Energy retail

Centrica: DNOs are holding up EV and heat pump connections

DNOs are unable to deal with an increasing volume of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint and heat pump connection requests, according to Centrica. In particular, Centrica has raised concerns around “chronic capacity shortages”, lengthy response times to connection requests and charging inconsistencies.

Weekend press round-up: UK spent almost £500k on unused support scheme for energy firms

Gender pay gap widens across utility sector

Installation scandal must not consign PPMs to history

The future of prepayment meters (PPMs) hangs in the balance following Ofgem’s call for evidence on their future use. Matthew Cole, head of the Fuel Bank Foundation, explains why recent scandals over forced installations must not spell the end of the prepayment tool.  

Business tenancy turnover surge to spark more bad debts

Bad debts resulting from changes of business tenancies, some fraudulent, will increase following the scaling back of government support for non-domestic customers, Energy UK (EUK) has warned Ofgem. In its submission to the energy regulator’s recently closed call for input on the non-domestic gas and electricity market, the sector’s umbrella body raises concerns that changes of tenancy or occupier (COT) can be a "very significant cause of bad debt" for suppliers.

Good Energy signs record deal for power from Hornsea One  

Good Energy has signed its largest ever renewable energy deal. The contract has been agreed with Orsted and will see Good Energy power UK homes and businesses with energy produced at Hornsea One offshore windfarm in the North Sea.

Ofgem further revises credit balance ringfencing proposals

Google Cloud unveiled as headline sponsor of Utility Week Live 2023

Almost 700,000 customers take part in Octopus’ Saving Sessions

Scale of energy pledges raises workload concerns

Concerns have been raised about the amount of work that the government has pledged to do in relation to energy security and net zero. Following last week’s splurge of ‘Green Day’ announcements, industry figures have told Utility Week that they are sceptical that all the work promised will be carried out on time.

Weekend press: Unlimited fines for polluting water firms

In our latest round-up of the weekend’s national news coverage, the government is poised to reveal unlimited fines for polluting water companies. Elsewhere, SMEs are expected to struggle to survive due to the end of energy bill support and Scotland's first minister Humza Yousaf accuses UK ministers of ‘relegating’ Scottish carbon capture projects.

Energy standing charges to hit record highs

Brearley urges suppliers to help SMEs facing bills ‘cliff edge’

‘Power Rinse’: Households game Demand Flexibility Service

High Court throws out rival bidders legal challenge over Bulb sale