Utility networks are responsible for ensuring that communities have access to safe and efficient utility (gas, electricity, water and communications) supplies. As the utility networks prepare for a challenging energy systems transition, a comprehensive and consistent approach to ensuring community resilience will be required to safeguard vulnerable individuals and communities.

This year’s UKFPM identifies the opportunities associated with decarbonising heat for fuel poor households; the barriers they face in doing so; the likely risks of the decarbonisation agenda for them; and which policy developments and interventions are required to ensure that the decarbonisation of domestic heating can be fair and affordable.

It is imperative that prepayment meter (PPM) customers continue to receive protection. The CMA stated in its initial ruling of the energy market investigation that PPM customers have higher actual and perceived barriers to switching that arise from both lack of internet connectivity and the need to physically change meter to switch to a wider range of tariffs.