Energy networks

SP Energy Networks deploys inspection drones

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has begun using drones to inspect its network assets as part of the company’s bid to reduce emissions. In the past the company has relied solely on helicopters to visually assess more than 2,000 towers and electricity transmission structures across its transmission network covering central and southern Scotland.

Net zero: Three stumbling blocks to delivery

As part of Utility Week's Countdown to COP campaign, former Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan highlights three things the government should consider in balancing the need for a rapid transformation of the energy system alongside the responsibility to keep costs down for consumers.

Net zero ‘hard yards’ for the electricity grid must start now

The Easter weekend was the greenest bank holiday on record as far as power generation is concerned, but there is still a lot of work to do before net zero can become a reality. Ed Reid, head of strategy at Centrica Business Solutions, writes as part of Utility Week's Countdown to COP campaign about the importance of real progress on local flexibility markets.

Octopus deal sees Shell Recharge join EV network

Octopus Energy has penned a deal with Shell- backed electric vehicle (EV) solutions company NewMotion which will see the latter’s chargepoints join its Electric Juice network (EJN). NewMotion has access to more than 3,200 chargepoints over 17 different networks across the UK. In total, it allows access to more than 200,000 chargepoints across Europe.

ESO fined for inaccurate demand forecasting

M Group launches new water and energy divisions

Utilities contractor M Group Services has announced a restructure which will see the creation of dedicated water and energy divisions.

SSE and Equinor announce ‘world first’ blue hydrogen power plant

Taking the heat out of the debate

March sees highest ever demand for plug-in vehicles

More plug-in vehicles were registered in March than ever before, the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show. Pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles took a combined market share of 14 per cent, up from just over 7 per cent per cent last year as the number of models available to customers increased from 72 to 116. Meanwhile, Octopus Electric Vehicles has announced the launch of a new leasing service which offers a salary sacrifice scheme to employees.

A busy month for CMA watchers

The past month has seen announcements on the three sets of appeals that should be on a Competition & Markets Authority (CMA)-watcher’s radar – the granting of permission on the RIIO2 appeals, the final decision on PR19 in water and the decision on the rather obscure SSE code modification appeal. Maxine Frerk picks through the pertinent points and discusses the next steps.

CMA panel for RIIO2 appeals announced

Weekend press round-up: How green are ‘green’ energy tariffs?

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is further debate about the concept of greenwashing. Meanwhile, the public has been warned that radiators will have to run 10 degrees cooler under changes to homes needed for Britain to hit net zero.

Taking customers with us on the journey to net zero

Northern Powergrid upgrades remote monitoring and control system

One third of energy sector exposed to LGBTQ+ discrimination

A survey of energy industry employees has found that 35 per cent have witnessed or experienced discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in the last five years.