Energy networks

BEIS considers net-zero guidance for Ofgem

The government is “looking at” amending Ofgem’s remit to explicitly reflect the net-zero 2050 target that was enshrined in legislation last year, the energy minister has said.

The path to net zero: Five challenges for 2021

Planning shake-up ‘should ban new connections to gas grid’

Vattenfall forms joint heat network venture with Midlothian Council

Utilities named as first COP26 sponsors

National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE have been unveiled as principal sponsors for the COP26 conference. The announcement was made simultaneously with confirmation that the three companies will work together on the Eastern Link project, which will see two 2GW HVDC subsea cables laid from Scotland to north-east England.

Weekend press round-up: Pennon considers takeover of Southern Water

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is speculation that Pennon Group, having considered approaches for several water companies, now has Southern in its sights. There is also the latest on Boris Johnson’s 10-point roadmap for building back greener and plans for a solar power station in space, among others.

First boilers installed for hydrogen heating demo

Boosting social and economic mobility: utilities’ obligations and opportunities

A webinar to explore how the social and economic impacts of the pandemic are influencing responsible business actions and strategies in the utilities sector and beyond.

Ofgem fixes transmission charging zones for generators

National Grid takes £117m pandemic hit

ENW commits £500,000 to fund Citizens Advice ‘energy champions’

Electricity North West (ENW) has revealed plans to pay for seven new members of staff at Citizens Advice, including five ‘energy champions’, with a £500,000 fund. The two-year partnership will start immediately in response to the pandemic and marks the launch of the North West network operator’s ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign.

Foreign takeovers of energy firms to face tougher scrutiny

Energy acquisitions by foreign companies will be screened for potential national security implications, under new legislation.

Public backs infrastructure splurge but regulation ‘out of step’

People understand the benefits of investment in infrastructure in terms of creating jobs and enabling decarbonisation but government and regulators must have a common message. This is the view of Lawrence Slade, chief executive of the Global Infrastructure Investors Association, who spoke to Utility Week on the back of its poll on public attitudes towards infrastructure and investment.

UKPN seeks 250MW of flexibility in £50m tender

Build Back Better: Peter Emery – a man with a plan