Energy networks

Minimising arc flash risks for utilities workers

Almost 3 per cent of all worker deaths in the UK result from electrical discharge incidents. Which is why utilities leaders responsible for worker safety must be aware of the most potentially risky scenarios for arc flash and the solutions available for preventing or mitigating the chance of injury. Download this whitepaper to find out more.

Balfour Beatty quits – but who cares?

#AskUsAnything: Innovation – is Covid an obstacle or opportunity?

Northern Powergrid adopts ‘eco-paint’

Northern Powergrid says it has become the first network operator to adopt a sustainable protective paint which will cut the amount of material needed to protect an asset by a third. The DNO believes the new paint could save more than 5.5 million tonnes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from being emitted into the air if rolled out across the UK.

Offshore grid debate signals winds of change

SES charges ahead with EV rollout

As part of a sector-wide pledge to reach carbon net zero by 2030 water companies are having to make big changes to vehicle fleets. Utility Week talks to SES Water’s energy and carbon manager Henrietta Stock, about the progress the company has made so far and the challenges ahead in terms of electrifying HGVs.

Drax invests in critical system support at Cruachan

Balancing costs rose 39 per cent during pandemic

Lockdown saw EV sales overtake diesel for the first time

The turbulent car sales market during lockdown gave electric vehicles a chance to shine, the latest data has shown.

SMS appointed to provide public EV charging solutions  

Smart Metering Systems (SMS) has been appointed as a supplier of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions to the public sector. The Glasgow-based energy services company has revealed it has become a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Solutions framework, providing public bodies access to products and services that encourage the establishment of EV charging infrastructure.

Build Back Better: A missed opportunity for institutional change?

Weekend press round-up: Energy sector’s Covid bill hits £1.1bn

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, new research puts a figure on the energy industry’s lost income during the pandemic. Meanwhile, SSE hits out at Ofgem’s draft determinations, saying they will cause “years of delay” to renewables projects. There are also reports that suppliers are fearing a surge in bad debts in the autumn as the furlough scheme draws to an end.

Covid underlines the need for grid digitalisation

Digitalisation and automation of the distribution network are often seen as projects for the future, but with Covid-19 forcing the hand of innovation, network operators should acting now, according the Depsys chief technology officer, Joël Jaton

Ofgem reduces balancing costs cap

Ofgem has reduced the cap on balancing charges introduced as part of its Covid support scheme and has extended the provision until October. Ofgem said the existing cap has already deferred more than £8 million in charges and has mitigated "extreme volatility".

SSEN: Making our commitment to net zero