Electric Vehicles

Weekend press round-up: Scottish Power accused of ‘harassment’

Our latest summary from the national papers includes a report accusing Scottish Power of "cruel harassment" after a number of non-customers claimed they were billed for large debts by the energy supplier. Also in Scotland, calls have been made for an inquiry into the collapse of an energy company backed by the Scottish government. Meanwhile Anglian Water co-owner First State Investments wants to buy the UK arm of an energy company that converts waste into power, according to City sources.

New EV code of practice launched

As electric car and van use becomes more widespread in the early 2020s, the number of chargepoint installers operating on the market will also have to increase. The new code is a voluntary scheme which offers members a model quotation, contract and warranty as well as access to alternative dispute resolution services if things should go wrong.

EV fleets: we’re not there yet

Nick Pincott and Marianne Anton, of law firm TLT, list the outstanding problems that must be resolved before business can invest in EV fleets.

Networks shouldn’t get ‘hysterical’ about impact of EVs on the grid

The disruptions posed by the electrification of the transport sector have been over-estimated by the network operators, industry experts have claimed. A panel convened by Delta-EE discussed how the UK could become a leader in electric vehicles and what lessons there are from other countries.

Public parks highlighted as potential energy source

Giving local people a say

Utilities can play a key role in unlocking local value. But to maximise impact, the focus needs to shift beyond regional growth to regional wellbeing, says Sharon Darcy of Sustainability First.

A confident course to decarbonisation

Ofgem’s Decarbonisation Action Plan recognises that net zero requires a more holistic regulatory approach – and that it is crucial the costs and benefits of these initiatives fall fairly between different groups of consumers. Sustainability First's Sharon Darcy gives her view.

Moixa launches AI-powered EV partnership

Smart technology company Moixa will conduct an electric vehicle (EV) charging trial to help drivers deliver flexibility to the UK’s energy system and reduce emissions. Moixa's technology will be integrated with Dutch firm Alfen's EV chargers, creating tailored charging plans for consumers.

Scale of EV push will be on par with the Olympics, says minister

An Olympic-style drive across government will be required to eradicate emissions from the transport sector, the minister handpicked to oversee these efforts has admitted. In a Commons debate on decarbonising transport, it was also suggested that a mass test-drive campaign across the country may be needed to encourage ordinary motorists to try out electric vehicles.

Regional Growth and Utilities: Speaking with a Northern accent

Why the DSO transition must accelerate

Brearley steals a march on doubters

Utility Week magazine editor Suzanne Heneghan looks at what's in the in-tray for Ofgem's new chief executive and how his decarbonisation plan may be a signal of intent.

Target to end coal power brought forward

The government has pledged to eliminate coal power generation from the grid by 2024 – a year earlier than previously planned. Boris Johnson has also confirmed plans to bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel cars – including hybrids – by five years, to 2035. David Blackman looks at the figures behind the plans and gauges industry reaction.

DNOs publish asset registers to improve visibility

Weekend press round-up: Sale of petrol and diesel cars to be banned five years earlier

Reports on the fall-out of the sacking of Claire Perry O’Neill as COP26 chair and government plans to accelerate the EV rollout featured in this weekend’s papers. There is also a profile of the local grid project while Scottish Water’s CEO gives his view on how the industry should respond to the challenges of climate change.