James Wallin

Latest posts by James Wallin

Energy UK calls for tax-funded energy efficiency scheme

The trade body has put forward 14 steps for the government to take in the upcoming Budget and energy white paper, including using general taxation to fund a national energy efficiency programme. It also calls for low-carbon heating trials, incentives for large-scale energy storage projects and “urgent clarity” on UK carbon pricing.

5 years ago

Options to evolve Capacity Market proposed

The government is consulting on proposals to widen the scope for inclusion in the Capacity Market. The consultation comes as the latest Capacity Market auction cleared at £6.44 per kilowatt per year – the lowest price yet

5 years ago

Weekend press round-up: Sale of petrol and diesel cars to be banned five years earlier

Reports on the fall-out of the sacking of Claire Perry O’Neill as COP26 chair and government plans to accelerate the EV rollout featured in this weekend’s papers. There is also a profile of the local grid project while Scottish Water’s CEO gives his view on how the industry should respond to the challenges of climate change.

5 years ago

Water retailers approve MOSL business plan

Sarah McMath, CEO of non-domestic water market operator, MOSL, said she had strived to be” honest in my reflection of what is needed to make this market work for customers” and to tackle various legacy challenges within the £11.2 million budget programme for the year.

5 years ago

Honeymoon is Ovo

Ovo announced its dramatic ascension to the top tier of UK energy retailers with great fanfare - with promises to bring its disruptor values to the mainstream. However, a damning report by Ofgem this week shows the company struggled with the basics of communication and billing over a five-year period. James Wallin reflects on what this means for the company and the wider perception of the challenger brands.

5 years ago

Drax hits back over judicial review into gas turbine plans

The project to replace two coal units at Drax’s north Yorkshire plant are now subject to a judicial review. The company has insisted that the project will “help the UK on its path to net zero by 2050”

5 years ago

Davey calls for replacement to ‘disastrous’ BEIS

Sir Ed Davey, the acting leader of the Lib Dems and former energy secretary, has urged the establishment of a new department focused on achieving the UK’s 2050 net-zero emissions target if the government goes through with its mooted revamp of Whitehall.

5 years ago

UU accepts final determinations and sets out dividend policy

United Utilities said that after “careful consideration” it had accepted Ofwat’s final determination on its business plan for the next five years

5 years ago

Investigation into National Grid and Scottish Power over subsea cable issues

The probe will consider whether the joint venture between National Grid and Scottish Power breached licence conditions in the delivery and operation of the £1.3 billion Western HVDC subsea cable between Scotland and Wales.

5 years ago

Business Stream lands £200m Scottish government contract

The three-year contract covers councils, NHS Scotland, the fire and police services, prisons, universities and colleges and the Scottish government. Business Stream previously held the contract between 2011 and 2015.

5 years ago