Features 2007

Issue Date	Features	Details
26 January	WATER EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND MANAGEMENT	Effective water resource management has soared up the agenda on the back of demand growth and last summer's dry conditions in the south. But consumer attitudes are key and customers must be prepared to reduce their consumption. What are the best water saving options available? And how are those charged with encouraging customers to use less faring?
23 Febuary	CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT	Winning new customers and retaining existing ones are critical issues for all retail suppliers. Behind the scenes, this means managing customer data, establishing attractive and appropriate propositions, targeting marketing accurately and delivering first class customer service. Effective CRM technology is vital to stay in the game.
23 March	PUBLIC PARTICIPATION	Utilities have long had to negotiate with the public over large capital projects and deal with the NIMBYism that often results. But with the growth of renewable plant, proposals for more reservoirs and nuclear new build and desalination on the horizon, public involvement is about to step up a gear. How will the government's proposed changes to the planning regime for energy projects go down, and how are the public participation requirements of the Water Framework Directive being implemented?
27 April	THE CONNECTIONS MARKET	Providing water, gas and electricity links to new developments used to be straightforward for utilities, but not since the connections market was opened to competition. Developers often complain about the service they receive on this front. With Ofgem in the process of a review of the market, will new obligations follow?
25 May	AFFORDABILITY	Energy and water price hikes have had the knock-on effect of driving some customers into fuel and water poverty. Aside from the obvious implications for these customers, utilities themselves are suffering as debt mounts. Are existing fuel poverty initiatives cutting the mustard? In water, the results of the affordability pilot in the south west should throw some light on what measures will best help those in need.
15 June	BILLING	Billing should be straightforward but it isn't. Accurate customer charging is a must for utility finances and customer confidence. Efficient billing systems and clean customer data are essential, while a broad range of payment options and effective debt recovery mechanisms can help.
13 July	DOMESTIC ENERGY GENERATION AND EFFICIENCY	Generating power at home is becoming feasible. Utilities need to raise their game and facilitate it, tackling the associated metering, transaction and network issues. Energy efficiency messages also need to be propagated. How will the government change the Energy Efficiency Commitment in time for phase 3 in 2008-11? And how will companies pursue opportunities in the energy services market?
21 September	UTILITIES ONLINE	How do utilities' websites compare? Are they easy to navigate and do they offer all the functionality users want? A look at web design, handling online customer contact, and wider utility use of the internet.
19 October	FIELD FORCE ENABLEMENT	An update on the mobile working technologies available and other developments in this crucial operational area, including tips on avoiding pitfalls during roll-out and getting staff buy-in and the benefits for utilities and their customers.
16 November	WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE	The UK is lagging behind in the roll out of smart meters. Where does the market stand and who are the principal UK providers of meters and what can they offer? What are the cost implications, both in terms of customer savings, potential company losses, and the marketing of additional services?
7 December	ASSET MANAGEMENT	Effective asset management is vital for utility success. Theory and techniques are developing all the time in response to technological advances, data collection and management improvements and regulatory requirements. Being on top of the game can save money and resources, improve operations and give customers a better deal.

Editorial deadlines: Six weeks before publication.
For more details contact features editor Karma Ockenden at karma.ockenden@rbi.co.uk

2007 Reed Business Information