The UK's premier utilities conference

Future of Utilities Summit 2026’s Key Themes:

Energy system resilience With geopolitical instability and extreme weather events increasing pressure on the UK’s energy infrastructure, the summit examines how operators and suppliers are building resilience into generation, transmission and retail – and what a genuinely secure energy system looks like in practice.

Grid transformation The shift to net zero demands unprecedented investment in grid infrastructure. Sessions explore how transmission and distribution network operators are planning, financing and delivering the scale of upgrade required, and how new technologies are changing what the grid needs to do.

Flexibility markets As distributed energy resources proliferate, flexibility is becoming central to system operation. The summit examines how markets, incentives and technology are evolving to unlock demand-side response, storage and smart charging at scale.

AI in utilities From customer service and demand forecasting to asset management and trading, AI is reshaping how energy and water companies operate. Sessions cover both the practical applications already delivering value and the strategic questions still to be resolved.

Water infrastructure and resilience The water sector faces a generational investment challenge: ageing infrastructure, tightening environmental standards, and growing pressure on supply. The summit brings together water company leaders, regulators and investors to examine how the sector transforms at the pace and scale required.

Tackling water scarcity With hosepipe bans and drought conditions becoming more frequent, water scarcity is moving up the political agenda. Sessions address long-term supply strategy, demand management, and the infrastructure needed to secure water resources for the future.

Water pollution and environmental compliance Scrutiny of water company environmental performance has never been higher. The summit examines what genuine improvement looks like – from catchment management and nature-based solutions to operational investment and cultural change.

Industrial decarbonisation Hard-to-abate sectors represent some of the biggest remaining emissions challenges. Sessions explore the role of energy suppliers, network operators and technology providers in enabling industrial customers to decarbonise their operations.

Regulatory reform Ofgem, Ofwat and DESNZ are all in the midst of significant reform programmes. The summit examines how regulation is evolving, what operators and investors need from the regulatory framework, and where the current approach is falling short.

Customer engagement and vulnerability Rising bills and energy poverty are defining issues for the sector. Sessions address how suppliers are supporting vulnerable customers, redesigning propositions for a changing market, and rebuilding trust with consumers.