Navigating the ebb and flow of the utilities sector is as fascinating as it is challenging. At Impact, we’ve become adept at riding these waves, especially the busy periods dictated by regulatory reviews in the UK’s energy and water sectors.

Working closely with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), and water companies has allowed me to experience this firsthand. The DNO and GDN RIIO frameworks and water company Pricing Review cycles shape much of our yearly calendar. These frameworks create significant surges in activity as companies gear up with their strategic plans and regulatory submissions.

I find these busy periods incredibly energising. They are opportunities for us at Impact to showcase our strengths in customer and stakeholder engagement, sustainability consultancy, and advanced analytics. It’s during these times that we can truly influence the future direction of utility companies, ensuring their plans not only meet regulatory demands but also align with consumer expectations and environmental goals.

Outside these intense periods, our ‘business as usual’ projects like customer satisfaction trackers and innovation initiatives keep us consistently engaged. These projects can last 2-4 years and are crucial for maintaining ongoing improvements and breakthroughs in services. They run independently of the regulatory cycles but are no less important, providing continuous streams of insights that help utility companies excel every day.

Managing Resources with Finesse

Balancing the peaks of regulatory demands with ongoing projects requires flexibility. We’re fortunate to be able to tap into resources from our other departments, supported by our very collaborative Managing Directors, Tom Gould from the Consumer team and Jamie Margerison from the Health team. Each brings a fresh perspective that adds immense value to our projects. Their insights and willingness to cross-collaborate ensure we can scale our capacity to meet the intense demands of regulatory periods while sustaining steady on other projects.

Reflections on Industry Shifts

The utilities sector is undergoing monumental shifts, from the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions to the impact of climate change and population growth on long term supply of water, particularly in the water-stressed south of England. Working with our clients to address these challenges is incredibly rewarding. The urgency and complexity of the work brings out the best in our teams and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished at Impact. Our work not only supports the utilities companies in meeting today’s challenges but also prepares them for tomorrow’s opportunities.