Utility of the Year
Celebrating utilities whose cultures and performance demonstrate they are all-round industry exemplars. This award celebrates the companies that are going above and beyond regulatory requirements, to set and meet ambitious targets on delivering for customers, advancing net zero, promoting diversity and enhancing the reputation of the wider sector.
Utility of the Year
Celebrating utilities whose cultures and performance demonstrate they are all-round industry exemplars. This award celebrates the companies that are going above and beyond regulatory requirements, to set and meet ambitious targets on delivering for customers, advancing net zero, promoting diversity and enhancing the reputation of the wider sector.
E.ON Next
In pursuit of its vision to be ‘a playmaker in the Energy Transition’, E.ON Next has combined the spirit of innovation of a start-up with the scale and resources of a major player to launch numerous innovations – including three sector-firsts – that are increasing green energy accessibility, affordability, and scalability, while ensuring no-one is left behind.
Its initiatives (such as its pioneering free battery pilot with Coventry City Council and ground-breaking, all-in-one customer app) are changing consumers’ relationship with energy while reducing bills/emissions. Consequently, E.ON Next has delivered a record high in customer satisfaction, and double-digit domestic debt reduction.
National Grid Electricity Distribution
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has set a benchmark for the UK utilities sector in 2024/25. As the nation’s largest Distribution Network Operator, we have exceeded business targets on support for vulnerable customers, while supporting government priorities on connections reform, planning and decarbonisation.
Alongside operational excellence, NGED has led the sector’s response to extreme weather and delivered measurable benefits for 20 million people. Our innovation programme is shaping national policy, and our social mission, evident in our support for vulnerable customers and communities, is driving a fairer, more resilient energy future.
Northumbrian Water Group
Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) exemplifies industry leadership through its unwavering commitment to customers, the environment, and innovation. In 2024/25, NWG delivered exceptional performance across core business areas, exceeding regulatory expectations while advancing net zero goals, promoting diversity, and enhancing sector reputation.
With strong financial resilience, transparent governance, and a culture rooted in public service, NWG continues to set the benchmark for UK utilities. This entry celebrates NWG’s holistic achievements and its role as a trusted, forward-thinking utility that puts people and planet first.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy showcases exemplary impact in improving utility provision - consistently exceeding regulatory requirements and setting new industry benchmarks. Moving beyond quick fixes, we’ve addressed root causes of debt and provide tailored vulnerable care through pioneering initiatives like Social Worker team.
Our commitment to accelerating net-zero is evident - scaling specialist smart customer teams, heat pump installations, training low-carbon workforce - whilst achieving significant CO2 reductions. With leading customer satisfaction, lowest complaint rates, and top employer recognition, we embody public service ethos through innovation, accountability, and diverse, inclusive culture - making us a worthy winner for Utility of the Year.
SP Energy Networks
Transmission and distribution network operator SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is delivering a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future for over 3.5 million homes and businesses across Scotland, England and Wales.
With c.£6bn of planned investment through RIIO-2, record-high stakeholder engagement scores and a sector-leading £100m proactive unlooping programme enabling low-carbon technologies, SPEN is exceeding commitments while keeping customer costs low. Its 97% sustainable supply chain, 97% landfill diversion and £5m Net Zero Fund showcase industry-leading sustainability. Through inclusive partnerships with communities, schools and sports foundations, SPEN is driving innovation, inclusivity and decarbonisation, raising standards across the sector.
SSEN Distribution
SSEN Distribution has consistently delivered over the past year, building on strong foundations to make a genuine difference for customers. SSEN’s reputation in managing crisis events like storms has been highlighted as sector-leading, with a clear focus on being there for customers in need.
Innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable customers have been developed, with the creation of Personal Resilience Plans and a milestone one million customers signed up to the Priority Services Register. And looking to the future, SSEN is the first DNO to develop Strategic Development Plans which provide a blueprint for future electricity needs.
UK Power Networks
The way we use energy is changing. Customers are better informed and keener than ever to benefit from low carbon technologies, store energy at home, and run their lives online.
UK Power Networks has demonstrated outstanding performance across core business areas, including customer service, financial returns, decarbonisation efforts, and innovation, positioning itself as a leader in utilities. Its transformative initiatives, such as the use of AI for customer service, development of digital tools and democratised data, and strong corporate governance, have set new industry standards and pioneers a fusion of assessing changing needs while delivering enhanced customer experiences to match.
Utility Warehouse in partnership with Gentrack
Utility Warehouse serves over 1.1m customers with bundled home services (energy, broadband, mobile, insurance) via one account. This subscription-style model removes the need for multiple suppliers, rewarding customers with more savings as they take more services.
Utility Warehouse is built on the power of people helping people with a local, Partner-led sign up model. It is reshaping the utility experience around community, simplicity, and real-life needs. To raise the bar even further, the company is rolling out Gentrack’s next-generation platform enabling faster support, smarter personalisation and new in-app tools, all while maintaining award-winning service that continues to lead the industry.