Key Points

• 2014 started the way 2013 ended, with utility companies under fire for rising energy bills and poor customer service

• The UK government's current emphasis on affordability, at a time when a substantial increase in investment is required, is widely seen as a threat to ensuring security of supply

• 88 per cent of those surveyed agree that regulators should demonstrate their independence from government to ensure that utilities remain financeable

• 93 per cent of those surveyed believe that utility companies should take the lead to re-establish confidence in the sector