Utility Week Live 2025: The Future Looks Bright, But Let’s Not Forget the Basics
written by Daniel Creasey, UK & I Marketing Manager TOUGHBOOK
Innovation was everywhere at Utility Week Live , but the loudest message came from the ground. At our stand, a simple LEGO bar chart drew in dozens of utility professionals with one question:
“What’s your biggest field challenge?”
The winner (or loser)? Connectivity.
Despite all the buzz around AI, automation, and digital transformation, staying reliably online is still the biggest hurdle for many field teams. Even with the rollout of 3G, 4G, and now 5G, the simple challenge of establishing a stable data connection remains a stubborn, evergreen issue. It’s a timely reminder that before we sprint toward emerging tech, we need to get the basics right first.
Angela MacOscar from NWG (Northumbrian Water Group) highlighted just that in her session on enhancing utilities through AI and digital tools, emphasising that tech only drives value when it works for the people using it. That message really hit home.
And as Gavin Starks of Icebreaker One shared in his talk on shared data, progress depends on collaboration, not just between teams, but across entire sectors. That theme came up again and again, from supply chain planning with Tim Winnett MCIPS at National Grid to conversations around AI in decarbonising heat.
These insights underline something we see with our customers every day: even the smartest systems are only as good as the connectivity that supports them. Whether it's accessing cloud-based forms, updating job details in real time, or running AI-powered diagnostics, it all hinges on being connected. That’s why we work closely with partners like Ericsson Telecommunications Inc. , whose in-vehicle routers help frontline teams stay reliably connected, wherever the job takes them.
My key takeaway for utility IT and operations leaders? Don't just chase shiny tech. Start with your users. Let them trial the devices or solutions in anger. Get their feedback. Make sure it fits their day-to-day reality before scaling up. That’s how you make new tech stick, and deliver real value.
If I had to sum up Utility Week Live 2025 in one line?
"Tech buzz is growing, but real-world impact still hinges on field connectivity and user-first thinking."
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