Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 27TH APRIL - 3RD MAY 2018 | 9 Event WHERE: INNOVATION ZONE The innova on zone will be a hive of ac vity at U lity Week Live. On both days there will be a "Big Energy Pitch", sponsored by the Energy Innova on Centre, where five SMEs will present their innova ons to an expert judging panel for scru ny. On the water side, there will also be a "Big Water Pitch", sponsored by Isle – a high- octane compe on in which companies will pitch for five minutes in front of a panel of dis nguished industry judges. Also in the Innova on Zone, SP Energy Networks will host "Innova on Work- shops", considering some of its previ- ous innova on projects, and looking at future opportuni es for collabora on and innova on. And Na onal Grid will host a "Gas Transmission Innova on Challenge", which will focus on the key challenges and opportuni es for innova on in gas transmission. KEYNOTE WHERE: IN THE KEYNOTE THEATRE WHAT: New technologies are at the heart of the disrup on facing UK u li es. Not only will they drive disrup on, they will enable u li es to lead and benefit from it – and ensure their customers benefit likewise. With a new dedicated focus on technology, the U lity Week Live keynote theatre, sponsored by Fujitsu, Mando and Sitecore, will ask which technologies are changing the game for u li es. Ar ficial Intelligence (AI) will be high on the agenda, with ses- sions exploring how u li es can use AI to improve customer engagement and experience. The programme will explore how u li es are accelera ng the pace of change through mobile, apps and social media, and experimen ng with new techniques such as gamifica on. Blockchain will also be explored, with Paul Massara, energy innova on expert and former Npower chief execu ve, exploring the poten al of blockchain in facilita ng quick switching and reducing the cost of balancing. Arguably the most significant technology for u li es is the Internet of Things (IoT), and the programme will be exploring its poten al in depth. A panel of industry thought leaders will look at how the IoT can drive agility, flexibility and efficiency in u li- es, as well as its poten al for workforce augmenta on. We'll also be looking at how u li es can create a culture of innova on, and the challenges this entails for regulated u li es. And our keynote programme features live outputs from our on- site hackathon (see le ), tackling the challenge of how u li es can engage and support customers in vulnerable circumstances. HIGHLIGHT: The shi to a DSO model is one of the key challenges facing energy networks – and Electricity North West chief execu ve Peter Emery will be exploring its implica ons for the innova on agenda. FROM THE SPEAKERS "We are working towards the integrated energy infrastructure that Britain needs to underpin heat, power and transport, transitioning to a new kind of grid of infrastructure, from DNO to DSO, so that we can deliver two-way grids, smart vehicle charging, and smarter control of electricity flows at the local level. A key part of this transition is the Open Networks Project, which is bringing together the whole energy industry to ensure we deliver on the vision of a smarter, reliable and cleaner energy future." Randolph Brazier, head of innova on, ENA "The smart meter programme in GB has largely been focused on the supplier community but there are significant potential benefits to network operators from having smart meters acting as low voltage monitors in their network. With these opportunities come significant challenges in collecting and using this data, including a move toward a more analytics- based view in a world of imperfect big data set." Fiona Fulton, smart systems manager, Sco sh Power Networks "The 2019 Price Review (PR19) will focus on delivering great customer service, affordable bills, resilience in the round and promoting innovation. A key element of PR19 is companies engaging extensively with their customers to make ambitious commitments to improve their services across all areas of their business." Jon Ashley, director, Ofwat "With the energy market set to change significantly in the coming years, Citizens Advice will ensure that consumer rights are strengthened in a changing world. Our data and insight ensure we are able to identify and help to resolve emerging consumer issues. We also provide advice and tools which help consumers get better deals and incentivise suppliers to improve their performance." Gillian Cooper, head of customer engagement and outcomes, Ci zens Advice In association with In association with

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