Policy

What impact could the REUL Bill have on the energy sector?

The REUL Bill has the potential to significantly impact the energy sector affecting investment and business planning. Osborne Clarke partner Simon Hobday and senior associate Griffin O’Rourke explore the intricacies of the bill and the work needed to do before it is passed.

Social energy tariff could cost up to £9.4bn each year

Weekend press: Government to end ‘prepayment premium’

The government is to end the “prepayment premium” by picking up the additional costs of the meters from suppliers. Also in Utility Week’s latest round-up of the weekend papers, Ofwat seeks new powers to block excessive dividends to shareholders and Thames Water appoints financial advisors to help tackle its mountain of debt.

PPM customers asked for ‘frank’ feedback

Weeks left to spend remaining £95m boiler upgrade funding

Almost two-thirds of the £150 million boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) funding risks being lost at the end of this month. The remaining amount far outweighs the £43.6 million of BUS vouchers redeemed since the scheme was established in April last year. Any money left in the fund will be returned to government at the end of the month.

Testbed scheme boosts hydrogen for homes ambition

The government-backed Hy4Heat programme has successfully developed a series of prototype hydrogen-ready cooking and heating appliances. It has been deemed a success and paves the way for larger trials in real homes.

SPEN calls for fast-tracked planning regime

Local powers sought to ban technologies in new heat zones

Industry chiefs back direct bill support

Tory voter bills would be most impacted by EPG hike

Social energy tariff needed by April 2024

Suppliers call for EPG clarity before Budget

Clarity on the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) cannot wait any longer, energy firms have warned government. A source close to the government told Utility Week that “it’s pretty clear” the current £2,500 EPG level would stay in place but it looks increasingly likely that it won't be announced until the Budget.

DNOs to cover reinforcement costs for new developments

Distribution Network Operators will have to cover infrastructure upgrade costs when connecting new developments under rule changes set to come into force next month. Under the current arrangement, developers are obliged to cover the costs of reinforcing the local electricity network to provide sufficient capacity to serve their new developments.

Two-step process for grid connections gets green light

Hornsea Three risks being paused without subsidies

Plans for the world’s largest offshore windfarm are at risk of being shelved without government support. Duncan Clark, head of Ørsted UK & Ireland, called on the government to announce subsidies in the upcoming Budget to help renewable energy project developers mitigate rising construction costs.