Company strategy

BEIS expected to release coronavirus advice to energy suppliers

Guidance outlining how energy suppliers should deal with customers during the coronavirus pandemic is to be published by the government imminently, Utility Week understands. The paper is expected to contain information from Citizens Advice as to what will be expected while the virus continues to affect both business and consumers.

SVT appoints director of regulation

Shane Anderson has been named as Severn Trent's new director of strategy and regulation to succeed Tony Ballance, who is joining Cadent from next month.

Coping with coronavirus: How companies are reacting

As the utilities sector braces for a period of uncertainty, companies are keen to reassure customers that services will remain intact. Centrica, Eon, Npower, Octopus, Bristol, Portsmouth, Southern and Thames Water have told Utility Week how they are responding.

SPEN unveils RIIO2 customer engagement group

The group of industry professionals who will scrutinise SPEN's business plans have been revealed. Group chair and former Ofgem director John Howard will meet with the team monthly to oversee the plan, due to come into force in 2023.

Ofgem postpones RIIO2 open hearings

Networks will soon need to adjust summer plans in response to coronavirus

Union in coronavirus talks with utility bosses

Toddbrook inquiry calls for new reservoir safety measures

Centrica announces interim CEO in board shake-up

Centrica has revealed that group chief financial officer Chris O’Shea is to take on the role of interim chief executive with immediate effect. The parent company of British Gas also announced a replacement for Charles Berry, who is to step down as chairman on medical advice.

Coronavirus: Regulator expects ‘proportionate’ debt response from suppliers

As the government issues stark advice on limiting movement and multiple industries warn they will struggle to survive, utilities have been reminded of their responsibilities to the most vulnerable in society. Ofgem has urged suppliers to be flexible over debt recovery and late payments, while Citizens Advice has said the sector needs to be prepared for a sharp increase in those struggling to pay their bills.

Macquarie signs first smart meter deal with challenger

Macquarie’s Specialised and Asset Finance business has signed a deal with So Energy to install second-generation (SMETS2) smart meter devices. It is the first such deal Macquarie has signed with a challenger energy supplier and the first time it is offering installation and management of meters, through its partnership with Morrison Data Services.

Flow battery firm RedT merges with US peer

Gulf-owners Bayford acquires challenger brand

The Bayford Group, an investment company which owns Gulf Gas and Power, has acquired challenger brand E (Gas and Electricity), which has more than 300,000 customers and employs around 150 people.

Weekend press round-up: Utilities brace for coronavirus impact

As some workers are kept home by the coronavirus pandemic, EDF is considering offering those affected a reprieve from payments, while the energy industry grapples with the effects on electricity demand. Meanwhile, planning applications for renewable energy projects hit a new high – all in the latest round-up of the weekend’s papers.

Vattenfall made decision to ‘go big or go home’

Vattenfall ultimately did not gain the scale required to make its venture into the UK energy retail market worthwhile, industry experts have told Utility Week. The state-owned Swedish renewables giant sold more than 190,000 customers to EDF this week.