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
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Fireside Chat
Dan McGrail, Interim CEO - GB Energy

Panel
Claire Dykta, Chief Strategy Officer - NESO
Nick Winser, Commissioner - Clean Power 2030
Chris Burchell, Managing Director - SSEN Distribution

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 and Grid Scientific
Maxine Frerk, Director - Grid Edge Policy
Laura Sandys, Chair, UK Government's Energy Digitalisation Taskforce; Non-Executive Director - Energy Geeks thinktank

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 Consumer Protection and Competition & Retail Markets - Ofgem

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

What does the role of a utilities regulator look like in 2025? This is the question being posed by several ongoing reviews but it is already clear that there will be a greater expectation of regulators to stimulate growth. This panel will discuss how this strategic priority fits with the equally important requirements to deliver net zero, protect the environment and customers. 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
Mark McAllister, Chair - Ofgem
Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator - Environment Agency
Iain Coucher, Chair - Ofwat

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 how to enhance productivity, optimise resource management, and maximise social value in an era of constrained resources in major project delivery. 

 Join us to discover strategies for delivering transformative infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and with lasting impact.  

Join this session to hear the panel outline:

• The challenges and opportunities facing utilities 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

Keynote
Nirmal Kotecha, Partner at Allora Infrastructure & Chair of Major Projects Association - Allora Infrastructure

Panel
Laura Campbell, Head of Strategic Projects, Transmission - SP Energy Networks
Paul Hickey, Managing Director - RAPID
Siân Thomas, Director of Strategic Asset Management - Anglian Water

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
Simon Fraser, Director of Engineering - SSEN Transmission
Neil Watson, Head of Customer and Commercial - Scottish Power Transmission
Isabelle Adams, Great Grid Partnership Director - NGET

​In partnership with: 

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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, Group Chief Executive Officer - South Staffordshire Plc
Shelley Copsey, Chief Executive - FYLD

 

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  

Host
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

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

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, CEO - OVO
 

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
Mike Gauterin, customer services and technology director - United Utilities
Joe Richardson, UK Director for Operations - Ocotpus Energy

 

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
James Wallin, Editor - Utility Week

Panel
Carol Cairns, Chief Asset Officer - Portsmouth Water
Lauren Schogger, Transformation Director - Anglian Water
Matt Wheeldon, Infrastructure Development Director - Wessex Water
Tim Griffiths, Director of Cost Assessment - Ofwat
 

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
Ellen Bennett, Managing Director - Utility Week

Panel
Jim Hall, President of the ICE and Professor of Climate and Environmental Risks - Oxford University
Dr James Richardson, Director of Analysis - Climate Change Committee
 

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
 

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
Sagar Depala, Senior Strategy Manager - National Grid
Emily Smith, investment programme manager - net zero - SSEN - Distribution
Harshil Sumaria, Strategy and Performance Engineer - UK Power Networks DSO