Channel Shifting: identifying the right channel for the right job and customer

19 May 2026
Customer and Communities Stage

As the Clean Power 2030 target draws nearer, public discourse around net zero intensifies and future water security becomes a national priority, utilities must inspire meaningful engagement from both domestic and non-domestic customers. This session will explore how to deliver buy-in through transparent communication, tailored education and community engagement. Understand how to empower customers with the knowledge and tools they need to actively participate in building a resilient and sustainable utility network.


Chair welcome and introduction
Adam John - Utility Week

Successful approaches to automation: helping customers to self-serve and reducing dropout rates
Kathryn Salisbury, Head of Customer Contact - Welsh Water

Implementing a WhatsApp strategy
Sally Ainsworth, Customer Service Director - United Utilities

Using AI to summarise call outcomes to allow time for agents to really focus on the customer
Louise Walsh, Chief Customer Contact Officer - Utilita

Talk title to be advised
To be announced

Chairperson
Adam  John
Adam John - Utility Week
Speakers
Louise Walsh
Louise Walsh, Chief Customer Contact Officer - Utilita
Kathryn Salisbury
Kathryn Salisbury, Head of Customer Contact - Welsh Water
Sally Ainsworth
Sally Ainsworth, Customer Service Director - United Utilities