Utility Week is delighted to announce the launch of the second edition of its flagship conference, Utility Week Forum, central London, 17-18 January, 2024, exploring the biggest issues facing utility businesses under the headline theme ‘Strategy to delivery’.
The Utility Week Forum team has set out a manifesto, promising to help utilities deliver on their strategic priorities, and to be “so much more than just a talking shop”.
Utility Week Forum is a highly interactive event, bringing together a fantastic line up of speakers including Basil Scarsella, CEO, UK Power Networks; Chris Norbury, CEO, Eon UK; Justin Placide, head of net zero governance, briefing and fiscal events, DESNEZ; Lisa Gahan, group regulatory strategy and asset management director, Pennon Group; Margaret Read, director of policy, National Infrastructure Commission; Mark Wild, CEO, SGN.
The VIP audience will also have opportunities to interact throughout the day, commenting on the presentations, contributing to problem-solving and sharing their own experiences. Regulators and policymakers will be in the audience, giving delegates an opportunity to influence at the highest level.
Ellen Bennett, portfolio director, Utility Week
Utility Week’s portfolio director Ellen Bennett said: “We know that, as utilities lead the transition to net zero and grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, urgent action is needed. With the sector rolling out a new generation of low carbon infrastructure and adopting new business models, now is not the time for more talking: now is the time for delivery.
“That’s why Utility Week Forum is so much more than a talking shop. We look at the strategic priorities for utilities and explore the levers to deliver those priorities. We provide a unique opportunity for pan-utility leaders to come together and learn from one another. Many conferences promise to do things differently – this is our commitment to deliver on that promise.”
The manifesto pledges to support utilities in influencing regulators and policymakers on the issues that matter; deliver a fully interactive programme where leaders across utility sectors have the opportunity to share their insights; reflect diversity and inclusion; cut the sales puff; and be output driven, with tangible editorially-led results arising from the event.
Bennett added: “Utilities have two burning platforms: one, to deliver the infrastructure required to ensure essential public services are sustainable and resilient as we transition to a low carbon economy. And two, to ensure that that transition is just and fair for all. The levers to do this include new financing and business models; and harnessing the power of data at scale.
“Above all else, utilities know that they must lead the charge to net zero, and remove any obstacles that fall within their remit. The second day of Utility Week Forum will explore this imperative, asking whether the UK can decarbonise in time; with interactive workshops looking at the challenges of connecting new sources of generation; delivering environmental stewardship; and rolling out low carbon infrastructure at scale.
“Our manifesto sets out our commitment to be much more than a talking shop – to actively support utilities and their partners in bridging the gap from strategy to delivery.”
Utility Week Forum launched on June 6. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available for selected commercial partners.
Outputs from the Forum will be used to shape Utility Week’s award-winning campaigns and editorial agenda.
