Utility Week

12 | MARCH 2021 | UTILITY WEEK Countdown to COP continued from previous page the Environment Bill receiving Royal Assent, with comprehensive new policies in place to tackle water, biodiversity and ood risk management challenges through the adop- tion and delivery of new local environmental improvement plans." 3. Where do you see further opportunities for pan-utilities co-operation on the path to decarbonisation? PS: "We recognise the major role we play in the regional and UK economy, and work- ing in a sustainable way is simply how we do businesses. There's a real opportunity for joint planning and delivery of net zero infrastructure in areas of strong growth, like the Cam-Ox Arc. This kind of collaboration goes beyond the provision of vital services to ensuring we meet biodiversity net gain requirements, as well as creating robust markets for carbon sequestration and other environmental credits." Hayden Wood, CEO, Bulb (HW): "We're seeing innovation and change across the sector, but the only way we'll decarbonise our industries is if we work together to accelerate progress. We've seen this type of success in other industries when companies work together to solve a clear challenge, like in aviation, through the Jet Zero initiative. "Through our industry bodies we can work together to make bold commitments and collaborate on net zero strategies and plans." 4. What is your principal ask of government and/or regulators to unlock the sector's potential to accelerate the green transition? JP: "What the energy sector needs now is the right regulatory, planning and policy framework to drive investment in infra- structure. This will be important to ensure we can develop energy networks ˆ t for the shi‰ to clean energy and the long term, and in a way which minimises the impact on the communities which o‰ en house our infrastructure." HW: "The transition to net zero must be fair and aŠ ordable for everyone, and we a role to play in achieving a clean energy future." Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK: "For the whole sector, there is a job to be done to inspire consumers about the technology and lifestyle changes coming – there are some beautiful adverts and campaigns I've seen from industry that feature wind turbines, electric vehicles and even heat pumps, for example. The industry is also going to build a lot of the enabling infrastructure on the system that will allow consumers to have aŠ ordable, green energy with more services – from batteries to green power stations. "But it is energy retailers that are going to be taking the leading role in helping con- sumers reduce their own carbon footprints: installing energy e' ciency measures and smart meters; engaging consumers on their energy use through apps, smart products and time-of-use tariŠ s; oŠ ering green tariŠ s which allow them to invest in renewables; and oŠ ering new services which help consumers access technologies like heat pumps, EVs, solar PV, or batteries in their homes. This is why it's so important that our energy companies can innovate, because it is through oŠ ering these new services, and making it easy for customers to be part of the energy transition themselves, that we'll get public permission for the ambitious Green Recovery we know we need." You can view more responses from senior • gures in the sector, as well as an archive of Countdown to Cop content at: https:// utilityweek.co.uk/category/countdown-to-cop/ Analysis "It is energy retailers that are going to be taking the leading role in helping consumers reduce their own carbon footprints" Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK "COP26 in Glasgow gives us a unique opportunity to set a clear pathway to net zero emissions globally." Will Gardiner, CEO, Drax "For the utilities sector, the focus needs to be on how we turn government plans that have put the UK at the forefront of this agenda into a reality." John Pettigrew, CEO National Grid need policies that support that. To lower bills and carbon emissions, we need to electrify the way we travel and the way we heat our homes. But right now electricity is more expensive than gas, and that's partly because electricity is taxed more. It's crazy that we're taxing greener options instead of moving these costs to gas bills. We need to make green electricity cheaper and help more people aŠ ord green technology like heat pumps, which are crucial to lowering carbon emissions and reaching net zero. We need to make sure that people aren't le‰ behind." 5. How can utilities help to encourage all consumers to be more active participants in the net-zero journey? PS: "We need to encourage much greater awareness and conservation of water through smart metering rollout programmes and behaviour change initiatives. Heating water is one of the largest source of green- house gas emissions. Saving water saves energy and will save customers money and reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint at the same time. It's a win for customers and the environment." JP: "I think a big part is translating what it all means for everyday life. So, for exam- ple, how will moving from petrol or diesel cars to electric vehicles impact consumers? What does it mean for hydrogen to heat UK homes? Making this relatable and tangible for consumers will help raise awareness of why the net zero journey is something eve- ryone can be a part of and that we all have

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