Future of Utilities Summit 2027 · 16–17 June · QEII Centre, London
The UK’s premier utilities conference
Two days with the leaders running Britain’s energy and water systems: every major supplier, network and water company, plus the regulators and government departments that oversee them.
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The event for everyone serious about transforming the utilities landscape.
Future of Utilities Summit unites senior executives from across the energy and water sector.This event is where the ordinary is challenged, collaboration is championed, and innovation comes to life.
2026 Conference speakers
Check out the leaders and innovators who will take to the stage at our utilities conference
Simone Rossi
Chief Executive Officer
EDF Energy
Ruth Jefferson
Chief Executive Officer
Wessex Water
Chris Walters
Interim Chief Executive
Ofwat
David Hinton
Chief Executive Officer
South East Water
Bill Bullen
Chief Executive Officer
Utilita Energy
Gordon Bell
Managing Director
SSE
Jennifer Rigby
Chief Digital and Transformation Officer
Southern Water
Ian Radley
Chief Commercial Officer
National Gas
Akshay Kaul
Director-General, Infrastructure
Ofgem
James Earl
Chief Executive Officer
Future Energy Networks
Key themes for 2027
The issues the 2027 programme is built around, across energy and water.
Security and affordability
Paying for a resilient system without pushing bills higher, and how investment can bring the cost of security down.
Water resilience
Drought, the first new reservoir in a generation, pollution and smart metering as water companies plan for a hotter climate.
Grid and capacity
The Great Grid Upgrade, connecting data centre demand and making a maturing flexibility market work at scale.
AI in utilities
Moving agentic AI from pilots into customer operations, energy trading and asset management.
The customer
Earning trust in a period of rising bills, tackling debt, supporting vulnerable customers and using half-hourly data.
Generation and gas
Delivering record renewables auctions, nuclear’s next chapter, biomethane and the future of the gas network.
Climate adaptation
What the next decade of climate holds for UK utilities, and the business case for protecting critical assets now.
People and skills
Closing the workforce gap, getting more from the people already in the sector, and building careers through connection.
2027 Agenda at a glance
What’s on across the two days at the QEII Centre, London.
Security & affordability
Opening keynotes and a leaders’ forum on balancing resilience, investment and affordability
Water future & climate
Securing the UK’s water future, with an update from Ofwat
Live from The Studio
Podcasts filmed live throughout the day, plus webinars on grid infrastructure, water and AI
C-suite forum
Invite onlyRebuilding trust in a period of rising bills and uncertainty
Making flexibility pay
Where flexibility is proving profitable, and where it isn’t yet
Data centres
The race for AI capacity, data centre flexibility and unlocking grid capacity
Customer of the future
Earning trust in a data-driven customer relationship, and what half-hourly data now unlocks
Clean generation
Renewables, nuclear and lessons from building the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm
Increasing capacity
Strategic water projects, data centre demand and the Havant Thicket reservoir story
Workforce
Securing the people to build the infrastructure of tomorrow
Embedding agentic AI
The top utilities use cases for AI as business-as-usual
Flexibility
Making the maturing flexibility market work at scale
Debt
Debt strategy, with an update from Ofgem, and supporting vulnerable customers
Grid resilience
The great grid overhaul, including National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade
Managing drought
Preparing for the next dry summer, including Anglian Water on smart meters
Gas
Biomethane, future-ready gas infrastructure and National Gas on Project Union
MHHS, delivered: what comes next?
Who wins from half-hourly settlement across the energy market
Invite-only roundtables
Invite onlyGrid, energy retail, and affordability & security, plus a private leadership lunch
Question time with the regulator
A town hall session open to all attendees
Adapting to the climate crisis
What the decade ahead holds and the business case for adaptation
Meetups
Water-only networking, plus policy & regulation drinks
Unlocking workforce productivity
Accessing hidden capacity: doing more with the people you have
Closing ceremony & after party
Day one ends with the ceremony and drinks
Continue to Day Two
Energy and water in the AI era
Mapping a power system for and with AI, and what comes next for AI in utilities
Women in utilities workshop
Building careers through connection, opening with the Women in Utilities Network
Live from The Studio
Podcasts, webinars and a Women in Utilities panel
Women in Utilities brunch
Interview and networking over brunch
Trading
Trading through energy shocks, analytics under pressure and how far AI should go
Electrification
The demand surge, smart charging at scale and heating homes with data centre waste heat
AI in energy retail
Octopus Energy on Arlo, its AI assistant, and rewiring customer operations with agentic AI
Pollution
Bristol Water on Chew Valley Reservoir, and using real-time data to prevent incidents
Climate-proofing critical assets
Lessons from the extreme weather of 2025 and 2026
Flex roundtable
Invite onlyAn invite-only discussion on flexibility
Asset management
Investment choices in a record spending era, and National Grid on autonomous drone inspection
Storage
Ultra long-duration storage, optimising assets at scale and co-locating with renewables
B2B energy
Smart meters for businesses, data-led partnerships and industrial flexibility
Customer engagement & B2B water
Ofwat’s Let’s Save Water campaign, smart metering and serving business customers
Policy in a new utilities landscape
Cheaper bills, cleaner power: can policy deliver both?
Closing remarks
The Summit closes on day two
Back to Day One
“
Future of Utilities Summit is always a highlight of the calendar: interesting, insightful speakers and great debate. Highly recommend. With strong audience engagement and networking, the conversations started here could be the beginning of the next major innovation.
Chief Executive Officer, E.ON UK
“One of the best conferences I’ve been to in a long time. I will definitely be attending next year.”
Director of Quality and Environment, South Staffs Water
“A brilliant place to make connections.”
Head of Volume Forecasting, E.ON
“A fantastic cohort of attendees.”
Group Chief Engineering Director, Pennon Group
“Amazing networking opportunities.”
Marketing Lead, Utilities, TCS
Who attends?
Future of Utilities Summit attracts senior executives from across the entire energy and water spectrum
How you’ll meet them
The Summit is built for meetings as much as for sessions. Between the stages, there are plenty of ways to find the people you came to see.
The networking platform
See who’s attending, message people and book meetings before you arrive.
Invite-only roundtables
Closed-door discussions for senior leaders on the grid, energy retail, flexibility and affordability.
Workshops
Small groups working through a single problem together, from flexibility to half-hourly settlement.
Meetups
Water-only networking, policy and regulation drinks, and the Women in Utilities brunch.
Question time with the regulator
A town hall session where you can put your questions directly.
Closing ceremony and after party
Day one ends with drinks for everyone at the Summit.
From The Studio
Podcasts, interviews and broadcasts recorded in The Studio at the Summit, then released to the wider Future of Utilities community.
Video interview
Batteries, EVs, heat pumps and solar are in millions of homes. Chris Bernkopf, CEO of Podero, explains where utilities are missing the money in flexibility.
Podcast · Episode 1
With Chris Walters, Ofwat
Studio broadcast
With Affinity Water, National Gas Transmission and IFS
Studio broadcast
With SSE Energy Solutions, Everest Group and Publicis Sapient
Studio broadcast
With Octopus Energy, E.ON – Vandebron and NiCE
Video interview
Rob Deakin, Capco, on solving for outcomes before infrastructure.
Video interview
Marco Sodero, Bludigit, on what it takes to trust AI agents in utilities.
The Future of Utilities Podcast
Conversations with the people running Britain’s energy and water systems, recorded at the Summit and through the year.
2026 Sponsors
Meet our partners for this year's utilities conference
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Media Partners
Engage senior energy & water decision-makers
Every major UK energy and water company, and the regulators that oversee them are joining in London this June.
Future of Utilities Summit is where utilities partnerships begin.
Fantastic opportunity to connect with decision-makers in the utilities sector
How sponsors take part
Packages are built around what you want from the two days. Most combine a speaking role, a presence at the venue and meetings with the people you want to reach.
Thought leadership
A keynote or panel slot, a filmed interview or podcast in The Studio, hospitality, and a pre-event article for the Future of Utilities community.
Branding showcase
Exhibition space and branding across the venue, from the Wi-Fi and delegate badges to the drinks reception.
VIP meetings
1-2-1 meetings arranged by our team with the attendees you want to meet, a pre-event webinar and a post-show report.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Future of Utilities Summit 2027?
The Summit takes place on 16–17 June 2027 at the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The nearest Underground stations are Westminster and St James’s Park.
Who attends?
Senior leaders from UK energy suppliers, water companies, electricity and gas networks and generators, alongside regulators, government and the technology and service providers that work with them. You can request the 2026 attendee list.
What is on the agenda?
Two days of keynotes, panels, case studies, workshops and invite-only roundtables across energy and water, from security and affordability to AI, the grid and water resilience. See the agenda.
How much does a ticket cost?
There are separate rates for energy and water companies and for other organisations. See ticket options and prices.
Can press or government officials attend?
Yes. Journalists can apply for a press pass and government officials for a government pass.
How can my company sponsor or exhibit?
Download the sponsorship guide or send us an enquiry and our team will be in touch.
Join the UK's leading conference for senior executives in energy and water
CEO SPOTLIGHT
Simone Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, EDF Energy
Building the future energy system: meeting the infrastructure challenge
Leading one of the UK’s largest energy companies and a major nuclear operator, Simone is delivering the massive infrastructure investment needed to power the net zero transition. He’ll tackle the practical challenges of building new nuclear capacity, modernising the grid, and making it all happen at the pace and scale required.
Ruth Jefferson, Chief Executive Officer, Wessex Water
Achieving true long-term transformation in water: the road ahead
Ruth is driving fundamental change in how the water sector operates. Since becoming CEO of Wessex Water in October 2024, she’s been pushing for a new regulatory model that prioritses nature-based solutions and catchment-wide collaboration to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.
Our attendees
Meet the senior leaders who are shaping the future of energy and water in the UK, including:
Supply Chain Director, GB Energy Director General, Ofgem Chief Executive Officer, Southern Water Deputy Director for Electricity System Flexibility, DESNZ Chief Strategic Planner, United Utilities Smart Metering Policy Lead, Ofwat Head of Corporate & UK Strategy, National Grid Chief Asset Officer, Portsmouth Water Global Director Electrification & Flexibility, Octopus Energy Director of Strategy & Regulation, Bristol Water Corporate Affairs Director, Drax Group Asset Management Director, Thames Water Investment Director, Octopus Energy Generation Head of Flexibility Markets, National Grid Executive Director, Finance, Anglian Water Senior Investment Associate, Low Carbon Chief Executive Officer, South East Water Venture Partner, SET Ventures Chief Executive, Wessex Water Vice President, Investment Professional, Permira Advisors Head of Environment and Sustainability, Northumbrian Water Chief Operating Officer, Drax Group Director, Strategy and External Affairs, Thames Water Head of Flexibility Markets, UK Power Networks Deputy Director, Water Infrastructure Delivery, Defra
Chief Executive Officer, EDF Head Strategic Spatial Energy Planning, National Energy System Operator UK Chief Executive Officer, ENGIE Head of Retail Policy, Energy UK Chief Executive Officer, Utilita Energy Chief Commercial Officer, National Gas Transmission Data Director, E.ON Next Head of Onshore Wind, RenewableUK Revenue Director, EDF Energy and Estates Decarbonisation Manager, NHS Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, ENGIE Practice Manager, Energy Systems Catapult Head of UK Strategy, E.ON Energy Sourcing Lead Decarbonisation, Network Rail Head of Operations, SSEN Transmission Managing Director, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Executive Director, Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK Trading Director, Powertica Commodities Head of Platform Strategy & Incubation, E.ON Next Chief Executive Officer, Fuel Bank Foundation Head of Net Zero and Sustainability, Wales & West Utilities Vice President, Permira Advisors Director of Strategy & Market Intelligence, Vattenfall Head of Market Engagement and Communications, MOSL
Engage senior energy & water decision-makers
Networking
A brilliant place to make connections.
Head of Volume Forecasting
E.ON
Amazing networking opportunities!
Marketing Lead, Utilities
TCS
Unlock unparalleled networking at Future of Utilities Summit with AI-powered connections and personalised 1-to-1 meetings through our Networking app.
1-to-1 meetings
Pre-arrange private meetings with attendees who match your business needs. Our analytics-based matchmaking ensures you meet the right people, maximizing the value of your time at Future of Utilities Summit.
The MarketforceLive Networking App
Use our dedicated networking app to schedule meetings, connect with other attendees, and manage your Summit experience.
The Official After Party
Cap off your Summit experience with an unforgettable after party. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind and catch up with your peers and prospects. Good food, good drinks and good vibes are guaranteed!
Experience London
Future of Utilities Summit isn't just about unbeatable insights and networking - it's your chance to dive head-first into the best that London has to offer! From incredible museums and galleries, to iconic British pubs, discover the sights that make London a cultural hub!
Plan your visit, explore the venue, and book your accommodation now!
Join the CXOs of the UK''s major energy & water companies in London this June
About Future of Utilities Summit 2026
Future of Utilities Summit is the UK’s leading conference for senior executives in energy and water. Taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at the QEII Centre, London, the two-day event brings together over 1,300 attendees – including CEOs, directors and heads of function from the UK’s major energy suppliers, water companies, network operators and regulators – to debate the most pressing challenges facing the sector.
Topics in 2026 include: grid transformation, energy system resilience, water infrastructure, AI in utilities, flexibility markets, industrial decarbonisation, and regulatory reform.
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.