressing questions, including:
- How are regulatory approaches evolving to secure necessary investment levels and foster confidence among private investors?
- What strategies are in place to address the increasing pressures of long-term planning, policy coherence, and generational infrastructure investment?
- How can planning and permitting be more efficient while still protecting nature and ecology?
- How are you empowering the industry to lead on innovation, digitalisation, and decarbonisation while offering long-term regulatory certainty?
- What role do regulators play in addressing the industry's public perception challenges and enhancing public trust in utility services?
Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Panel
Iain Coucher, Chair - Ofwat
Mark McAllister, Chair - Ofgem
Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator - Environment Agency
Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Mark McAllister, Chair - Ofgem

Iain Coucher, Chair - Ofwat

Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator - Environment Agency
13:45 14:45

Mega projects: how to get big things done

Utility Week Keynote Stage
As the UK water sector embarks on its largest-ever capital investment program in AMP8 and the power transmission network undergoes significant upgrades, the pressure is on for utilities to deliver major infrastructure with greater efficiency and collaboration across their supply chains. Discover key lessons from the landmark project HS2 to enhance productivity, optimise resource management, and maximise social value in an era of constrained resources. Join us to discover strategies for delivering transformative infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and with lasting impact. Join this session to hear the responding panel outline the challenges and opportunities facing water, power and gas when delivering large-scale infrastructure projects
- How can we improve supply chain collaboration to drive partnerships and streamline project delivery?
- How to overcome resource constraints to minimise delays in projects.
- What support is needed from regulators and policy makers?
Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Panel coming soon
Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week
15:00 15:45

Creating Lasting Change: Collaborating with the supply chain to transform traditional ways of working

Utility Week Keynote Stage

Revealing how the UK’s three TOs are joining forces to drive unlock efficiencies through the full supply chain that benefit all stakeholders in the designing, planning and building major transmission infrastructure. Join this session to gain insight into the milestones already reached in evolving existing ways of working to establish a more standardised approach across the construction and operation of transmission infrastructure and how this will attract and retain the needed talent to meet 2030 goals.

Chair introduction
Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Panel coming soon

Chairperson

Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week
16:00 16:45

Overcoming challenges and building personal resilience: What Happened Next…

Utility Week Keynote Stage

In the ever-changing world of utilities, diversity of thought and experience is key to progress and resilience. Join the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) to for an engaging and interactive keynote session, where industry colleagues will share real-life stories from their careers. This session invites you to step into their shoes and explore “what would you do next?”, encouraging participants to discuss, problem-solve, and share personal insights on navigating a range of professional challenges. Come ready to connect, collaborate, and leave inspired!

Chair introduction
Hayley Monks, founder - Womens Utilities Network

Panel
Lila Thompson, Chief Executive - British Water
Charley Maher, Chief Excutive - South Staffordshire Water
Shelley Copsey, Chief Executive - FYLD

Chairperson

Hayley Monks, founder - Womens Utilities Network

Speakers

Lila Thompson, Chief Executive - British Water

Charley Maher, Chief Excutive - South Staffordshire Water

Shelly Copsey, Chief Executive - FYLD
17:30 18:45

Flex Awards

Utility Week Keynote Stage

The Utility Week Flex Awards are back for 2025 and will celebrate innovators dedicated to advancing energy flexibility!

The Awards will recognise and reward the people and projects building the emerging energy flexibility market. They will recognise pilot projects and trials, celebrate flexibility pioneers and unearth the companies and individuals who are driving flex markets and end user engagement.

Find out more: https://www.flexawards.co.uk/
Register free to attend the presentation: https://bit.ly/awards-presentation-free-ticket

Chair introduction
James Wallin, Utility week

Panel

Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

10:00 10:30

Keynote Address: Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Energy Consumers

Utility Week Keynote Stage

Are utilities doing enough for customers? With public perception of utilities at an all-time low and a clear need for consumers to change the way they interact with energy and adopt low carbon technology, the industry must do more. Putting customers at the heart of the UK’s energy transition is essential to developing a decarbonised energy system that operates for the customer in an affordable way.

Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Keynote
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers - DESNZ

Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers - DESNZ
10:30 11:00

Interview: From Just Eat to a just transition

Utility Week Keynote Stage

As he marks one year on from taking the helm at Ovo Energy, David Buttress reflects on his previous experience of setting up food delivery giant Just Eat and how this relates to the challenges of energy retail. Discussion points: How companies can better use technology to get to know their customers The role of suppliers in engaging the public on net zero and the need for them to speak with one voice How we can ensure a just transition for all

Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Guest
David Buttress, Chief Executive - OVO

Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

David Buttress, Chief Executive - OVO
11:15 12:15

How to revolutionise customer centric leadership

Utility Week Keynote Stage
As the utilities industry undergoes a profound transformation to enable a cleaner, more sustainable power system, placing customers at the centre of this transition is no longer just a priority—it's essential for long-term success. Gas, water, and electricity providers must navigate complex challenges while addressing rising public expectations for transparency, affordability, and reliability. This panel will discuss:  
- How can customer centric leadership build trust and ensure a just transition for all? 
- What is being done to keep customers at the heart of innovation? 
- How can the industry improve effective customer experience, efficiency and loyalty?   
- What needs to be done to improve utilities’ reputation? 
Chair introduction and scene setting
Jo Causon, Chief Executive - Institute of Customer Service

Panel
Anna Cook, Managing Director- Service - Sky
Rachel Fletcher, Director of Regulation and Economics - Octopus Energy
Mike Gauterin, Customer Services and Technology Director - United Utilities
Chairperson

Jo Causon, Chief Executive - Institute of Customer Service

Speakers

Mike Gauterin, Customer Services and Technology Director - United Utilities

Anna Cook, Managing Director- Service - Sky

Rachel Fletcher, Director of Regulation and Economics - Octopus Energy
12:30 13:15

AMP8: Delivering the impossible - leading the change

Utility Week Keynote Stage

With the biggest spend in any AMP and a drive to protect the environment, water companies need to transform traditional ways of working. Water companies can no longer design to the lowest cost and must prioritising whole life cost, carbon and the environment. The water sector is entering a new era of operating and the industry has an opportunity to transform its public image and change its culture. This session will reveal the forward-looking approaches from the water sector to gain public acceptability, educate and share responsibility of the water network and maximise investment through transforming culture and leveraging new skills and technologies.

Chair introduction
Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Panel
Carol Cairns, Chief Asset Officer - Portsmouth Water
Lauren Schogger, Transformation Director - Anglian Water
Matt Wheeldon, Infrastructure Development Director - Wessex Water

Chairperson

Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Speakers

Matt Wheeldon, Infrastructure Development Director - Wessex Water

Carol Cairns, Chief Asset Officer - Portsmouth Water

Lauren Schogger, Transformation Director - Anglian Water
13:30 14:00

Fireside chat: Building tomorrow’s infrastructure with the planet in mind

Utility Week Keynote Stage

As public demand for resilient, sustainable infrastructure grows, utilities must take a nature first approach when designing, building and maintaining assets. This session explores how putting nature, carbon reduction, and biodiversity at the forefront of operations can create lasting benefits for both ecosystems and communities.  

Chair introduction
Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Panel
Professor Jim Hall, Commissioner, NIC - President, ICE
Dr James Richardson, Director of Analysis - Climate Change Committee

Chairperson

Jane Gray, Content Director - Utility Week

Speakers

Professor Jim Hall, Commissioner, NIC - President, ICE

Dr James Richardson, Director of Analysis - Climate Change Committee
14:15 15:00

Shifting perspective: the green gas grid

Utility Week Keynote Stage

As the UK decarbonises it energy generation, what is the role of gas networks in a 2050 net zero world? Gas networks provide an opportunity for carbon capture and underground storage, decarbonising industry and power, and creating a circular economy through biomethane injection. This session will explore how the gas grid will decarbonise, provide energy security and operate in 2050.

Chair introduction
James Earl, Chief Executive - Future Energy Networks

Panel
Vicki Mustard, Head of Gas and Whole System Development - NESO
James Ganendra, Senior Manager, Commercial Directorate - National Gas
Charles McAllister, Director - Green Gas Taskforce

Chairperson

James Earl, Chief Executive - Future Energy Networks

Speakers

Vicki Mustard, Head of Gas and Whole System Development - NESO

James Ganendra, Senior Manager, Commercial Directorate - National Gas

Charles McAllister, Director - Green Gas Taskforce
15:15 15:45

The future is here - insights from tomorrow’s leaders

Utility Week Keynote Stage

Members of Utility Week’s Future Leaders Club share their vision for the industry’s future. In this session, they’ll reflect on the current challenges, explore innovative ways to attract the next generation of talent, and explain why they believe working in utilities is more important than ever. Join us for bold, forward-thinking ideas and blue-sky visions for shaping the direction of the utility sector. 

Chair introduction
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Panel

Chairperson

James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

10:00 11:05

Leveraging digital twins and BIM

Smart Utilities Stage

Sponsored by:

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, 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, NESO

Talk title coming soon

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

Chairperson

Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week

Speakers

Mark Enzer OBE FREng, Strategic Advisor - Mott MacDonald

Matt Piper, Global Industry Director Infrastructure - ESRI

Joshua Visser, Senior Manager - Innovation Incubator - NESO
11:20 12:25

Enhancing utilities through AI, automation and digital tools

Smart Utilities Stage

Sponsored by:

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.
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 - NWG

Establishing the optimal balance between storage and re-use in smart rainwater management systems
Katy Bevan, Operations Manager Rainwater Management - United Utilities

Talk title coming soon

Regaining Control of Legacy Asset Data with 3D Imaging and AI
Chris Stewart, Sales Director UK & Ireland - SAMP

Chairperson

Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

Speakers

Angela MacOscar, head of innovation - NWG

Katy Bevan, Operations Manager Rainwater Management - United Utilities

Chris Stewart, Sales Director UK & Ireland - Samp
12:40 13:45

Open and shared data: Making UK data more accessible to those who can generate value, while protecting it from those with harmful intentions

Smart Utilities Stage

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

National emerging picture, smart data bill and smart data council
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

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Melissa Tallack, Stream Co-Lead - Northumbrian Water

Speakers

Gavin Starks, Chief Executive - Icebreaker One

Brian Matthews - STFC

Sarah Hayes, Chair - Digital Twin Hub Data Sharing Working Group
14:00 15:05

Predictive and proactive asset management

Smart Utilities Stage

Sponsored by:

Chair welcome and introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

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

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, Head of Waste Water - Southern Water

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

Speakers

Beth Foster, Energy Systems Innovation Lead - Innovate UK UKRI

Stewart Reid, Head of Future Networks - SSEN Distribution

Alex Saunders, Head of Waste Water - Southern Water
15:20 16:25

Rolling out smart meters and harnessing the data

Smart Utilities Stage

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.

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

Talk title coming soon
Tanya Dady - Dayworth Consulting

Giving the customer power over how their data is used
Kay Featherstone, Head of Brand and Marketing - Anglian Water

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

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Tanya Dady - Dayworth Consulting

Kay Featherstone, Head of Brand and Marketing - Anglian Water

Emerson Smith, Data Science Apprentice - National Grid

10:00 11:05

Digital design: driving efficiency in infrastructure design and build

Smart Utilities Stage

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.

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

Powering information management in electricity transmission
Eduardo Schoenau, BIM Manager - SSEN
Amanda Shanks, BIM Manager - SSEN

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

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Rob Horgan, News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Amanda Shanks, BIM Manager - SSEN

Neil Pullen, Head of Design - Severn Trent

Richard Hutchinson, Head of Engineering - Balfour Beatty

Eduardo Schoenau, BIM Manager - SSEN
11:20 12:25

Robotic solutions for asset management and maintenance

Smart Utilities Stage

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

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 - SSEN Transmission

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

Speakers

Clive Surman-Wells, innovation partnerships manager - Northumbrian Water

Amanda Smith, UAV Equipment Programme Lead - Sellafield

Brant Wilson - SSEN Transmission
12:40 13:45

Getting more from existing assets: Maximising operational efficiency through digital tools

Smart Utilities Stage

Sponsored by:

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.
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 voltage optimisation through digitalisation of local grids
Roger Hey, Director - Smart GB

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

Chairperson

Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

Speakers

Ally Potts, Technical Lead - Clean Rivers & Seas Task Force - Southern Water

Roger Hey, Director - Smart GB

Heather Naylor, WR Optimisation Project Manager - Anglian Water

Scott Broadley, Chief Customer Officer - FYLD
14:00 15:05

Data driven decision making to optimise utilities

Smart Utilities Stage

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

Using generative AI and synthetic data to model energy futures and optimise infrastructure role out

Talk title coming soon

STREAM – Fuelling data driven decision making with open and shared data publication

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Gareth Jones, Chief Operating Officer - Centre for Net Zero

Melissa Tallack, Stream Co-Lead - Northumbrian Water

10:00 11:05

Maximising flexible storage

Energy Flexibility Stage

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
Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

Embracing partnerships through battery contract innovation
Kieron Stopforth, Senior Manager - Flexibility - Octopus Energy

Long duration storage – enabling seasonal flexibility – LDES
David Hill, Director of Business Development - Form Energy

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

Chairperson

Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

Speakers

Kieron Stopforth, Senior Manager - Flexibility - Octopus Energy

David Hill, Director of Business Development - Form Energy

Josey Wardle, Innovation Lead – ZEV Infrastructure - Innovate UK
11:20 12:25

Balancing market interoperability and enabling I&C participation

Energy Flexibility Stage

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, Flexibility Policy Officer - The Association for Decentralised Energy

Engaging with I&C customers to unlock flexibility
Alex Munnery, Commercial Manager – System Flexibility - Northern Powergrid

Harnessing relationships to encourage I&C participation
Kelly-Marie Lovesy, Sales Director - Urban Chain

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

Chairperson

Natasha Mills, Flexibility Policy Officer - The Association for Decentralised Energy

Speakers

Alex Munnery, Commercial Manager – System Flexibility - Northern Powergrid

Kelly-Marie Lovesy, Sales Director - Urban Chain

Andrew Dixon, Head of Energy Efficiency - Welsh Water
12:40 13:45

Leveraging tariff innovation for flexibility

Energy Flexibility Stage

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.

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

Zero bills contracts & V2G
Alexandra Meagher, Group Head of Regulation - Octopus Energy

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

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

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Alexandra Meagher, Group Head of Regulation - Octopus Energy

Jack Hailstone, Energy Innovation Lead - OVO

Sara Vaughan, Chair - ELEXON
14:00 15:05

Deploying inclusive and accessible flexibility services for domestic customers

Energy Flexibility Stage

Sponsored by:

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
Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

Inclusive flex: designing flex products & services to enable higher engagement from low income and vulnerable households
Michael Fell, Senior Researcher - University College London and Nesta

Inclusive smart solutions: making flexibility accessible to the widest range of consumers
Rebecca Sweeney, Business Lead - Homes - Energy Systems Catapult

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

Talk title coming soon
Alex Jakeman, Guidehouse

Chairperson

Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

Speakers

Michael Fell, Senior Researcher - University College London and Nesta

Rebecca Sweeney, Business Lead - Homes - Energy Systems Catapult

Andrew Ross, Founder and Director - Centre for Energy Equality

Alex Jakeman, associate director - Guidehouse
15:20 16:25

Unearthing the flexibility potential of low carbon heat

Energy Flexibility Stage

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, Senior Researcher - NESTA

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 - OVO

Chairperson

Tom Lowe, Founding Director - Thermal Storage UK

Speakers

Oli Berry, Senior Researcher - Nesta

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

Chris Watling - OVO

10:00 11:05

Market regulation and governance

Energy Flexibility Stage

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 - Energy Networks Association

Coordinating process from transmission to distribution
Lois Clark, Flexibility Market Development Manager - NESO

Market facilitator update
Steven Gough, Head of Flexibility - Elexon

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

Flex Markets Unlocked
Ankit Patel, Programme Manager - Flexify

Chairperson

Avi Aithal, Head of Open Networks - Energy Networks Association

Speakers

Lois Clark, Flexibility Market Development Manager - NESO

Steven Gough, Head of Flexibility - ELEXON

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

Ankit Patel, Programme Manager - Flexify
11:20 12:25

DNOs to DSO: Deploying digital infrastructure at pace

Energy Flexibility Stage

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
Jaime Bright, Data Science Lead - UK Power Networks

Data driven and digitised networks underpin DSO and flexibility at scale
Cara Blockley, Head of Commercial Strategy - ENW

Chairperson

Dr Richard Dobson, Business Leader: Digital - Energy Systems Catapult

Speakers

Simon Evans, Programme Director, Virtual Energy System - NESO

Jaime Bright, Data Science Lead - UK Power Networks

Cara Blockley, Head of Commercial Strategy - ENW
12:40 13:45

Automating flexibility: removing the barriers to consumer participation

Energy Flexibility Stage

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
Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

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

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
Alastair Martin, Chief Strategy Officer - Flexitricity

Flex Markets Asset Register
Nina Klein, Principal Policy Expert - Ofgem

Chairperson

Claire Miller, Mobility & energy, advisor, innovator, engineer - Tellegen

Speakers

Rachel Stanley, Flexibility Market Lead - OVO

Alex Howard, Head of Flexibility Markets - UK Power Networks

Alastair Martin, Chief Strategy Officer - Flexitricity

Nina Klein, Principal Policy Expert - Ofgem
14:00 15:05

Quantifying the value of flexibility

Energy Flexibility Stage

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

Is there any value for major energy users?

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Ben Hargreaves, head of content - Utility Week

10:00 11:05

Wetlands: harnessing the power of nature

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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
Nick Mills, programme lead - UKWIR

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 - University of Birmingham

Chairperson

Nick Mills, programme lead - UKWIR

Speakers

Robert McTaggart, Technical Director - Stantec

Bryony Bowman - University of Birmingham
11:20 12:25

The role of gas in achieving the clean power mission

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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

Gas network collaboration
James Earl, Chief Executive - Future Energy Networks

The gas transmission system in providing security and resilience on the pathway to 2030 and beyond
Corinna Jones, Head of Innovation - National Gas

Preparing flexible power stations and the importance of storage
Chris Wright, Hydrogen Senior Development Manager - Centrica

Chairperson

Oliver Lancaster, Chief Executive - IGEM

Speakers

James Earl, Chief Executive - Future Energy Networks

Corinna Jones, Head of Innovation - National Gas

Chris Wright, Hydrogen Senior Development Manager - Centrica
12:40 13:45

Designing for nature to tackle major challenges in the water sector

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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
Nick Mills, programme lead - UKWIR

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

Catchment approaches and co-delivery of NbS to reduce loads on the sewer network
David Naismith, Senior Associate – Wetlands - Mott MacDonald

Wider benefits of NbS - health & wellbeing, BNG, nutrient neutrality and more
Alexandra Combes - Scottish Water

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Nick Mills, programme lead - UKWIR

Speakers

Jo Jolly, Director, Environment and Innovation - Ofwat

David Naismith, Senior Associate – Wetlands - Mott MacDonald

Alexandra Combes - Scottish Water
14:00 15:05

Putting nature first: biodiversity and net gains

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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.

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 - Affinity Water

Chairperson

Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week

Speakers

Nick White, Principal Advisor – Net Gain - Natural England

Dan Ross, Environmental Strategy Manager - Southern Water

Sophie Mortimer - Affinity Water
15:20 16:25

Water resources and securing supply: ensuring we have enough water for the future

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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.

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

Station of nation – water scarcity
Margaret Read, Director of Policy - NIC

Securing supply for the future in a nature positive way
Louise Bardsley - Natural England

Delivering resilience and ensuring we have enough water for future demands
Julie Morton, Head of Water Resources - Thames Water

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week

Speakers

Margaret Read, Director of Policy - NIC

Louise Bardsley - Natural England

Julie Morton, Head of Water Resources - Thames Water

10:00 11:05

Coordinating planning and investment to decarbonise regions

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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
Liza Troshka, innovation engineer - National Grid

RESP: forecasting network investment for decarbonisation

The local authority’s perspective

Chairperson

Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Liza Troshka, innovation engineer - National Grid
11:20 12:25

The leakage problem: rethinking routine maintenance vs climate investment

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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.

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

Climate investment
Matthew Humphrey, Head of Asset Management - 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

Chairperson

Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week

Speakers

Matthew Humphrey, Head of Asset Management - Anglian Water

Jeremy Heath, Innovation Manager - SES Water

Dave Moon, director of investment & future energy - Cadent Gas
12:40 13:45

Tackling process emissions and achieving 2030 net zero targets

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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

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

Talk title coming soon

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Ruth Williams, chief correspondent - Utility Week

Speakers

Ziye Dai, Senior Innovation Technical Expert - Severn Trent
14:00 15:05

Supply chain collaboration to deliver net zero infrastructure

Sustainable Infrastructure Stage

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, E&S Director - Clancy

How the enterprise partnering model supports social value on major projects
Isabelle Adams, Great Grid Partnership Director - NGET

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Rob Horgan, News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Alison Williams, Road to Net Zero - HAUC UK

Hannah Leggatt, E&S Director - Clancy

Isabelle Adams, Great Grid Partnership Director - NGET

10:00 11:05

Supporting customers as bills rise

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Louise Walsh, chief customer contact officer - Utilita

Nicola Chitty, Affordability & Vulnerability Lead - Southern Water

Nicola Wilson, Head of Customer Propositions - OVO
11:20 12:25

Driving uptake of low carbon technologies - helping households and businesses to take the next steps

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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?

What will it take to create a roof top solar revolution – findings from the non-domestic market

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

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Justin Macmullan, Policy Advisor - Consumer Protection - Which?

Lisa Bunting - Centrica
12:40 13:45

Decarbonisation of heat

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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

Talk title coming soon
TJ Root, Octopus Energy - Octopus Energy

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

Chairperson

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

Speakers

Andy Marsden, Design Team - Nesta

TJ Root, Octopus Energy - Octopus Energy

Sam Young, AI Practice Manager - Energy Systems Catapult
14:00 15:05

Understanding our customers and reducing consumption

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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?
Andy Regan, Senior Mission Manager - A Sustainable Future - Nesta

The business case for water efficiency
Tom Abel, Director of Sales and Sustainable Solution - Business Stream

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

Chairperson

Codrina Cretu, Mission Manager - Nesta

Speakers

Andy Regan, Senior Mission Manager - A Sustainable Future - Nesta

Tom Abel, Director of Sales and Sustainable Solution - Business Stream

Emily Thornton, Water Efficiency Programme Co-Ordinator - Northumbrian Water
15:20 16:25

Delivering best in class customer service with AI and digital solutions

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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.

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

AI assisted customer service to delight and improve customer experience
Ashley Marshman, Head of Customer Service - Southern Water

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

Talk title coming soon
Ben Ferris, Data Scientist - Octopus Energy

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Ashley Marshman, Head of Customer Service - Southern Water

Sally Ainsworth, Head of Customer Services - United Utilities

Ben Ferris, Data Scientist - Octopus Energy

10:00 11:05

Assembling and readying the workforce for the huge tasks ahead

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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

Green jobs and skills – what skills will be needed going forward
Rachel Parr, People and Corporate Services Director - ENW

Workforce resilience and delivery - creating local jobs to deliver locally

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Rachel Parr, People and Corporate Services Director - ENW
11:20 12:25

Harnessing technology and innovation to transform field operations and improve supply chain management

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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

Safely deploying operatives in a period of unprecedented delivery

Working smarter, not harder – the tech to drive productivity

NUAR (National Underground Asset Register): working collaboratively for smarter, efficient and safe field operations

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Tom Grimwood, Insights Editor - Utility Week
12:40 13:45

Keeping a step ahead of service disruption

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

Sharing best practice in customer communication around outages and pipe bursts. Gain practical insights to minimise customer dissatisfaction when responding to unforeseen disruption and planned asset management.

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 - SPEN

Talk title coming soon

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Alex Williams, Head of Customer Contact Centre - UKPN

Daniel Barlow, Future Network Technology Manager - SPEN
14:00 15:05

Tariff innovation for the future

Customer, Culture and Workforce Stage

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

Energy as a service subscription model - removing the capital cost of low carbon technologies
Charlotte Flowerdew, Innovation Manger - EON

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

Chairperson

Adam John, Deputy News Editor - Utility Week

Speakers

Lucy Hurst, Project Manager - Affinity Water

Charlotte Flowerdew, Innovation Manger - EON

Jayesh Mistry, Head of Energy Services - Sero

6-featuredimage

"There were many interesting things to discover at the event. The talks gave a fascinating insight into issues facing the industry, how they are dealt with and what the future looks like. For someone looking to expand their horizons, it's definitely worth a visit. Utility Week Live is also a very good place to network and meet new people from an array of different companies"

- UWL visitor

All this FREE content is CPD accredited