Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 15TH - 21ST DECEMBER 2017 | 3 This week 4 | Seven days 6 | Interview Richard Flint, chief executive, Yorkshire Water 10 Policy & Regulation 10 | News Firms may walk away from SMR initiative 11 | Chief executive's view Stephen Fitzpatrick, Ovo 12 | Analysis Thames Water and Severn Trent under the microscope 13 | Market view Latest development in distributed energy resources 14 | Market view What the Network and Information Systems Directive means for utilities 17 Finance & Investment 17 | News Kepco to take over Moorside project 18 Operations & Assets 18 | High viz The Westhill Solar Park 21 | Analysis Ofwat puts water company data under scrutiny 22 | Analysis Flagship network projects to prepare for the DSO transformation 24 | Market view The risks associated with offshore wind projects 25 Customers 25 | News CMA launches probe into heat networks 26 | Analysis The green gas revolution 28 | Market view A better customer experience 30 Community 31 | Disconnector GAS 25 | News CMA launches probe into heat networks 26 | Analysis The green gas revolution WATER 6 | Interview Richard Flint, chief executive, Yorkshire Water 12 | Analysis Thames Water and Severn Trent under the microscope 21 | Analysis Ofwat puts water company data under scrutiny ELECTRICITY 10 | News Firms may walk away from SMR initiative 17 | News Kepco to take over Moorside project 18 | High viz The Westhill Solar Park 22 | Analysis Flagship network projects to prepare for the DSO transformation 24 | Market view The risks associated with offshore wind projects ENERGY 11 | Chief executive's view Stephen Fitzpatrick, Ovo 13 | Market view Latest development in distributed energy resources 14 | Market view What NIS means for utilities Pitney Bowes: Make self service smarter and more engaging http://bit.ly/2nAa2rC CGI: Demand side flexibility in UK utilities http://bit.ly/2hrMapA Knowledge worth Keeping Visit the DownloaDs section of Utility week's website http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/ downloads Leader Ellen Bennett All I want for Christmas… And so we come to the end of another year – and, like those before it, 2017 has been a challenging one for utilities. Energy and water businesses have found themselves subject to political scrutiny, regu- latory change and intense, sometimes unwelcome, national media attention. The festive season is a time for reflection and for putting things right – so, as utility leaders prepare for Christmas, what will they be hoping to find in their stockings? Here are a few ideas: • By the time you read this, Ofwat will have published its final methodology for PR19, plus the all-important weighted average cost of capital (Wacc). While the industry may be wishing for a few extra points on the Wacc, there will also be a few companies hoping Santa brings exceptional status in the upcoming price review. Severn Trent, anyone? • Networks, meanwhile, may be hoping to hear a little less about their price regime, RIIO, over the next few weeks. Though only half way through the first RIIO cycle for power networks, the industry is already deep in debate about the shape of the second cycle. And with gas network profits in the spotlight and the prospects of a com- plete re-opener for DNOs at ED1 mid-point, networks may be feeling less than festive. • Generators will be hoping for some clarity on the carbon price. While the recent budget indicated the price will continue at its current level until the phase-out of unabated coal – whenever that is – generators of all stripes argue they need longer term certainty. If chancellor Philip Hammond won't deliver, will Santa Claus? • Talking of Santa, there's something very special he could do for energy retailers. With access to every home in the nation in just one night, he has the perfect opportunity to help them with their thorni- est problem – the ramp-up to mass rollout of smart meters. If the man in red could have his elves install the meters while he dishes out the presents, that 2020 target would look a lot more achievable. Of course, some industry leaders have already received the perfect Christmas present – a Utility Week Award. Through all the trials and tribulations of the year just passed, the hard work and dedication of the individuals who work for the UK's utilities shines through. We again celebrated those achievements at our glittering awards ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel this week. Congratulations to all the winners, listed on p5, and particularly to the triumphant Utility of the Year, Northumbrian Water, and our Industry Champion, former Eon chief executive Tony Cocker. Ellen Bennett, Editor, ellenbennett@fav-house.com

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