UK100 is proud to partner with Utility Week Live 2026, Europe’s only pan-utility exhibition and conference, bringing together over 4,000 professionals from the energy, water and gas sectors across two days at the NEC, Birmingham.

Alongside our partnership on the prestigious Utility Week Flex Awards 2026, UK100’s Christopher Hammond is speaking on the Keynote Stage and Tunisha Kapoor is judging the Best Community Energy Project category at the Flex Awards.

Devolved energy planning to delivery for local communities and customers

Date: 20 May 2026

Time: 14:15–15:00

Stage: Utility Week Keynote Stage

Location: NEC, Birmingham

Nearly two years on from the establishment of NESO, the role of local and regional energy planning has risen up the agenda. How are local politicians acting in the best interests of their community while contributing to national clean energy ambitions? Looking at how devolved energy planning can deliver real benefits for local communities and customers is critical to achieving Clean Power 2030. Collaboration between distribution networks and local government has never been more critical.

Join this session to discover how local leaders and energy system operators are working together to plan and deliver clean energy infrastructure that serves communities.

Chair: James Wallin, Editor, Utility Week

Panel:

• Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive, UK100
• Jennifer Pemberton, Head of RESP Regions, NESO
• Lynne McDonald, UK Power Networks
• Charles Wood, Deputy Director, Energy UK

Utility Week Flex Awards 2026

UK100 is a proud partner of the Utility Week Flex Awards 2026, which celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations pioneering energy flexibility. UK100’ is on the Best Community Energy Project wards panel, recognising projects developed by or in partnership with community groups or local authorities to generate, manage and use energy in a carbon-conscious way.

Awards ceremony: 19 May 2026, 16:15, on the showfloor

The awards are free to attend, with drinks and canapés provided.

Why attend Utility Week Live 2026?

Essential for local authority leaders, energy managers and sustainability officers looking to understand cutting-edge developments in energy flexibility, devolved energy planning and community energy. Connect with over 250 speakers, 200 exhibitors and 4,000 professionals across seven stages. Discover innovative approaches to building more resilient local energy systems.

Register now.