Electricity retail

So Energy falls out of Citizens Advice top 10

Half of Brits confused over green tariffs

‘We’re seeing a new normal for business energy consumption’

Yu Group chief executive Bobby Kalar has said he is not worried at the prospect of reduced energy consumption from business consumers, adding that the company is focusing on growth to mitigate this. Kalar was speaking to Utility Week following the publication of his company’s financial results which revealed the impact Covid has had on the business.

Four suppliers fined after overcharging customers

New energy models could unlock extra £21bn a year by 2050

A new report exploring what net zero could mean for the energy sector has identified five core business models to harness £21 billion it believes is set to be unlocked annually by 2050. The Utility 2050 project, a partnership of energy professionals, financiers and academics, concludes there needs to be a “deeper rethink” of the business models that make up the energy market and the regulation which supports them.

Shell launches BEIS-backed smart domestic heating trial

Shell Energy Retail has launched a trial exploring the effect smart thermostats, combined with energy usage insights, have on consumer behaviour.  The trial, which has been awarded £300,000 from the government-led Smart Energy Savings Innovations Competition, will see 600 Shell customers using a device that allows them to control their heating and hot water through their smart phone.

Octopus Energy takes on £3.4bn renewables portfolio 

Octopus Energy Group has added £3.4 billion worth of renewable energy projects to its portfolio with the acquisition of sister company Octopus Renewables. From June the large retailer will manage Octopus Renewables’ European portfolio of more than 300 green assets under new business arm Octopus Energy Generation. Chris Hulatt, co-founder of Octopus Group, the parent company of both businesses, said he hoped the move would unlock a “multitude of new investment opportunities”.

Home upgrade issues ‘could derail heat decarbonisation’

‘Nanny Ofgem is missing the bigger picture’

Ofgem’s proposal to make energy suppliers repay surplus credit balances has received mixed reactions. Is the regulator cracking down on unsustainable business models or choosing short-term wins over a permanent fix for a broken market? Adam John asks what this latest crackdown says about the nature of regulation in energy retail.

Bulb to install 30,000 free smart thermostats

Building customer relationships is all about establishing trust

Help is at hand for customers nearing ‘debt time-bomb’

On the Move: Ex-Tonik boss to head up Ovo Drive

Ovo Energy has launched a new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) division and has appointed the co-founder of former disruptor brand Tonik Energy as its managing director. Utility Week takes a look at this and other appointments from across the sector.

Octopus installs GB’s 7 millionth SMETS2 smart meter

Centrica snaps up Nabuh Energy