Regulation

Weekend press round-up: Green Homes Grant scheme axed

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, there is criticism of the government’s handling of its flagship energy efficiency scheme, as it is scrapped with just four days’ notice. There is also continued coverage of the standoff between British Gas and the GMB union and of bill hikes prior to the energy price cap rise this week.

Government confirms legislation on CSOs

The government has confirmed that legal duties to reduce the harm caused by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) will be put into law.

WPD aims to become net zero company by 2028

Calls for ban on new gas boilers by 2033

‘Nanny Ofgem is missing the bigger picture’

Ofgem’s proposal to make energy suppliers repay surplus credit balances has received mixed reactions. Is the regulator cracking down on unsustainable business models or choosing short-term wins over a permanent fix for a broken market? Adam John asks what this latest crackdown says about the nature of regulation in energy retail.

Premium on WPD sale is ‘big help’ to Ofgem

ElectraLink digitalises DCUSA

ElectraLink, the administrator for the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA), has launched a digitalised version of the 1,100-page document as part of a push to modernise the code.

Net zero cannot be about winners and losers

As part of the investment strand of our Countdown to COP campaign, Utility Week talks to Michael McNicholas of Omers, the backers of SGN and Thames Water. He discusses the investment case for UK utilities and ways to incentivise long-term, low-risk capital to drive forward decarbonisation.

Drawing a line under PR19

The publication of the Competition and Market Authority(CMA)'s water redeterminations justify why a record four companies sought an appeal. With gains made on all sides Utility Week explores what has been won and lost.

Gemserv urges Ofgem to issue strategic directions to code managers

Gemserv has called on the energy regulator to give strategic directions to code managers to guide their decision-making as one of a number of early improvements to governance ahead of more significant reforms. The company, which administers the Master Registration Agreement and the Smart Energy Code, said the regulator should also introduce new financial incentives for performance and funding for innovation.

Pollard: We need to turn water industry on its head

Cost of Capital Institute needed to inform regulation

Pettigrew: WPD deal will bring ‘complementary strengths’

National Grid chief executive John Pettigrew’s has set out the rationale for the acquisition of Western Power Distribution, as well as defending the price paid. He also said “only time will tell” exactly how much of National Grid’s gas transmission business will be sold off but denied that the disposal marked the beginning of a full retreat from the sector.

Regulatory appeals should be ‘harmonised’ between energy and water

Energy credit balance reforms should ‘herald the end’ of advanced payment