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Digital twins improve network transparency, support innovation and enable utilities to make rapid and informed investment decisions. A diverse range of utilities are embracing digital twins as they seek to create operational efficiencies without compromising service. Join this session to demystify digital twins, see how utilities are embracing the technology and understand what it could mean for your organisation.

Chair introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content, Utility Week

Digital twins: societal benefits, value and impact
Justin Anderson, director, digital twin hub, Connected Places Catapult

Embracing digitalisation to protect the environment – ecological digital twin
Carly Leonard, Anglian Water

The Virtual Energy system
Simon Evans, Virtual Energy System programme director, ESO

Leveraging location to mature your digital twin
Matt Piper, global director for industry solutions, ESRI

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Open data is at the top of the agenda for energy and water companies. Not only has it been mandated by regulators; the industry recognises that it’s key to speeding up innovation and delivering net zero. How can water, gas and electricity companies improve the interoperability of information and drive cross-sector collaboration to make open data in utilities a reality? Join this session for an update on key open data projects and hear directly from the industry’s open data pioneers.

Chair introduction
Emily Judson, head of research, Icebreaker One

STREAM project update
Melissa Tallack, open data lead, Northumbrian Water

Building the energy sector data sharing infrastructure
Simon Evans, global digital energy leader, Arup

Developing the ability to share information across sectorial boundaries
Alexandra Luck, head of programme, national digital twin programme, Department for Business and Trade

Unlocking the value from data to drive towards a digitalised future
Niemesh Amin, programme director, Trilliant

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As distribution network operators shift to becoming DSOs, effective accurate digital infrastructure and adopting smart energy networks is essential to enabling energy flexibility, directing investment and prioritising asset management decisions on the road to net zero. How will digital networks integrate and interact with the FSO and enable the uptake of LCT for consumers? Discover the innovations, technologies and efficiencies arising from embracing smart energy networks.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

The importance of data
Kirsty Scott, head of network intelligence & DSO development, Scottish Power Energy Networks

Monitoring the network and forecasting for asset management
Nigel Bessant, head of network operations, SSEN Distribution

DSO innovations enabling net zero
Jamie Bright, DSO data science & development manager, UKPN

Scaling flexibility services with automated and performance based operational technology systems
Ali Ahmadi, global digital grid director, EY

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In the face of the changing climate and regulatory demands for greater long-term efficiencies, utilities need to take a proactive approach to asset management rather than continue to respond reactively to bursts, leakages and failing assets. How can smart technology enable engineers to predict failures, maintain assets and ensure continued operations for consumers? Join this session to discover how water, gas and power companies are transforming asset management, saving time and money and maintaining an undisrupted service to consumers.

Chair introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content, Utility Week

Taking a data led approach to leakage and asset management
Justine Leadbetter, head of demand management, Water Research Centre

Adapting whilst maintaining supply: A climate driven approach to asset management
Shirley Robertson, head of strategic planning & sustainability, SSEN Distribution

From reactive to proactive: how data and technology is transforming management of the gas network
David Moon, director of investment & future energy, Cadent

How can IoT and open standard telecoms like LoRaWAN enable smarter utilities
Harsha Anand, global head of advisory, Enzen Group

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Mitigating cyber security risk is a priority for all major infrastructure, from telecoms to highways. infrastructure operators need to secure their assets as they embrace smart networks, sensors and digital twins which open asset owners up to new vulnerabilities. As utilities push to digitalise their assets and embrace open data, what digital security measures are necessary and required, and how is the legislative backdrop changing? Join this session to understand how to secure critical infrastructure from case studies and discover the shared responsibility for policymakers, regulators and infrastructure businesses.

Chair introduction
James Wallin, editor, Utility Week

Providing insight into cyber standards and regulations
Dr Richard Dobson, business leader – digital, Energy Systems Catapult

Talk title to be announced
Iain Dougan, head of IT operations – transmission IT, SSEN Transmission

The role of telecoms in driving resilience for utilities
Ian Smith, head of operations support, National Grid Electricity Distribution

Revealing key insights from delivering digital security in the utilities sector
John Elder, cyber security director, Jacobs

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At a time when utilities need to optimise daily operations, sweat their asset and make strategic investment decisions, what smart tools are being utilities to gain better visibility of the network? It is vital to gain a deeper understanding of assets and networks to make informed asset management decisions which can be testing in a digital capacity.  
Join this session to uncover novel approaches to smart asset management.  

Chair introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content, Utility Week

Embracing modelling innovation to support rollout of smart catchments for WINEP
Dominique Izzard, Anglian Water

Talk title to be announced
Xiaolin Ding, senior innovation engineer, National Grid Electricity Transmission

NUAR: Increasing visibility of underground assets to drive efficiency in planning and project delivery
Teresa Gonzalez Rico, NUAR, Geospatial Commission

Projects and asset management: disrupting BIM!
Stéphane Evanno, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Samp

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As water companies prepare to deliver an unprecedented volume of work in AMP8, the need to adopt smart solutions has never been greater. Tasked with monitoring river quality upstream and downstream, reducing energy bills and operating more efficiently, where can smart water systems unlock optimised operation and automated process? Join this session to explore how water companies are investing, trailing and implementing smart solutions across their networks.

Chair introduction
Ruth Williams, water correspondent, Utility Week

Minimising CSO spills through data and digitalisation
Ally Potts, technical lead - clean rivers & seas task force, Southern Water

Integrating third party assets into an optimised water supply network: lessons from Smarter Tanks for future optimised water supply systems
John Rumble, senior asset manager (environmental policy & strategy), Affinity Water

Embracing smart networks and automating operations
Jeremy Heath, innovation manager, SES Water

Empowering decision making and customer engagement through digitalising smart meter data
Tim Bass, global solution manager, water, Trilliant

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As the energy smart meter rollout heads for the finish line, how will a more granular understanding of energy consumption unlock flexibility in the system? And what can water companies learn from energy as they embrace their own smart meter targets Join this session to hear the latest updates on smart metering in energy; see the potential for smart meters to unlock smart homes; and discover how water companies are embracing the technology.

Chair introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content, Utility Week

Examining consumption patterns – and what next for smart meter data
Scott King, smart metering benefits realisation manager, Anglian Water Services

Using smart meter data to assist vulnerability and reduce debt
Chris O’Donnell, head of analytics, Utilita

The smart home and smart metering systems/Smart Meter based IoT applications
Abidemi Olowogbemi, programme and project manager, DESNZ

Designing a private, robust smart metering network to reduce consumer demand and curb leakage
Tyler Simpson, vice president – global water sales, Hubbell

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As demand for water and energy increases, managing the network in an efficient way is essential. With limited investment, how can digital tools, AI and automation help optimise assets and manage them in a more efficient way? Join this session to uncover new technologies and ways of working to better manage and maintain your network.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

Optimising assets through automation, AI and digital tools
Sam Young, practice manager, data science & AI, Energy Systems Catapult

Network Visibility - harnessing the power of sensor technology and AI modelling
Lora McCay, SSEN Distribution

Using AI and smart technology to improve asset management and water management
Shervin Tabatabai, business analyst for safe smart systems, Anglian Water

Sustainable Asset Management – the Proof of Value (PoV) Challenge
Gwion Kennard, director digital engineering, AtkinsRéalis

The role of retailers is evolving as market needs evolve. To understand the customers, they serve and offer a detailed level of flexibility, retailers are offering energy solutions to control more devices and understand existing devices in the home. Smart devices, home management systems and technology are essential to unlocking real time and quick energy flexibility. Uncover how you can leverage gride edge technology and low carbon solutions to enable the transition to for networks and customers.

Chair introduction
Lucinda Dann, features editor, Utility Week

Adapting business models to align with the energy transition
José Davila, director of strategy and external affairs, E.ON

Evolving business models to assist customers with the transition to net-zero
Ritika Wattan, head of strategy – energy customer solutions, SSE

From tariffs to products: creating the next generation of customer offers
Kieron Stopforth, senior manager, Octopus Energy Group

Large users of energy offer a huge opportunity for power networks to harness for flexible energy. Ensuring operations of businesses are impacted at a minimum, what new opportunities does energy flexibility provide? Three users of energy will outline how they are looking to optimise operations and embrace energy flexibility.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

Putting end users at the heart of gas and electricity flexibility policy
Arjan Geveke, director, EIUG

Removing barriers and incentivising I&C customers
Jake Miller, electric assets lead, Drax

Understanding and overcoming the struggled of I&C engagement
Natasha Mills, policy officer, ADE

Flexible energy markets are at a critical junction of development. Following consultations around the role of the regulator, this panel will deliberate the best way to support emerging markets, protect customers and accelerate net zero.

Chair introduction
Lucinda Dann, features editor, Utility Week

Panel
Avi Aithal, head of open networks, Energy Networks Association

Ben Shafran, head of markets, policy & regulation, Energy Systems Catapult

Nina Klein, flexibility policy expert, Ofgem

Lois Clark, ESO

To accelerate the development of flexible energy markets and encourage the participation of as many end users as possible, energy networks need to offer a variety of products. Join this session to gain insight into the new products networks will be procuring.

Chair introduction
Avi Aithal, head of open networks, Energy Networks Association

Community DSO unearthing flexibility products
Maurice Lynch, head of system flexibility, Northern Powergrid

BiTraDER: bilateral trading of curtailment
Geraldine Paterson, innovation development manager, Electricity North West

Advancing flex market platforms and processes
Catherine Winning, flexibility markets manager, SSEN

talk title to be announed
Phillipa Slater, director of asset management and operations support, National Grid Energy Distribution

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As the UK prioritises the decarbonisation of heat, discover how the electrification of heat could provide an opportunity for managing grid constraint. Discover the latest updates, best practice and lessons learnt from pilots.

Chair introduction
Tom Lowe, founder, Thermal Storage UK

Driving active consumer participation in flexibility
Andrew Schein, director of trials and analysis, Centre for Net Zero

Maximising the use of local green power
Alex Howard, head of flexibility markets, UKPN

Crowdflex
Sanna Atherton, CrowdFlex project lead, ESO

Providing the latest insights from domestic heat pump flexibility trials
Alex Jakeman, associate director, Guidehouse

DNOs need to develop and enhance their existing business model to enable flexible energy, preparing the grid and prioritising stakeholder engagement is paramount to flexible energy functioning seamlessly. In this session, discover DNOs roadmaps to evolving their network.

Chair introduction
James Wallin, editor, Utility Week

Delivering tomorrow’s network, today: stakeholder engagement, harnessing flexibility and directing grid investment
Ben Godfrey, DSO director, National Grid Electricity Distribution

Connecting customers and forecasting for flexibility
Jim Cardwell, head of energy systems policy, Northern Powergrid

Capturing local aspirations in strategic network development
Sarah Pearl, net zero strategy engineer, SSEN

To accelerate flexibility markets the necessary digital infrastructure and data sharing needs to be built. How can energy companies create an accurate an efficiency digital model to understand and forecast constraint? Join this session to learn best practice on collecting data, building a digital model and operating in real time.

Chair introduction
Lucinda Dann, features editor, Utility Week

Flexibility Digital Infrastructure for transparent and coordinated markets
Francis Mosley, head of enabling flexibility markets, OFGEM

Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE)
Liza Troshka, innovation engineer, National Grid Electricity Distribution

Maximising opportunities for Flexibility providers through leveraging data
Jamie Bright, DSO data science & development manager, UKPN

UK energy companies need to balance the energy system between demand and supply, with increasing renewables providing challenges and opportunities. How can we establish a whole system approach to energy flexibility? Join this session to understand how gas and electricity are integrated today, and what role hydrogen can play in the future to provide flexibility in times of peak demand or at times of low or surplus renewables.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

Comparison of flexibility across GB energy systems
Grant Wilson, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham

Requirements for Flexibility to 2035
Alex Hart, Acting Head of Zero Carbon Operations, ESO

SGN – Unlocking an optimised energy ecosystem in Scotland
Fergus Tickell, SGN

The cost-of-living crisis has dominated public debate over the last two years with utilities working to support vulnerable customers. Flexible energy provides an opportunity to empower customers to manage the affordability of their energy make savvy choices on their energy use. Learn how we can ensure customers have a positive experience with flexible energy and are protected.

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

Do consumers need flexibility?
Peter McClenaghan, director of infrastructure & sustainability, Consumer Council (for Northern Ireland)

Making flexibility work for consumers
Andy Sage, head of propositions & partnerships, E.ON Next

Calling time on a passive relationship with consumers
Nicola Wilson, OVO

With demand on the gas system being distributed across all parts of the network, this session is going to hear from the different sectors that are connected to the gas grid. You’ll hear about the actions their businesses are working on today, and what options they are looking to secure in the future to achieve net zero. 

Chair introduction
Oliver Lancaster, chief executive, IGEM

Industrial and commercial
Marian Garfield, Heidelberg Materials/Hanson

Transport
Allan Rushforth, chief commercial officer, First Hydrogen

Power
Neil Filkin, technical director, Conrad Energy

Domestic
john Hay, manager, believe housing

Join us for a thought-provoking session chaired by Carly Perry, the Managing Director of Spring, as we delve into the future plans for the sector's centre of excellence. Together, we'll reflect on the progress we've made so far and explore Spring's plan for adding even more value to the sector in the years to come.

Chair introduction
Carly Perry, managing director, Spring

Panellists
Lauren Tyler, head of innovation, Southern Water

Paul Gaskin, research and innovation manager, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

Dr Azar Laghaei, head of research, WRc Group

Victoria Nevin, Skewb

With insights from a panel of experts from the Heat Pump Ready programme, this session will delve into how innovations in smart and flexible technology, manufacturing and the customer journey can enable the mass rollout of heat pumps. Dr Nicola Lazenby, Energy Innovation Programme Manager for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, will chair the panel session

  

Chair introduction
Nicola Lazenby, The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

Panel
Mark Lufkin, CPO technical director, Wondrwall

Daniel White, market development director, MCS

Roger Macklin, Technical Director, Hoare Lea

Tom Oldfield, Head of External Affairs, Mixergy

The Ofwat innovation fund has encouraged a step change in the innovation maturity of the sector - particularly in the focus and structure to the creation and delivery of projects. In thinking about the fund beyond 2025, how do we encourage the sector to take the next step in its maturity?  

Join this interactive collaborate exchange to help shape and develop innovation maturity and discuss:  
 

· How to adopt and scale solution being developed  

· How to encourage a culture of failing quickly and being comfortable with it  

· How to accelerate the return on investment  

· How to improve the delivery of projects  

· How to demonstrate value for money for customers  

Chair introduction
Holly Jamieson, executive director, Challenge Works

Panel
John Rumble, senior asset manager (environmental policy & strategy), Affinity Water

Helen Campbell, senior director for sector performance, Ofwat

Tania Flasck, Ofwat innovation fund judge

Suhayl Zulfiquar, CEO, Ofwat innovation fund judge

The ever-growing skills gap and public perception of utilities creates a challenge to recruiting the future of the industry. How can we apply innovation principles to the way the water and energy companies recruit, onboard and retain talent? In this dynamic discussion, industry leaders and innovators will share insights, strategies, and case studies showcasing how utilities companies are revolutionising their approach to people management.

Chair introduction
Gabrielle Mandell, chief executive, Institute of Water

Panel
Ian Barker, vice president environment, Institute of Water

Jason Elliott, co-founder, Get Knowledge

Gemma Betney, head of workforce demand & resourcing, Anglian Water

Angela Day, head of people, risk and compliance, MOSL

Local authorities drive to net zero relies on strong collaboration with distribution networks and stakeholders. Local governments exhibiting on our Local Government Pavilion present case studies and updates on their local areas energy planning and more.  Join this session to learn about local decarbonisation projects and strategies to switch to low carbon heat, electrify transport and much more. 

Chair introduction
Andrew Wainwright, whole systems manager, SSEN

Moving from plans to delivery in Greater Manchester
Rory Mathews, senior policy and partnerships officer (Low Carbon), Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Planning for Net Zero: London's approach to Local Area Energy Planning
Andrew McMunnigall, planning lead, infrastructure, Greater London Authority

Talk title to be announed
Daire Casey, West Sussex County Council

For the UK to achieve net zero targets and respond to the climate crisis, we cannot rely on efforts to reduce emissions alone, we must adopt innovations and technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Join this session to discover the latest trials and projects to deploy CCS technology, lessons learnt from implementation and best practice to make CCS adoption more efficient in your business.  

Chair introduction
Rob Horgan, Utility Week

Talk title to be announced
William Joyce, Innovate UK UKRI

CCS for Clean Power Success
Hannah Bronwin, director of business development, SSE Thermal

Chair introduction

Panel

Chair introduction

Panel to be announced

To support the next generation of leaders, Utility Week invite people at the beginning of their careers across utility companies and the supply chain to join this session to gain insight into career pathways and development opportunities. Hear from leaders in the industry share their career stories and meet likeminded individuals with valuable networking opportunities.  

 

Chair introduction
Ruth Williams, water correspondent, Utility Week

Limitless apprenticeships: where could your career go?
Richard Sansom, network director for the East Midlands, Cadent

Inclusive utilities: building a diverse and well-resourced industry
Ayisha Khurshid, strategic advisory, Aqua Consultants

Driving meaningful change - opportunities to add social value via green careers with sustainable organisations
Rachael Parr, people & corporate services director, Electricity North West

talk title to be announed

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With a dedicated focus on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and hitting net zero by 2030, water companies need to tackle the process emissions released in sewage treatment. Water companies are measuring emissions and trialling innovative solutions to minimise the release of nitrous oxide, biomethane and carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Join this session to unearth the latest innovations in monitoring and reducing process emissions and resource recovery to drive a circular economy.

Chair introduction
Ruth Williams, water correspondent, Utility Week

Biorefineries and circular systems: A resourceful route towards a sustainable and resilient future or a wasted opportunity?
Matthew Stewart, Associate Director - Bioresources, AtkinsRéalis

Measuring and monitoring process emissions
Bharani Srinamasivayam, process emissions manager/chief engineer - asset strategy & planning, Severn Trent

Measuring process emissions and planning reductions
Gordon Reid, general manager zero emissions, Scottish Water

Recovering Ammonia from our Wastewater Treatment Processes
Tim Rutter, head of engineering, Northumbrian Water

Adopting cellulose recovery to minimise process emissions
Peter Vale, carbon architect, asset intelligence & innovation, Severn Trent

What role will hydrogen play in a net zero future? While its use in domestic heating remains a matter for government policy, it is increasingly expected to have a role in fuelling heavy industry and transport. Join this session to discover the latest trials to roll out hydrogen for heavy industry and transport and future scaling opportunities.

Chair introduction
Oliver Lancaster, chief executive, IGEM

The UK’s strategy for hydrogen in industry and transport
Tom Mowle, head of hydrogen demand, DESNZ

Resourcing heavy industry and transport with hydrogen
Dr Danielle Stewart, project director, project union, National Gas

Infrastructure requirements to support the development of a hydrogen economy
Alastair Scott, future of energy project manager, SGN

As the climate crisis deepens and biodiversity becomes a priority, finding alternatives to grey infrastructure is critical. How can industry, regulators and innovators work together to enable the adoption of nature-based solutions? Join this session to unearth how utilities are looking at the whole catchment and engaging in new partnerships to introduce more nature-based solutions.

Chair introduction
Ruth Williams, water correspondent, Utility Week

How can we better prepare to design, build and operate nature based solutions
Dr Gabriela Dotro, senior research fellow and expert on wetlands and NbS, Cranfield University

Nature based solutions – environmental regulation, policies and frameworks to support delivery
Clare Warburton, sustainable development deputy director, Natural England

Kat Broadhead, principal for water, Natural England

Mainstreaming nature based solutions to deliver greater value
Amina Aboobakar, director of strategy and stewardship, The Rivers Trust, seconded from UU

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Extreme weather is putting an increasing strain on aging critical national infrastructure and utilities must adapt their networks to withstand more frequent storms, extreme heat and increased flooding. Utilities need to prepare existing water, gas, electricity and telecoms networks to ensure resilience and security of supply to customers as a priority. Simultaneously, future assets need to be designed to realistic climate models and predictions.

Chair introduction
Rob Horgan, Utility Week

Preparing critical national infrastructure for the future
Clara Wikforss, policy adviser, National Infrastructure Commission

CREDO: using digital twins to manage extreme heat
Tom Burgoyne, asset systems strategist, Anglian Water

Ensuring reliability through SSEN’s resilience portal and storm AI
Troy Fisher, customer service & experience design lead, SSEN

Using rainfall data and forecasts to predict and prevent sewer flooding
Mike Everest, MAP director, Metasphere Ltd

Accounting and reporting scope 3 emissions is a critical step in the ‘race to zero’. Utility companies need to collaborate with their supply chain partners and be prepared to work in new ways to uncover innovations that will drive down emissions across the supply chain. Join this session to learn how utilities are managing and minimising scope 3 emissions and shifting to a circular economy.

Chair introduction
Lucinda Dann, features editor, Utility Week

Decarbonisation of concrete
Rachel Skinner, chair infrastructure carbon workstream, Infrastructure Client Group and Past President, ICE

Demystifying the Whole Life Carbon Assessment and what this means for utility infrastructure
Athina Papakosta, sustainability and carbon lead, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV; RICS WLCA PS co-author

Innovative infrastructure: reducing carbon in materials
Rossella Nicolin, head of sustainability for Europe, Laing O’Rourke

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Water companies are under public, regulatory and governmental scrutiny to reduce spills from storm overflows. Discover the latest work which is piloting novel and nature based interventions to understand what is effective and efficient at reducing storm overflow use and minimising harm before the sector gears up for a record AMP8 investment in this area.

Chair and overview: Significantly reducing storm overflows through our novel pathfinder programme featuring multiple case studies
Nick Mills, head of the clean rivers and seas task force, Southern Water

The Welsh perspective on delivering SuDS featuring Llanelli case study
Fergus O'Brien, wastewater & environment services manager, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

Realtime catchment control
Katherine Dobbs, strategic optimisation manager, Anglian Water

Operationalising your assets to increase hydraulic capacity
Mike Williamson, managing director, water division, Adler and Allan

The UK is facing a connections crisis with requests for new power connections and capacity at an all-time high. Following Nick Winser’s review into accelerating the rate of low-carbon connections, the UK is on the cusp of change – but what form will it take, and what does it mean for your business? Join this session to discover how policy is changing to enable connections reform – and how your business needs to prepare.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

Connections reform update
Robyn Jenkins, head of connections change delivery, ESO

Solving the connections challenge – beyond the contract
Gareth Hislop, head of market development and commercial operations, Scottish Power Energy Networks

Accelerating capacity and connections
Ruth Shaw, customer & stakeholder experience manager, National Grid Electricity Transmission

As utilities encourage customers to value resources and remain mindful of consumption, they must lead from the front, by detecting, preventing and repairing leaks across their networks. Water and gas companies are seeking to adopt a proactive and preventative asset management approach while responding rapidly to bursts and leaks to ensure maximum safety and network efficiency. Join this session to uncover the latest innovations and technologies being trialled and adopted by water and gas companies as they minimise leakage and the associated carbon cost.

Chair introduction
Ruth Williams, water correspondent, Utility Week

Monitoring the network and detecting leaks
Jeremy Heath, innovation manager, SES Water

Leakage analytics and proactive maintenance
Chris Rison, head of London investment planning office, Cadent

Pipebots for managing and repairing pipe networks
Joby Boxall, professor of water infrastructure engineering, University of Sheffield

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The UK is entering a decade of unprecedented infrastructure delivery as utilities seek to upgrade the grid, increase capacity and improve river quality. To deliver the scale of works required the whole supply chain needs to collaborate and explore innovative ways of working to maximise resources and minimise carbon. How can we deliver infrastructure efficiently and at speed? Join this session to discover the latest innovations in infrastructure delivery and learn how technology is changing the game.

Chair introduction
Lucinda Dann, features editor, Utility Week

Standardising design assets to leverage building efficiencies in the supply chain
Beth Warnock, senior power systems engineer, Energy Systems Catapult

Case study: The Havant Thicket Reservoir
Ruari Maybank, Project Director, Portsmouth Water Ltd

Using modern design techniques to reduce embedded carbon – a joint industry and academic case study
Michael Brown, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Dundee

Reimagining capital investment in infrastructure to improve productivity, manage stakeholders and deploy faster
Nitesh Alagh, business lead - digital engineering, sustainability and emerging tech, Severn Trent Water (on behalf of Sensat)

Consumers will play a pivotal role in the UK’s shift to renewable energy, adopting low carbon technology in their homes and taking an active role in shifting their demand. Retailers and networks need to educate, communicate and incentivise customers to embrace LCT in their homes. At a time of macro economic change and wavering political commitments, the industry must lead the charge on rolling out LCT at scale to deliver a decarbonised society. Join this session to find out how.

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

Changing the narrative – how to demystify low carbon solutions
Chris Connolly, business development manager, E.ON

Creating an experience: ensuring Net Zero living isn't as scary as it sounds
Hannah Thompson, customer relations and communications specialist, Sero Life

Ensuring a just transition and supporting the roll out of LCT to vulnerable customers
Archie Lasseter, head of sustainability, Utilita

Sponsored by:

In the last 18 months utilities have borne the brunt of public, media and government ire over soaring bills, river quality, executive pay and shareholder rewards. The industry urgently needs to rebuild customer trust and repair its reputation if it’s to influence consumer behaviour, attract talent to the industry and ultimately deliver the level of infrastructure projects required. Join this session to learn from pioneering projects that are rebuilding trust and discover best practice in stakeholder engagement.

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

The Great Grid Upgrade – working with communities
Alexandra Kaufman, director of land, planning and external affairs, strategic infrastructure, National Grid Electricity Transmission

Resetting the relationship with customers
Ashley Marshman, Head of Customer Service, Southern Water

Uniting forces with environmental groups to improve river quality
Erica Popplewell, head of campaigns, River Action

Embracing technology to improve customer convenience and trust
Kapil Singhal, co-founder and CEO, Vyntelligence

Sponsored by:

Utilities are racing to achieve digital readiness, while facing an ever-growing skills crisis and demands from the regulator to deliver more for less. How can energy and water businesses embrace operational change, drive process efficiency and ensure digital readiness? Join this session to explore the innovations available to utilities as they seek to modernise their workforce and operations.

Chair introduction
Ben Hargreaves, head of content, Utility Week

Data science skills gap – how to build data capabilities
Dr Stephen Haben, senior data science consultant, Energy Systems Catapult

Upskilling to establish a digitally-enabled workforce
Liz Nash, learning & development manager, UKPN

Mitigating the skills gap through operational change – Anglian’s approach to the Strategic Pipeline Delivery
Matt Walker, strategic programmes manager, Anglian Water

Closing the skills gap with AI: a true story
Scott Broadley, director of strategic projects, FYLD

Heat remains the biggest single source of carbon emissions for the UK, making its decarbonisation critical to the net zero journey. The government has set out ambitious plans for the rollout of heat pumps, but the reality is that just a fraction of the targeted number are being installed each year. What is the future of low carbon heat, and when will the tipping point for mass take-up arrive? Join this session to learn how to engage consumers, improve consumer understanding and accelerate the decarbonisation of heat.

Chair introduction
Tom Grimwood, insights editor, Utility Week

Facilitating the electrification of heat
Clothilde Cantegreil, SSEN Distribution

Innovating to decarbonise vertical communities
Loukas Douvaras, innovation project lead, UK Power Networks

Unlocking flexibility from residential low carbon heat
Lisa Bunting, British Gas

Following the second winter of the cost-of-living crisis, the industry is searching for the best tools to support customers from a range of backgrounds. Can pre-payment meters remain a viable tool following their reputational damage? What is the best form of social tariff, and what role can innovations in billing play? Join this session to understand the tools available to utilities to support customer payments.

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

Mechanisms for rolling out social tariffs and prepayment meters
Alexander Belsham Harris, Citizens Advice

Vulnerability, debt and the role of suppliers
Louise Walsh, chief customer contact officer, Utilita

Innovative ways to serve vulnerable customers – new approaches to billing and service
Dr Rose Chard, low income and vulnerable consumer practice manager, Energy Systems Catapult

Sponsored by:

As the cost-of-living crisis extends into its third year, the UK’s energy and water business continue to face extreme volumes of customer contacts. How can they ensure the best experience for every customer, no matter their preferred channel; and deploy innovation to unlock efficiencies? Join this session to discover how data and digitalisation can change the game, improving business processes and the end user experience.

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

How businesses can utilise emerging technology to complement a human-focused approach
Jo Causon, chief executive, Institute of Customer Service

Real world AI: how artificial intelligence is reducing costs and improving customer outcomes
Alison Jaap, vice president care, OVO

Performance Excellence: bringing colleagues together to continually improve ways of working
Paul Parry, head of talent and organisational development, Yorkshire Water

Revolutionising Engagement: Unveiling adaptive communications for customer excellence in the digital era
Stephen Lester, CTO, Paragon

Customers have suffered through two winters of high energy prices and now face increased water bills – meaning utilities must work harder than ever to identify, support and communicate with vulnerable customers. Utilities know they have a responsibility to ensure nobody is left behind as they decarbonise, roll out low carbon solutions and drive the sustainability agenda – join this session to find out how. 

Chair introduction
Adam John, Utility Week

Identifying, understanding and classifying consumers to tailor support
Sam Loukes, head of customer inclusion, Electricity North West

Ofwat Innovation Funded Support for All: cross sector data sharing – outcomes and update
Helen Patterson, collections strategy manager, Northumbrian Water

Using data and innovation to support vulnerable customers
Farina Farrier, social sustainability strategy and programme manager, UKPN

As utilities prepare for net zero, they face one of their biggest challenges yet. Influencing consumer behaviour and helping customers to consume less is a critical step on the journey to net zero. How can utilities showcase the benefits of a reduction in consumption when encouraging customers to change their behaviours? The industry must work together to discover ways to help consumers change their behaviour – join this session to hear from pioneering industry projects.

Chair introduction
Katy King, deputy director, Nesta

Power Ups and Greener Days – innovative pilot projects helping customers to change behaviours
Vania Milkova, flexibility delivery manager, Octopus Energy

Understanding how water is valued in different faiths, cultures and ethnicities to minimise use
Mumin Islam, head of PR24 and innovation, South Staffordshire and Cambridge Water

Ofwat ‘Water Efficiency Fund’ accelerating action on behaviour change
Jonathan Dennis, principal, RAPID and environmental planning, Ofwat

To achieve net zero targets, the existing housing stock needs to adopt low carbon technology, embrace water efficiency solutions and leverage energy efficiency measures. Installers, utilities and construction and engineering companies need to come together to deliver low carbon homes and encourage customers to take an active role in a low carbon lifestyle.

Chair introduction
Rob Horgan, Utility Week

Understanding the size of the challenge and opportunities for scaling up net zero housing retrofit

When is the right time to retrofit a property?
Dan Hopcroft, zero carbon homes director, EDF

Explaining the low carbon options for different types of housing stock – what can we learn about retrofit
David Lynch, strategy manager – energy systems transition, Northern Gas Networks

Working with customers to scale retrofit
Cerys Williams, finance partnerships manager, Sero