Workforce, culture and performance

Radical reform could be a stabilising force for energy retail

On the Move: SVT, Thames, RenewableUK

Our latest roundup of industry appointments includes Severn Trent's chief financial officer's plan to retire. James Bowling will be succeeded by Helen Miles making the company the first in the FTSE100 to have all-female CEO, CFO and chair. Elsewhere RenewableUK's deputy chief executive steps down and Yorkshire's innovation manager is to head Thames' smart networks.

A dark day for energy

The explosive accusations about the behaviour of British Gas contractors and Ofgem’s damning review of customer service standards across the retail sector, contrasted with Shell’s admission of eye-watering profits, made for a dismal day for energy. Utility Week editor James Wallin discusses what this means for the industry’s long-term reputation, the debate over prepayment (PPM) meter customers and the role of regulation.

Bevan: Budget cuts limit enforcement

Suppliers pause forced PPM installs following British Gas scandal

Eon warned over ‘severe deterioration’ in call wait times

O’Shea expresses ‘horror’ at PPM revelations

Shell reports record £32.3bn profit

Ofgem caution over extending business customers remit

National Grid: Regulation prevents us speeding up connections

Water bills rise below inflation

Water bills are set to rise in April by the single biggest jump since 2005 but companies have kept the increases below inflation. Ofwat has praised the support extended to struggling householders but urged the sector to "double down" on efforts to help more billpayers facing hardship.

Octopus chief: ‘We could have made a profit’

Shell offers prizes to tempt customers to reduce demand

Brearley rejects industry bid to shift blame over PPMs

Commercial model for rapid EV chargers is ‘struggling’

National Grid completes gas arm sale

Financial fears paralysing councils on heat network zoning

SVT adds AI to sewers

Retailers frustrated with Shapps’ failure to engage

Coffey has dealt ‘body blow to social tariffs’