Energy retail

Latest

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.

4 years ago

Weekend press round-up: Green Homes Grant scheme axed

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is criticism of the government’s handling of its flagship energy efficiency scheme, as it is scrapped with just four days’ notice. There is also continued coverage of the standoff between British Gas and the GMB union and of bill hikes prior to the energy price cap rise this week.

4 years ago

GMB strikers set to accept Centrica terms ‘with heavy heart’

4 years ago

Just 20 GHG measures paid for last month

Alan Whitehead has slammed the Green Homes Grant (GHG) as a “catastrophic failure” after highlighting figures that show just 20 applications for vouchers last month have been paid out.

4 years ago

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”.

4 years ago

Eon claims ‘turnaround’ for retail business

4 years ago

Home upgrade issues ‘could derail heat decarbonisation’

4 years ago

Consumer markets are unprepared for net zero

4 years ago

‘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.

4 years ago

Bulb to install 30,000 free smart thermostats

4 years ago

Building customer relationships is all about establishing trust

4 years ago

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

4 years ago

UKPN opens connections portal for green technology installers

4 years ago

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.

4 years ago

The human challenge of more and better for less

From harnessing earth’s resources to saving the planet, driving technological change and reducing costs, today’s leadership teams in utility companies have a lot to contend with. Is it a case of ‘to act or be acted upon’? EIC’s Alan Mullett reflects on how productivity and wellbeing can be approved in tandem.

4 years ago

Weekend press round-up: Drive to lead world in renewables has been breath of fresh air

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there are interviews with Alistair-Phillips Davies and Hayden Wood, chief executives of SSE and Bulb respectively, as well as with former National Grid boss Steve Holliday. Meanwhile, the government is considering how to designate more rivers as bathing waters.

4 years ago

ECO installations increased 47% in 2020

4 years ago

Octopus installs GB’s 7 millionth SMETS2 smart meter

4 years ago

Centrica snaps up Nabuh Energy

4 years ago

No going back: the pandemic year that shook up utility customer services

The pandemic ushered in a huge change in utility customer services culture at a pace which could not have been predicted. The new Insight Report from Utility Week uncovers the short-term tactics that companies deployed and considers how these can be honed into longer-term strategies to improve customers’ experience and company efficiency.

4 years ago