Generation

Keeping Us Connected: SPEN drives support in the community

Our Keeping Us Connected campaign is showcasing how the utilities sector is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Here we take a look at how Scottish Power Energy Networks is supporting some of its most vulnerable customers, as well as keeping young children occupied during lockdown.

Sector welcomes extension of virus testing to all key workers

The government’s move to widen eligibility for coronavirus testing to all key workers will make a “massive difference” to the sector, Energy UK has said.

Flexitricity becomes first virtual lead party to trade on balancing mechanism

Re-writing the EdStone: What does Miliband’s return really mean?

Former Labour leader and DECC secretary Ed Miliband made a surprise return to his old brief when he was appointed to Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet. But what influence will he have and how have his years in the political wilderness changed his thinking on energy issues? David Blackman talks to former colleagues - and adversaries - of Miliband about his views on decarbonisation, energy prices, nationalisation and what approach he is likely to take in holding the government to account.

Decarbonisation across energy and transport is possible today

By 2040 there could be 36 million electric vehicles on Britain’s roads, leading to inevitable challenges for the network. Jan Anderson, of Wärtsilä, discusses the role energy storage has to play in this transition.

Government assessing targets for CCS

Energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng has revealed that the government is considering setting a target for storing carbon trapped through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

SSEN to develop portable charging device for EVs

Utility Week launches Keeping Us Connected

New solar generation record hailed

Centrica, SSE and Uniper join efforts to develop zero-carbon industrial hub in Humber

On the Move: Ovo Energy chair appointed

Former Burberry executive Stacey Cartwright is to head up the Ovo Energy board. Meanwhile, Thames has welcomed a director from Sydney Water, David Black has a new role at Ofwat and Electricity North West has created an HR director position. Utility Week presents a round-up of appointments from across the sector.

Utilities workers to get priority for virus testing

The government has extended the professions able to access coronavirus testing to include utilities workers.

Public remain sceptical on low-carbon heating

Utilities companies must focus on the upsides to customers of decarbonisation of heat if they are to overcome a widespread reluctance to act on the issue, an expert has told Utility Week. Energy Systems Catapult has published a survey showing that although there is consensus on the need for climate action, less than half of those polled believed gas central heating was a contributor to climate change and only 2 per cent have switched to a low-carbon alternative. Cost and convenience are seen as the biggest barriers to transition.

Weekend press round-up: Energy suppliers warned to be lenient on struggling customers

Reports in the national newspapers this weekend included more commentary on the impact of coronavirus on the energy supply market. There was also speculation on the number of sector jobs likely to be affected by the crisis and a report on how National Grid is responding to the pandemic.

Seven Days: Top Utility Week stories for w/c 13 April

As part of our enhanced coverage during the coronavirus lockdown, we present a review of the key news stories this week. These include concerns over ‘acts of god’ clauses in contracts, divisions emerging in the energy supply market’s lobbying efforts to government and the impact of the lockdown on networks.