News

On the move: Electricity North West, Ofwat, SGN

Our latest round-up of appointments across the utilities sectors includes senior moves at Electricity North West and SGN as well as changes at Ofwat and the Environment Agency.

Business tenancy turnover surge to spark more bad debts

Bad debts resulting from changes of business tenancies, some fraudulent, will increase following the scaling back of government support for non-domestic customers, Energy UK (EUK) has warned Ofgem. In its submission to the energy regulator’s recently closed call for input on the non-domestic gas and electricity market, the sector’s umbrella body raises concerns that changes of tenancy or occupier (COT) can be a "very significant cause of bad debt" for suppliers.

Good Energy signs record deal for power from Hornsea One  

Good Energy has signed its largest ever renewable energy deal. The contract has been agreed with Orsted and will see Good Energy power UK homes and businesses with energy produced at Hornsea One offshore windfarm in the North Sea.

Orsted announces liquid air storage partnership

Orsted has teamed up with Highview Power to investigate how liquid air energy storage can deliver a stronger investment case for future offshore wind projects. The two companies will carry out detailed technical analysis and an economic assessment during 2023 that will investigate the benefits of combining wind technology with liquid air energy storage.

ESO completes first stability pathfinder  

Offshore wind champion moots scrapping CfD auctions

Wastewater treatment targets deemed undeliverable

Key government targets to improve wastewater treatment have been deemed largely undeliverable in a leaked document drawn up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The document, obtained by Utility Week, was presented to ministers ahead of last week’s “Green Day” announcements.

Environment Agency staff to strike for four days

Staff at the Environment Agency (EA) are to strike for four days from next week after negotiations over pay and working conditions broke down. It comes as enforced pay rises had to be issued to some workers this week to avoid the EA being in breach of minimum wage laws that made £10.42 the minimum hourly rate from 1 April.

Ofgem further revises credit balance ringfencing proposals

Ofwat proposes change to PR24 returns

Underground asset map launches in three regions

Bill payers could be on the hook for water sector reforms

Ofgem awards £6.1m to innovation projects

Fixing suppliers can’t hold up market reform, Glover warns

Investment in new generation cannot wait for the retail power sector to be reformed, RWE’s UK head Tom Glover has warned. Glover also warned that a "big bang" style review of the wholesale electricity market risks disrupting investment in the sector.

Penso Power wins planning permission for 250MWh battery