Smart utilities

DCC proposes ‘game-changing’ data exchange

Energy Systems Catapult adds smart EV charging to Living Lab

Gridserve takes 25% stake in Ecotricity’s Electric Highway

Centrica launches ‘virtual fuel card’ for fleet EVs

Centrica has unveiled an electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging management app, allowing more drivers to charge at home, something which it says was previously difficult to administer. The new app, designed by Centrica Business Solutions, acts as a ‘virtual fuel card’ which can work with any standard charger. It features payroll integration which means it will automatically reimburse drivers wherever they charge their EV.

Why utility companies should embrace digital innovation

UKPN rolls out ‘self-healing’ restoration software

Thames customers report thousands of blockages via online tool

EV tariff bundles present confusing picture for consumers

Electric vehicle (EV) tariff bundles being offered by energy retailers are complicated and difficult to compare, a new Citizens Advice report has concluded. The consumer charity said this could result in them choosing tariffs unsuitable for their needs.

Octopus’ software acquisition will ‘boost I&C capabilities’

Major utilities backer warns Ofgem ‘investments must be profitable’

Smart meter complaints ‘significantly increased’ in Q4

‘Flexibility is a win for everyone’

Sotiris Georgiopoulos, head of smart grid development at UK Power Networks, talks to Utility Week about his new role as chair of the Energy Networks Association’s Open Networks project – what has been achieved so far and what more there is to do.

Weekend press round-up: ‘Soon it will be hard to justify buying a petrol car’

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, concerns about an electric car bubble are discussed. There is also an update on progress towards developing nuclear fusion. Meanwhile, Aggreko’s board has accepted a £2.3 billion private equity bid.

Does diversity drive productivity?

Octopus offers batteries to power wifi during smart installs

Innovate East returns to address decarbonisation

To address some of the problematic elements of decarbonisation in the water sector, this virtual innovation festival jointly hosted by Anglian, Yorkshire and Essex & Suffolk will look towards COP26

Future home energy market should learn lessons from the smart rollout

WPD urged to be ‘more radical or ambitious’ for RIIO ED2

The chair of the customer engagement group for Western Power Distribution’s RIIO ED2 business plan has written to its chief executive, Phil Swift, to urge the company to be “more radical or ambitious” after the distribution network operator published an early draft last month. Duncan McCombie welcomed its “open and transparent approach” and “radical candour” but said most of its commitments only represent “incremental change from those currently being delivered in ED1.”

AR tool trial creates ‘X-ray vision’ for excavators

Excavation trials between Morrison Utility Services with Thames and Yorkshire Water have explored the use of augmented reality (AR) to plan and manage underground works before digging begins.

Microsoft and Accenture in drive to speed up net zero transition