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RIIO2 price controls have been ‘set up to fail’

RIIO2 price controls have been ‘set up to fail’

Ofgem’s efforts align the next of set network price controls with the UK’s net-zero emissions target have been constrained by insufficient guidance and support from government. Catherine Mitchell, professor of energy policy at the University of Exeter, said that as a result the regulator’s draft determinations are “strangely siloed” from each other and fail to actually encourage the creation of a net-zero energy system – “the very thing it sets out to do.”

5 years ago

Weekend press round-up: Government orders review of regulators

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, an MP who called for the abolition of Ofgem and Ofwat has been appointed to lead a review of Britain's competition laws. There is also speculation on the contents of the energy white paper, ahead of a flagship speech on the net zero pathway by Boris Johnson.

5 years ago

NEA warns of Covid-induced ‘lethal cocktail’ this winter

Reduced incomes, higher energy costs and the heightened risk of contracting Covid-19 will lead to a “lethal cocktail” for thousands of vulnerable people this winter, National Energy Action has warned. The UK Fuel Poverty Monitor, produced by both the NEA and Energy Action Scotland, collected evidence from 73 organisations to understand the impact the pandemic has had on consumers.

5 years ago

BEIS Committee chair: CCS ‘only a temporary solution’

Darren Jones said the UK needs to understand the capacity of carbon capture and storage for scaling up decarbonisation efforts but said in his view it is “only a temporary solution”. He was speaking after the Climate Assembly UK report highlighted public opposition for the technology.

5 years ago

New scheme to train up 5,000 energy efficiency installers

5 years ago

Citizens’ assembly backs EVs and low-carbon heat, but unsure on nuclear and CCS

A ban on the sale of internal combustion engine cars and gas boilers should be brought forward to as soon as 2030, the pioneering citizens assembly set up to help chart the UK’s route to net-zero emissions has recommended. The first report from the 110-strong Climate Assembly UK also expressed strong support for on and offshore wind generation and solar but was considerably cooler on nuclear and fossil fuels with CCS

5 years ago

On the Move: National Grid, SSE and Southern

National Grid has unveiled a General Electric director as its new chair. Elsewhere, former energy minister and COP26 president Claire O'Neill has joined sustainable business group WBCSD, Southern Water prepares to welcome EA director Toby Willison and an ex-Ofwat director joins SSE.

5 years ago

Warning over ‘dysfunctional’ model for UK ETS

Government plans to set up a standalone UK emissions trading system (ETS) are likely to lead to “highly volatile” carbon prices, Labour has warned. Meanwhile, a a former chief secretary to the Treasury said the absence of a post-Brexit strategy for carbon pricing is the “missing piece” in the government’s plans for zero carbon”.

5 years ago

Pow challenges water companies to better protect environment

5 years ago

Understanding the scale of water poverty

Despite Ofwat's push to lower water bills, millions of households still find them unaffordable. The sector has committed to make worrying about bills a thing of the past and is taking the first step towards that with a common metric for calculating water poverty. Utility Week explores what is involved

5 years ago

Readying the networks for the electric vehicle revolution

The decarbonisation of the power sector has so far tackled the “low hanging fruit” but significant challenges remain, writes Randolph Brazier of the Energy Networks Association. As part of out Build Back Better series, he examines the obstacles to the rollout of rapid charging infrastructure, and how they can be overcome.

5 years ago

It’s all downside and very little upside – Nicola Shaw blasts Ofgem’s sums

The brooding row between Ofgem and networks over the draft price determinations would appear to strike at the very heart of energy companies’ ambitions to Build Back Better – no more so than at National Grid as executive director Nicola Shaw tells Denise Chevin

5 years ago

Getting back to work: An update on furlough

The major energy suppliers have told Utility Week that most of the 11,000 workers furloughed during the lockdown have now been brought back. However, industry observers have warned that with the government adamant furlough will not return and suppliers set to face a financial squeeze in the winter, job cuts could be on the horizon.

5 years ago

Scottish government to create £100m Green Jobs Fund

5 years ago

Consumers still in the dark on low-carbon heat

5 years ago

Government launches online tool to assess eligibility for Green Homes Grant

5 years ago

Smart meter installations down 86% over second quarter

5 years ago

Government scrapes past energy efficiency target despite drop in numbers

5 years ago

Call to extend mandatory SuDS standards to England

Advice on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) should be ‘prominent, clear and unequivocal’ according to a review of surface water and flooding by Defra, which calls for SuDS requirements in force in Wales to be extended into England

5 years ago

Mandating non-domestic smart meters ‘makes sense’

5 years ago

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