Taking place a few weeks ahead of the deadline to complete the internal energy market (IEM) - the end of 2014 -, the conference explored the final piece of the European energy puzzle: retail markets, their functioning and, critically, their impact on Europe's customers. The event brought together senior industry leaders to discuss how utility companies are radically changing their business model towards enhanced customer service, innovative products and added-value propositions.
Three consecutive sessions:
- Debate customers' changing needs and preferences, and the steps taken by utilities to keep up with their customers;
- Discuss the role of transparency in creating well-functioning retail markets, in which customers can make sense of their contracts and bills and find the deal that best suits their needs;
- Showcase supplier-led innovation across smart technology, marketing, products and business models, and investigate how regulation can act as an enabling factor rather than a stumbling block.
The event was not only an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into retail companies' strategies, but also a platform for debate with European policymakers, regulators and consumer representatives.