Strategy, policy & regulation

Editor's Picks

Ofwat sets ‘very problematic’ revised PR24 schedule

Ofwat may not make its final rulings on water companies' £100 billion business plans until the end of January 2025, just two months before the next asset management period begins. Senior water company figures told Utility Week that the revised timetable is "very problematic" and "borderline ridiculous".

1 year ago

ESO may ‘snatch defeat from the jaws of victory’ over DFS penalty proposals

1 year ago

Labour promises ‘much tougher’ regulation of energy market

1 year ago

Ofgem to extend bad debt support provision in price cap

1 year ago

Let’s be pragmatic – not dogmatic – about the future of gas

1 year ago

Latest

Calls for ‘blend and extend’ contracts for small firms

2 years ago

SSE folds solar and battery team into renewables arm

SSE is folding its 100-strong solar and battery team, which up until now has been incubated in the group’s Enterprise division, into SSE Renewables. The company said the move will help the solar and battery business to grow in scale, whilst also enabling SSE Renewables to benefit from the team's expertise.

2 years ago

Is renationalising England’s water industry the fix we need?

2 years ago

First long-term asset fund for renewables gets green light

2 years ago

David Black: Delivering PR24 commitments will be tough

2 years ago

Safety focus can unlock high performance

2 years ago

Axing CfDs would increase offshore wind costs by one third

Removing the contracts for difference (CfD) mechanism for offshore wind projects would significantly increase the cost of decarbonising the grid, according to the UK Energy Research Centre (ERC). The falling cost of generating electricity from renewables, termed "price cannibalisation", has prompted question marks over whether technologies such as offshore wind need continued government support such as CfDs. However, new research by the ERC warns that removing the CfD mechanism for offshore wind projects could put the UK's entire energy transition at risk.

2 years ago

70GW solar target risks being missed, MPs warn

The government faces a "considerable shortfall" in meeting its target to install 70GW of solar generation by 2035, a cross party group of MPs has warned energy secretary Grant Shapps. To address the predicted shortfall the Environment Audit Committee has called on Shapps to remove existing barriers to solar installations.

2 years ago

Southern’s water butt initiative extended after slashing CSO discharges

2 years ago

SSEN suppliers to be held to sustainability code

2 years ago

Ofgem proposes ‘reputational incentives’ for suppliers

2 years ago

Government stalls long-awaited upgrade of private rentals

2 years ago

Offshore wind shortfall would cost households millions

2 years ago

Keeping water where it counts – new thinking in drainage design

2 years ago

Wylfa needed for UK to hit nuclear targets, MPs warn

It is "difficult to see" how the UK government can deliver its nuclear power ambitions without a plant at Wylfa in north Wales, MPs have warned. The House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee urges UK ministers to prioritise the construction of a new nuclear scale plant on Ynys Mon.

2 years ago

Ofgem resumes review of distribution charges

2 years ago

The REGO windfall: Money for nothing?

2 years ago

Citizens Advice slams Northern Powergrid ED2 appeal

2 years ago

Retailer plea for data release to unlock social tariff

2 years ago

Affinity first to lay out PR24 plans

Affinity Water has laid out its business plans for 2025-30 to invest £2.55 billion to improve river health, reduce abstraction, boost water quality, drive down leakage and enhance customer experience. This represents an additional £1 billion from its PR19 spend.

2 years ago