Energy networks

Reform of ‘fragmented’ energy governance system needed

A shake-up of energy governance must go beyond splitting up the National Grid in order to avoid potentially stymying the delivery of the infrastructure required to deliver net-zero emissions, a former government adviser has warned.

Weekend press round-up: Households pay £250m to avoid power blackouts

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, it is reported that National Grid is paying out £250 million a year to procure extra back-up power stations. Meanwhile, the future of both nuclear energy and battery storage in the UK are discussed.

Utilities recognised in gender equality report

Four UK utilities have been included in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for commitment to making workplaces more inclusive and increasing transparency of reporting

Managing the skills gap

Phil Beach, the recently appointed chief executive of Energy & Utility Skills, discusses the implications of recent government policy updates on the utilities sector’s drive to ensure its workforce is futureproofed.

Hendry criticises slow pace of UK grid upgrade

CMA pushes back water appeals deadline again

The Competition and Markets Authority has nudged back the estimated date for its PR19 final redeterminations, which are now expected to appear in "late" February. It follows a series of consultations on several areas, including the cost of capital.

WPD proposes £6bn spend over ED2

RIIO-ED2 must be the platform for achieving net zero for all

Western Power Distribution chief executive Phil Swift writes about the commitments outlined in the company’s business plan for 2023-2028 and the collaboration that underpins it.

Ovo Energy launches flat-rate smart EV tariff

Ovo Energy and its technology arm Kaluza have launched a flat-rate electric vehicle (EV) tariff which they claim is the first of its kind. Ovo Drive Anytime is described as a “type of use” energy tariff and offers EV drivers a fee of 6p per kWh. While the tariff will still default to off-peak charging, customers have the option to override this and still pay the flat rate.

Electricity engineering standards should ‘start off with customers’

Host of Utility Week Awards revealed

System Operator ‘should be part of National Energy Agency’

Plotting the course to Britain’s first hydrogen town

Chris Train, Energy Networks Association’s Gas Goes Green Champion, writes for Utility Week about the launch of the Hydrogen Networks Plan.

Kwarteng: Hydrogen can enter gas grid before 2030

Shell buys UK’s largest public EV network