coronavirus

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#AskUsAnything: What are the next steps for energy retailers?

How are energy retailers - already facing significant headwinds - ensuring they survive the impacts of coronavirus? And, what are they doing to protect their most vulnerable customers? Our panel of experts, including Good Energy's Juliet Davenport, Audrey Gallacher of Energy UK and Octopus' Greg Jackson - discussed these issues in our latest webinar, now available on-demand.

Date: 24/04/2020 11:00 am

Tideway resumes work

Work has resumed on the Thames Tideway project this week after drilling was paused due to the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the company behind the project has been awarded a 74 ESG score by S&P, highlighting the environmental benefits of the finished project.

5 years ago

Coronavirus: 13% of consumers struggle with energy bills

A survey by Citizens Advice found 4 per cent of consumers have already struggled to pay their energy bills while 9 per cent expect to fall behind. The survey also revealed that 50 per cent of pre-payment meter customers are struggling to top up, while 25 per cent say they are or expect to fall behind on energy bill payments.

5 years ago

Utilities workers to get priority for virus testing

The government has extended the professions able to access coronavirus testing to include utilities workers.

5 years ago

‘Don’t give water firms a free pass for failure’

5 years ago

Brearley hints at flexibility on RIIO2 timetable

5 years ago

Ofwat explores longer-term coronavirus-related measures for retail market

5 years ago

#AskUsAnything webinar: Jonathan Brearley and Rachel Fletcher

Our latest #AskUsAnything webinar was a special edition in which Utility Week readers posed their questions to the chief executives of Ofgem and Ofwat. They were joined by representatives of the consumer watchdogs for energy and water. The webinar is now available on demand.

Date: 17/04/2020 11:45 am

Pure Planet creates entirely digital recruitment process

5 years ago

Stark words on urgent need for climate action in post-Covid world

The chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change talks to Utility Week about how coronavirus will affect the transition to net zero and whether behaviour changes adopted during lockdown can be sustained. Chris Stark looks at lessons from the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash and areas where a post-pandemic UK can immediately get back on track to decarbonisation.

5 years ago

Suppliers are ‘split’ over BEIS coronavirus assistance

5 years ago

Water retailers ‘need clarity’ over coronavirus measures

Changes made by Ofwat and MOSL to support the water retail market and protect customers from bills during lockdown contain ambiguities and need urgent clarification, according to Castle Water's chief executive.

5 years ago

‘No intention’ to furlough staff across major water firms

Major water companies across the UK have announced they do not expect to furlough staff as their teams continue to carry out essential works for the water and sewerage networks.

5 years ago

More than 5,000 apply for NHS water rebate

5 years ago

Davenport: We shouldn’t take a penny more than necessary from government

Good Energy founder Juliet Davenport explains why she continues to view furloughing staff as a “last resort” and insists “this can't just be about saving money for shareholders”. She tells Utility Week how the company is coping with the downturn in the business retail market, which now accounts for 50 per cent of its customer base, and its focus on supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff.

5 years ago

Lockdown halts half of planned work by UKPN

5 years ago

Warm Home Discount ‘should extend to all fuel poor households’

Opposition MPs have urged the government to widen the Warm Home Discount scheme to cover all fuel poor households for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. In a letter to business and energy secretary Alok Sharma, they also demanded “long overdue plans” for improving the energy efficiency of homes are brought forward.

5 years ago

O’Shea must plot a new course for Centrica

After less than a month in the role on an interim basis, Centrica’s Chris O’Shea has been confirmed as the company’s new chief executive, described by recently appointed chairman Scott Wheway as “comprehensively the best candidate”. Utility Week speaks to industry sources to find out what issues the new boss will be expected to tackle during a difficult time for the sector.

5 years ago

‘Uncertainty and confusion’ over contractual obligations during lockdown

5 years ago

CCC delays sixth carbon budget

The government’s climate change watchdog has pushed back the publication of its blueprint for the upcoming sixth carbon budget as it seeks to understand how the coronavirus response feeds into the net-zero journey.

5 years ago