Utility Week

Utility Week forward features, 2005

January 28: Workforce issues

Skills are dwindling in the sector and the looming shortages must be addressed. A look at strategies to tackle the problem and a host of other personnel issues such as executive development and workforce diversity.

February 18: IT issues

Customer relationship management, revenue management, asset management, procurement applications.utilities' IT demands are enormous. This edition will examine how companies can get the most out of their technology spend and other related issues.

March 18: Clean air

With emissions trading set to start in January, this issue will look at how the system is bedding down, at international activity on the scene and at wider developments in clean energy.

April 22: Outsourcing

Utilities can outsource almost anything.call centres, back office functions, supply chain management, even operations. The question is, should they?

May 20: The Water Framework Directive

The most significant piece of water legislation yet. An update on issues such as funding structures, river basin management planning, quality demands and how different sectors will be affected.

June 17: Accounting changes

Six months after UK utilities had to swap their traditional accounting practices for international financial reporting standards, a review of compliance and the balance sheet implications.

July 15: Field forces

An update on the sector's progress on hooking up its field workers to the latest technologies - and what implications this is having.

August 12: Branding

Do utilities really have brands? Who are the leaders and the laggards? What threats and opportunities are on the branding horizon? And how are companies transferring traditional branding practices to the internet?

September 16: Procurement

Getting its hands on the right goods and services at the right time is vital for the industry. This issue will probe procurement law, optimum supply chain management and wider developments in purchasing.

October 21: Water competition

The largest water users are due to be able to switch supplier from this autumn. This edition will examine how the licensing regime works, wholesale pricing, market prospects and where disputes are likely to emerge.

November 18: Customer care

Exploring what utility customers really need and want. Topics will include marketing and retention strategies, data management and customer care best practice.

December 9: Billing and payment

Further exploration of the thorny issue of accurate customer charging and payment collection - billing systems, payment options, debt recovery and best practice.