Bridging the affordability gap

19 May 2026
Customer and Communities Stage

With rising bills and escalating debt level, more customers are struggling to keep up with energy and water bills. How can the industry step in to support those most in need and close the widening debt gap? Join this session to uncover how companies are leveraging data-driven insights, streamlining processes and proactively engaging with customers to support vulnerable people, reduce debt and build long term trust and resilience  


Chair welcome and introduction
Ed Rees, Head of Retail Policy - Energy UK

Changing the narrative: how do we rebuild trust in utilities to encourage engagement
Louise Walsh, Chief Customer Contact Officer - Utilita

Rising water debt - turning insight into better support and fairer outcomes
Louise Mills, Policy Manager - CCW

The right support? Recognising customer needs & having the right offering
Stefan Guy, Director of Credit Management and Affordability - E.ON Next

Chairperson
Ed Rees
Ed Rees, Head of Retail Policy - Energy UK
Speakers
Louise Walsh
Louise Walsh, Chief Customer Contact Officer - Utilita
Stefan Guy
Stefan Guy, Director of Credit Management and Affordability - E.ON Next
Louise Mills
Louise Mills, Policy Manager - CCW