What is the issue?
In the UK, as is the case in many countries, big energy companies and the government are blamed for creating an energy system that is too expensive, dirty and insecure. Many NGOs and left of centre media voices have called for a different approach, one that enables a fair and managed transition from the old utility model to a new, flexible, clean and fair way of producing, owning and using energy. Yet with a centre-right government pursuing an energy policy that is reinforcing the old centralised system choices of both infrastructure and institutions, innovation will only come via a broader, stronger and more joined-up influencing voice.
What will the project to try to achieve?
Forum for the Future will work with Friends Provident Foundation to convene their Wisdom and Insight for Sustainable Energy – ‘WISE minds’ – project, in a series of dinners through the autumn and winter of 2016 to make sense of the current energy system transition, set out the key questions for its future and enable a broader set of powerful actors to participate in generating answers that work. An initial dinner and Insight Briefing will be produced. It will focus on the future of energy utilities in the UK and inform shareholder engagement with UK utilities on the energy system transition.
Forum for the Future will create enduring impact through this project by enabling participants to continue to work together as members of the Insight Board to a new UK Energy System Change Platform. Currently under development and fundraising, this is planned for launch in 2017 and would create a shared understanding of the current system and a powerful, positive narrative for its future – enabling cross-sector participants to act with strength and conviction to bring resilience to a future energy system that works for communities across the UK.
Who might be interested in this project?
Shareholders
Energy utilities industry
Government
Wider energy sector stakeholders