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4 | 9TH - 15TH SEPTEMBER 2016 | UTILITY WEEK Utilities service slammed Utilities have been ranked the second worst for customer experience and service for the second year running. Utilities came in behind public transport and train operators which scored 38 per cent for customer service and experience in a survey conducted by Engine. 36% of customers said utilities were one of the worst sectors. 50% of people cited openness and honesty as the most valued trait. 66% of customers are likely to recommend a company based on quality of service. 31% of customers who voted utilities as one of the worst sectors the previous year. STORY BY NUMBERS Rebrand unifies SSE's network businesses Seven days... T he electricity network operator formerly known as Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution has rebranded to become Scot- tish and Southern Electricity Networks. The new name unifies its other network businesses: Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD), South- ern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission). Scottish and Southern Elec- tricity Networks said customer feedback revealed previous com- pany branding was "confusing" and "hindered engagement" with customers, communities and stakeholders. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' managing director Colin Nicol emphasised that the move "is more than just a name change". "By bringing all of our busi- nesses under one identity we're making it easier for customers to recognise us; to know who we are and what we do. "Ultimately, this is about simplifying and enhancing the way we communicate with our customers, how they in turn can talk to us and help con- tinually improve our service," Nicol added. The company is also adopt- ing a new brand logo, colours and the strap line 'powering our community', which custom- ers will start seeing on company assets such as vehicles, substa- tions and site locations from this month. The rebrand coincides with the official launch of the Energy Networks Association's three-digit emergency number 105, which allows custom- ers to contact their electricity network easily in the event of a power cut. The number went live in April. LD "The moment we decided to save our planet" The US and China have both officially ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change, putting pressure on the UK to follow suit National media Enbridge strikes deal with Spectra Energy Canadian oil and gas pipeline group Enbridge has announced a deal for a US rival, Spectra Energy, to create the biggest energy infrastructure company in North America with a combined value of $127 billion, including debt. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders in Texas-based Spec- tra Energy will receive 0.984 shares in the enlarged company for each of their existing shares. 6 September, Financial Times Aura heads to Aim with uranium projects The world needs to grasp the importance of nuclear power for its future energy security, the boss of a uranium miner has said, as it prepares to list in London. Peter Reeve, executive chair- man of Aura Energy, predicted a "huge future for nuclear" because of its ability to cater to a growing population. "The world population is growing by the equivalent of one Germany every year. Standing still with water, food, energy and resources is not enough. You've got to be growing these things," he said. 4 September, The Telegraph Sydney project to recycle more water than it uses Sun, sea and sand might be among Australia's finest selling points but this combination comes at a cost, given the country is also the driest inhabited continent in the world. Veolia's regional energy manager and project manager, Matthew Lee, is working to make Lendlease's Barangaroo South development in Sydney (consist- ing of three main commercial towers, three 10-storey residential buildings, and several multi-use buildings) net positive water. 4 September, The Guardian 105 The energy networks have launched their emergency number, which will allow people to contact their electricity network in the event of a power cut.