FOU 2025: WHY UTILITIES ARE ACCELERATING THEIR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

In June Ferranti attended Future of Utilities Summit 2025 in London, the UK’s leading forum for innovation in the energy and water sector. It was clear from the discussions that the pace of change across the utilities landscape is intensifying.
Here are some key takeaways that resonated with our team:

Policy Is the Power Behind Roadmaps

The event highlighted how policy frameworks, from Net Zero 2050 to the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, are shaping strategic agendas. Utilities are aligning with government ambitions through cross-sector collaboration, investing in cleaner energy, and driving systemic change.

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AMP8 is going Digital

Speakers underlined how AMP8 (the UK water sector’s eight‑year regulatory cycle starting April 2025) is embracing digital at scale:

• 12 million+ smart meters are being deployed.
• AI, IoT platforms, data analytics and automation are core to the transformation agenda.
• Utilities are focusing on operational efficiencies and predictive maintenance across networks.

This shift signals a broader transformation, digital tools are now fundamental to service delivery and resilience.

Flexibility is the future

With initiatives like MHHS (Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement) and rising EV adoption, flexibility is emerging as a strategic differentiator. Dynamic charging, demand response programmes, and the integration of prosumers and virtual power plants will be the next frontier in grid management.

Data sharing takes canter stage

Data was a recurrent theme, from energy to water. The consensus: cross-industry data exchange enables better customer service, operational efficiency, and environmental outcomes. Utilities are building frameworks to share smart-data securely, leveraging APIs and digital platforms to foster transparency and collaboration.

Why It Matters for Ferranti and Utilities Worldwide

At Ferranti, we recognize utilities face a complex transformation landscape: balancing regulatory targets, rapid digital disruption, and customer expectations. From advanced metering systems and third-party integrations to digital twins and machine-learning frameworks, our services enable the insights and platforms utilities need to adapt.

Check our insights about MHHS as one of the biggest mandatory changes to the GB energy markets .

What’s Next for Utilities?

Utilities transformation is no longer a gradual evolution, it’s a leap forward. Regulatory shifts, smart infrastructure, flexible services, and data-driven operations are redefining the sector.

At Ferranti, our mission is to partner with utilities in designing and deploying these transformations with clarity, confidence, and creative insight while implementing our MECOMS 365 solutions.

Let’s shape what’s next, together.