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So we come to the end of another year: 2014 started with a storm, and the political weather hasn’t let up since, with utilities under fire from all parties, not to mention media and the regulators. Here are a few ideas for items that may be on utilities’ Christmas list to see them through the new year:
1. For generators, 2015 will be about getting the capacity market and the rest of EMR off the ground. Will it be enough to spur much-needed investment? A lot will depend on politics, as Nigel Hawkins points out on p19.
2. Water companies will be looking for clarity and progress on the Open Water programme, because 2015 will be a crucial year in preparing their businesses for market opening. With Wics set to be appointed delivery partner for the programme, as we reveal this week (p4), their wishes may be about to come true. This is particularly good news for Business Stream, the ambitious Scottish supplier that can now be assured of a level playing field in the English market.
3. Never ones to hog the limelight, networks will be asking Santa for a bit of peace and quiet so they can just get on with the job. With the RIIO-ED1 settlements finally decided, and the uproar provoked by last winter’s storms now died down, it’s back to the day job for power networks.
4. Energy companies of all sizes will have their very different hopes pinned on the result of the CMA inquiry next year. Will Santa bring vertical disaggregation, or an energy pool? That depends on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.
5. Finally, utilities will, as ever, be craving a Utility Week Achievement Award. This year’s winners celebrated at our fantastic party at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday night (pictures on p5). A big well done to all our winners, including industry champion Chris Loughlin and Utility of the Year Western Power Distribution. Start preparing your entries early and you could be a winner at the Grosvenor in 2015!
This is our final print issue of 2014, though we will be publishing online throughout the festive period – including coverage of Friday’s final determinations on PR14. We’ll be back in print on 9 January – happy Holidays!
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