“What’s the biggest challenge facing the UK economy? Ask 100 people and you’d get a range of different answers but for me, it’s productivity. One metric that economists use to define productivity is output – economic value – per hour worked. I speak a simpler language and say it’s about getting the job done faster. 

Challenging though it is, the beauty of the drive for productivity gains is that it never stops. There are always incremental improvements to be found.

Network operators in the electricity sector are in a particularly challenging position. They must shift power around the UK in a safe and yet efficient way. Disruption comes in many forms, but people tend to notice power cuts the most. They cause inconvenience and cost money in lost economic output and repairs. 

At the same time, the regulator Ofgem has to show that it’s standing up for consumers. That means keeping a lid on energy prices as much as possible. So operators must run and upgrade a resilient network while bringing electricity into homes and businesses at the lowest possible cost.

‍

The Productivity Opportunity

However, with every productivity challenge comes the opportunity to make gains. That’s what’s driven our development of CHIME. It’s a productivity tool designed specifically for in-the-field workers in the electricity and water utilities sectors. These are the people who make sure our networks keep running.

I’m proud that UK Power Networks, one of the largest network operators, has put its trust in CHIME to give its 3,000-strong workforce – those out in the field fixing, maintaining and upgrading the network – the tool they need to boost their productivity. 

It’s an application for them that comes ‘out of the box,’ with no customisation needed. And the workforce have told UK Power Networks’ senior management team that they love using it and it will make a real difference to how much work – or “volumes” in industry speak – they can get through.

‍

The bigger picture

More than eight million customers and thousands of workers: our job with UK Power Networks is huge. But the bigger the challenge, the bigger the prize. We’re working closely with Suleman Alli, director of customer service, strategy, regulation and technology, as we get CHIME into the hands of workers out in the field. 

Alongside Sul, chief executive Basil Scarsella stresses the importance of their remit in providing electricity at the lowest overall cost to consumers. We’re here to help them make it happen.”

Hear why UK Power Networks chose CHIME https://youtu.be/BtYQ9y6fnkg

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍