Company strategy

Water sector sets out possible routes to net-zero goal

Specialists advising the water sector on its goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 have said collaboration will be needed both within and beyond the industry to deliver the necessary innovation.

Severn Trent commits to £1.2bn sustainability drive

Severn Trent has set out a series of environmental and social commitments for the next decade. The drive will include investments in improving the natural habitat, tackling water scarcity, decarbonisation and the company’s role in society. Utility Week spoke to the company’s senior team to find out more.

Utilities and the coronavirus

As the coronavirus spreads and government advice cranks up, Utility Week magazine editor Suzanne Heneghan considers the impact on UK utilities and their obligations for keeping civil society operating

Mitsui increases stake in Tonik Energy

Tonik Energy will use an additional £11 million investment from Japanese firm Mitsui to fund renewable energy technology including EV chargers. This is the second investment from the Tokyo-based firm, which invested £10.3 million in early 2019.

Gresham House raises £31m in latest share placing

Lack of autoswitching regulation is causing ‘serious problems’ for customers

Regulation is needed for third-party intermediaries (TPIs), such as autoswitching services, Citizens Advice has claimed. A report from the charity has found fewer than 15 out of around 70 energy suppliers are being offered by some autoswitching services claiming to cover the entire market.

UK needs to more than double emission reductions to hit 2030 target

Analysis by Carbon Brief has found that the UK reduced carbon emissions by 28 per cent over the last decade, with 2019 seeing a 3 per cent reduction. In its efforts to reach net zero by 2050, the UK is aiming to reduce emissions by 57 per cent by 2030, on 1990 levels.

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.

New powers for water companies and a ban of non-flushable wipes proposed

A think tank has proposed around 50 measures to protect the natural environment in the UK including a ban of non-flushable wet wipes, extra powers for water companies to rectify misconnected drains and mandatory water efficiency labels.

Oil giants join forces to create zero-carbon industrial cluster in Teesside

On the Move: United Utilities appoints CFO; Bulb introduces chief product officer

Karam: Ofwat ‘didn’t follow precedent’ on Bristol’s FD

Bristol Water chief executive, Mel Karam, talks to Utility Week about the company's reluctant decision to challenge Ofwat's final determination - for the third price review in a row. He discusses where he believes the regulator has got it wrong and the lessons learnt from previous challenges.

Greencoat expects further churn of ROC projects in 2020

Greencoat UK Wind (UKW) plans to take on more subsidy-free offshore wind projects in 2020 after making its first acquisition of this kind last year. However, investment manager Stephen Lilley told Utility Week that the company also expects more Renewables Obligation Certificate-backed assets to be made available, as utilities try to recycle capital.

Drax considering alternatives to new gas turbines