Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 25TH -31ST JANUARY 2019 | 3 This week 4 | Seven days 6 | Campaign Week two of Utility Week's New Deal for Utilities campaign 11 Policy & Regulation 11 | News Economy Energy must not sell customers to E 12 | Analysis Can consumers get a fair deal in a decentralised energy market? 13 | Voices Tony Cocker on lessons from the energy and water markets 15 Finance & Investment 15 | News Eon's acquisition of Innogy 'is on track' 16 | Analysis The outlook for utility shares in 2019 18 Operations & Assets 18 | High viz The £16 million Greatham South flood alleviation scheme 19 | Expert view How the withdrawal of RPS 211 will affect utilities 20 | Case study Energy & Utility Skills, the first recipient of the Utility Partner of the Year Award 22 | View from the top Phil Newland, South Staffordshire Water 23 Customers 23 | News Bristol Water is first to launch social contract 24 | Event Utility Week Live will look at all aspects of energy transition 30 Community 31 | Disconnector GAS 16 | Analysis The outlook for utility shares in 2019 19 | Expert view How the withdrawal of RPS 211 will affect utilities WATER 13 | Voices Tony Cocker on lessons from the energy and water markets 18 | High viz The £16 million Greatham South flood alleviation scheme 22 | View from the top Phil Newland, South Staffordshire Water ELECTRICITY 15 | News Price cap allowance may be removed ENERGY 11 | News May's defeat stokes 'no-deal' Brexit fears 12 | Analysis Can consumers get a fair deal in a decentralised energy market? 23 | News Eversmart drops pay-up-front tariff 23 | News Big six at bottom of satisfaction survey 24 | Event Utility Week Live will look at all aspects of energy transition MATS: How to beat the digital disruptors at their own game https://bit.ly/2MfKXA8 IFS: Sponsored report: Getting Ahead in the Diversifying Energy Market https://bit.ly/2MXkFkI Unify: Sponsored Free Water Case Study: Transform CX and deliver exceptional omnichannel experiences https://bit.ly/2CEQQpf Leader Suzanne Heneghan The art of the Deal… It's said that one of the key strategies for successful negotiation is to take your ego off the table. While there will always be lost causes – at this point a certain US president may spring to mind – striking a fair bargain stands more chance if there is acceptance, humility even, that established posi- tions might need to change. Refreshingly, and quite rightly, this theme comes through loud and clear in the words of four industry leaders who this week join the debate around Utility Week's New Deal for Utilities campaign. Our special report on pages 6 to 9 marshals views from across the sector about the initiative, launched last week to explore how energy and water companies operating in today's volatile financial, politi- cal, regulatory and technological climate can rebuild public trust. Making progress with consumers won't be easy – something our commentators also note. Some utilities fare better on reputation with customers than others, but the jury remains out across the piece about service, value for money, trust and renationalisation – a key finding our exclusive poll revealed last week. So what needs to change? Is change possible? And what support from policymakers and others do utility executives need to make genuine progress on forging a New Deal with their customers? Judging by those industry views featured in this week's issue there is much to be done. All accept that the old days of the untouchable, utility has long gone. The public deserves – and now expects – more say about lifeline services, the behaviour of monopo- lies, sustainability and the sharing of rewards – a message echoed throughout the business world. "Evolve" and "innovate" are the watchwords for Chris Loughlin of Pennon, who now sees "how" – as well as "what" – services are delivered as equally important. Colin Nicol of SSEN says utilities must do more to show they "respect their privilege" and offer clear evidence of how responsible private investment can cut costs and raise performance. An overwhelming focus on rates of return misses some of the wider mood music, adds Maxine Frerk of Grid Edge Policy. And Eon UK's Michael Lewis says finding a way around the industry's challenges will take the involvement of others too, includ- ing politicians. But it is customers, Lewis says, whose backing is the most important prize to win – which sounds like a promising start to negotiations. Suzanne Heneghan, acting editor, suzanneheneghan@fav-house.com l Fine out more at: utilityweek.co.uk or LinkedIn at #NewDealForUtilities

• Cover