Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | APRIL 2021 | 31 Operational Excellence Event A virtual summit for real world problems Creating the conditions for innovation and achieving net zero will be top of the agenda at Utility Week Live Summit, an exclusive virtual think-tank unveiled this week by the publisher of Utility Week. S peakers at the Utility Week Live Sum- mit on 18-19 May 2021 include Anglian Water chief executive Peter Simpson, Northumbrian Water chief executive Heidi Mottram, former Cadent chief executive Chris Train OBE, and former Ofwat chief executive, now director of economics and regulation at Octopus, Rachel Fletcher. The closed door, invitation-only event will bring together professionals from UK utilities and the supply chain to share insights, best practice and their own experiences on the challenges facing utilities as the UK emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, including the rollout of innovation and achievement of net zero targets. Other challenges covered will include: • Delivering a smart energy network • Delivering a smart water network • Transforming field operations • Delivering system flexibility & the EV rollout • Managing, maintaining and planning for assets • Improving wastewater treatment and resource recovery • Delivering the smart meter rollout • Managing bad debt and collections The insights gathered at the event will form the basis of Utility Week Innovate, a new, dedicated programme of content from Utility Week and Utility Week Live, exploring how utilities and their partners are develop- ing new ways to solve these critical business challenges. Utility Week Live portfolio director Ellen Bennett said: "We're delighted to launch a new form of virtual event, bringing utili- ties professionals together to learn from one another as they tackle the most pressing business challenges. "Utility Week Live Summit will use tar- geted, interactive networking techniques for problem-solving coupled with keynote pres- entations from regulators, industry leaders and solution providers. This exclusive event is by invitation only and the insights from the leading professionals who attend will help drive best practice across the industry." UWL Summit takes the place of Utility Week Live, which had been scheduled to take place at Birmingham's NEC in May 2021. It follows Utility Week Live Online, the vir- tual exhibition that took place in November 2020. Faversham House will be confirming new dates for the live show shortly. To find out more apply and take part, go to: www.utilityweeklive.co.uk Plenary sessions 18th May, 915am: Creating the Conditions for Innovation Innovation takes more than a moment of inspiration. This session will explore the many factors that need to come together, including culture, capabilities, technologies and more to create the conditions for sustained and meaningful innovation. Chair: Jane Gray, content director, utilities, Utility Week Panel: Laura Sandys, chief executive, Challenging Ideas; Philip New, chief executive, Energy Systems Catapult; Steven McMahon, deputy director, electricity distribution and cross-sector policy, Ofgem; Heidi Mottram, chief executive, Northumbrian Water 19th May 9.15am: Delivering on net zero Individually and collectively, utilities need to take control of their own net zero journey. This session will bring insight and inspiration to those aiming to up the pace and ambition of their transition to a more sustainable future. Chair: James Wallin, digital editor, Utility Week Panel: Juliet Davenport, chief executive, Good Energy; Rachel Fletcher, director of economics and regulation, Octopus; Chris Train OBE, ENA green gas champion; Peter Simpson, chief executive, Anglian Water. Visit www.utilityweeklive.co.uk for the full agenda.

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