For increasing numbers of consumers, this had led to financial uncertainty and difficulty, with many reviewing how they can afford even the necessities such a food, water and heating. With this background, utility firms are seeing increasing numbers of vulnerable customers struggling with bills, a situation only due to worsen in the coming months.
EQ has brought together customer champions from the energy and water sectors to debate how utility companies can manage the expected increase in customers suffering from financial difficulties and other vulnerabilities.
The webinar will discuss the proactive and reactive support that utility firms can provide to both their customers and their own staff.
We also look at how the huge shift in working practices enforced by COVID-19 has presented opportunities for companies to review and improve their operations to benefit firms and customers alike.
The COVID-19: What next for Utilities webinar will look at:
- The current situation and what to expect in the Winter months
- Regulatory priorities for supporting customers
- Developing a toolkit for the future
Our panellists:
- Zoe McLeod - Independent Consumer Champion and Associate Sustainability First
- Matthew Cole - Consumer Vulnerability Consultant and Chair of the Fuel Bank Foundation
- Andrew Lincoln – Ofwat Policy Lead for Affordability and Vulnerability