Company strategy

National framework needed to avoid net-zero ‘postcode lottery’

A national framework for local energy planning is needed in order to prevent a net zero “postcode lottery”, research from Citizens Advice has warned. The charity’s new report, Look before you LAEP, explores issues with local area energy plans (LAEP) and found there is an inconsistent approach to planning across the UK. It recommends the introduction of a national framework which it says could help ensure plans are achievable, affordable and effective.

NI Water granted £2.1bn of capital investment

After six years of underinvestment, Northern Ireland Water has been granted £2.1 billion to spend on capital investment programmes to improve infrastructure as well as to meet climate and environmental goals. The increase in capital investment will enable the company to provide wastewater treatment services that have lagged behind the rate of housing growth.

National communications drive is needed for net zero

A national communications drive is needed to help bring the public on board with the UK’s net zero ambitions, Citizens Advice has suggested. Zoe Guijarro, policy manager at the consumer body, said: "We need to meet people where they are and communicate the vision in a way that means something to them.”

Young people least likely to understand their energy bills

A quarter of 18-24-year-olds struggle to understand their energy bills, new research from Octopus Energy and the National Literacy Trust has revealed. A OnePoll survey of more than 2,500 bill payers looked to explore how well people understood their energy bills and identify ways in which they could be made easier to read.

Thames upgrades monitoring systems across London

Invinity to develop ‘next generation’ flow battery with Siemens Gamesa

UKPN sets outs science-based approach to 2028 net-zero goal

UK Power Networks has had its carbon reduction plan and targets endorsed by the Science-Based Target Initiative. The distribution network operator said it is on course to reach net zero for all directly-controllable carbon emissions by 2028. This comprises a 42 per cent reduction in these emissions based on the 2018/19 level, with the rest offset.

Eon reports improved results following UK restructure

Eon has cited the successful restructure of its UK business as one of the reasons behind its improved overall results in the first quarter of 2021.

Push for growth sees Octopus’ losses mount

Giving customers breathing space

This month saw the Debt Respite Scheme, also known as “breathing space", come into force. The legislation is designed to give customers with problem debt temporary legal protections from creditor action. Jayne Gardner, head of debt recovery at Corclaim, examines how it is likely to affect the utilities sector.

Macquarie sells I&C smart meter portfolio

Centrica continues to face ‘tough’ trading conditions

Utilities continue to lag on workforce diversification

On the Move: Heat Trust appoints new MD

In Utility Week’s latest round-up of people moves across the sector, the Heat Trust gets a new managing director; a former Centrica director is to head up Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment and the first chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank is unveiled.

Symbio told Covid is no excuse for late RO payments