UK Power Networks drive to collaborate for the benefit of customers, has won the company the top award in the UK's utility industry.

The firm, which delivers power across London, the East and South East, employs more than 1,000 people in Suffolk, including the Shotley peninsula, and was shortlisted for six awards at the Utility Week Awards' London ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry CBE last night (December 5).  

It took home both the top accolade Utility of the Year, and the Digital Transformation Award for its smart connections portal and an innovation project which removes barriers to Net Zero by allowing meter operators to upgrade domestic fuses for the first time.

Unusually for the sector, UK Power Networks has been a repeat finalist for Utility of the Year every year since 2017 (after winning the title in 2012, 2015, and 2016). This year's submission outlined how the firm's collaboration has unlocked new ways of working and amplified benefits for customers.

Judges said the firm was chosen as a winner because it was a real 'all-rounder, an inclusive employer with an environmental conscience and a genuine drive for collaboration.'

It was also one of several entries that clearly demonstrated the lengths companies had gone to, to offer support for vulnerable customers during a year dominated by the cost of living crisis.  

Utility Week editor James Wallin said: "The record number of entries for this year's awards is testament to the hard work and innovation taking place right across the sector."

Director of HR Andrew Pace said: "This is credit to our employees who work very hard to make sure customers' contact with us, however rare, receives a top-class response. We also strive to be the best and most inclusive employer we can possibly be, to attract new talent and retain experienced people – it's quite common for people to work here for decades, even 40 or 50 years." 

The awards follow a year of success, where UK Power Networks has won over 20 national awards. It's new website alone has won seven awards for meeting customer needs during critical moments and having a carbon conscious approach.