The Future of Utilities Blog

Ofwat and Ofgem are independent economic regulators for the water and energy markets in Britain. Both regulators aim to protect consumers, ensure fair pricing, promote efficient and reliable services, and encourage long-term investment in infrastructure. Despite the alignment in their goals, Ofgem and Ofwat have taken notably divergent approaches in several areas that impact consumers…

Artificial intelligence can transform the utilities sector through automation, predictive analytics, and more intelligent decision-making. In 2024, we are only beginning to realise its transformative potential. AI systems excel in specialised environments with vast amounts of real-time data that can be used to train models through machine learning. The proliferation of smart sensors across the…

In the energy market, the idea of exporting electricity to the grid is very common. Businesses can purchase commercial solar panels and sell surplus electricity to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. The British water industry is on the verge of allowing businesses to sell drinkable water into the local water network. Businesses…

The rollout of smart water meters across the British water network is underway, opening up the possibility of smart water tariffs that actively encourage responsible water usage. The rising block tariff for water supplies is the first example of the water industry adopting smart tariffs. Limited trials of rising block tariffs are currently being conducted…

Fertiliser pollution poses a significant threat to the health of the UK’s rivers, with 70% of nitrogen and 25% of phosphorus in UK waters attributed to agricultural runoff. The idyllic River Wye has become a globally renowned case where nutrient runoff from intensive poultry farming has led to severe ecological damage, including a 90% loss…

The principal idea behind the deregulated business water industry is that private companies can apply for a retail licence and compete with other suppliers to offer water services. Without business water suppliers, water companies are a natural monopoly, compelling customers to pay water bills issued by their local water company. Introducing competition among suppliers enhances…