Utility Week Live

Realising the low carbon future Key quotes The level of innovation activity in energy systems in the UK is strong compared with other European countries." Nick Smailes, Innovate UK – speaking 21 April In an industry with low engagement, we're determined to give insights, knowledge and control to our customers to engage them with energy and put them in charge." Chris Marsters, First Utility – speaking 23 April Asking government to set prices is a complete loser's game… you'll never be able to set them accurately." Jonathan Brearley, Brearley Economics – speaking 23 April Smart metering is an immense opportunity for the sector to show everyone just how customer-focused we are, and how much value we can add. It's an opportunity to revert the tide of public opinion, rebuild trust in the sector and redevelop pride." Nicola Eaton Sawford, Customer Whisperers – speaking 23 April T he energy sector is teetering on a tipping point. Political, technological and environmental visions for a sustainable, low carbon society are beginning to become a reality and pressure is mounting to pick up the pace of change. As the sector continues to grapple with the energy trilemma of reducing carbon emissions whilst keeping costs down and ensuring security of supply, the energy theatre at Utility Week Live will reveal leadership and ambition in addressing the key challenges around infrastructure, regulatory compliance, market controversy and consumer engagement, Speakers will debate the value of, and mechanisms supporting, the nascent demand-side market. They will tread, once again, onto the well-worn battleground for the right generation mix of the future and consider the impact of the new RIIO price control framework on operations, processes, planning and delivering value. Other key themes will be those of energy effi ciency, fuel poverty and perhaps most critically of all, the re- establishment of customer trust in the energy sector. For 2015, there's a strong technology presence at Utility Week Live, delivering a message of increasing maturity and market readiness. Innovate UK's lead technologist for energy systems, Nick Smailes, will bring delegates up to speed with the ambitions of the latest addition to the UK's network of Catapults – centres for the acceleration of commercially focused innovation. Meanwhile, John Scott of Chiltern Power, will facilitate debate among industry experts, on the changing role of distribution network operators and the technical requirements needed to support that shift. With some of the UK's fi rst minds on Electricity Market Reform - Jonathan Brearley – and customer sentiment – chief ombudsman Lewis Shand-Smith – the bar is set high for discussion of a variety of energy system stakeholder interests, from investors to end users. Will eff orts to reform the market provide the right environment for big investment? Will consumer distrust in the sector blight the success of major infrastructure programmes which require their engagement? Summing up the dynamism of the moment, customer experience expert Nicola Eaton Sawford comments "2015 is set to be a massive year in the world of utilities. There's increasing demand for an eff ortless customer experience. It's time to achieve deeper customer insight and push forward with creativity and innovation on all fronts." Join your peers at Utility Week Live. Lois Vallely, reporter, Utility Week See p18 for seminar agenda details Energy/introduction came from 13 34 % 9% of all UK energy in 2014 came from coal-fi red generation wind

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