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James Wallin

Latest posts by James Wallin

Government has wasted opportunities to tackle fuel poverty

Targets for upgrading the energy efficiency of fuel poor homes will be missed this year, in 2025 and 2030 because available funds have not been effectively targeted, an expert committee has concluded. Meanwhile, data has revealed that the actual number of homes struggling to pay their energy bills could be double the accepted estimate for those in fuel poverty.

4 years ago

Weekend press round-up: PM urged to fulfil household insulation pledge

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, Boris Johnson is under pressure to ignore his chief advisor’s scepticism about a mass home insulation drive. Meanwhile, there are reports that Ofgem is to back track on changes to the gas transmission charging regime in the face of pressure from heavy industrial users.

4 years ago

Ofgem: SoLR can cope with multiple failures

Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s director of future retail markets, has told Utility Week that the regulator’s data shows the risk of multiple supplier failures as a result of Covid-19 is receding. Speaking on our #AskUsAnything show, Pickford admitted that concerns remain about the stability of some retailers but insisted that the Supplier of Last Resort process “would work well” in the eventuality of multiple market exits at the same time.

4 years ago

On the Move: New CEO for EU Skills

The Energy & Utility Skills group has appointed Phil Beach, currently of exams regulator Ofqual, as its new chief executive, Utility Week has learnt.

4 years ago

Scottish Power: RIIO2 will test scale of UK’s green ambitions

Ofgem’s draft determinations on RIIO2 next month must “send the right signals on the central role electricity networks have in delivering net zero”, according to Scottish Power. Ensuring the price control framework stimulates economic opportunities to drive forward decarbonisation is one of “10 practical steps for a green recovery” put forward by the company.

4 years ago

Key worker response can forge a new narrative for utilities

Men and women across UK utilities have been working flat out and with great selflessness to provide access to essential utility services during this difficult time. As tentative steps are made to ease the UK lockdown, we have an important opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learnt about the people and teams that drive the industry, says Clancy Group CEO Matt Cannon.

4 years ago

Weekend press round-up: British Gas hits back with low-cost rival of its own

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, Centrica is rumoured to be preparing the launch of a digital-only sub-brand to lure back customers lost to the challenger suppliers. Meanwhile, energy retailers have been given the green light to start collecting money owed by customers and EDF is understood to be exploring plans to help develop a new nuclear reactor in Cumbria.

4 years ago

Network Asset Performance Conference line-up revealed

Senior asset professionals will share their thoughts on how the industry can tackle key challenges and mitigate the disruption caused by Covid-19, at the Network Asset Performance Conference in September. Find out who is speaking and what is on the agenda for this digital event.

4 years ago

#AskUsAnything with Jonathan Brearley

Ofgem’s chief executive returns to Utility Week’s #AskUsAnything show to answer questions from readers, joined by interim executive director of systems and networks, Cathryn Scott and director, future retail, Philippa Pickford. Listen back to the on-demand recording here.

Date: 26/06/2020 11:00 am

Ofgem signals end to Covid-19 compliance relaxation

Ofgem’s chief executive Jonathan Brearley has set out his expectation that the energy sector will start to return to business as usual from next month. The regulator has written to suppliers, networks and the electricity system operator informing them that normal regulatory rules will apply from 1 July. Brearley said that while Covid-19 guidance must still be adhered to, now was the time for a “steady recovery” to begin.

4 years ago