coronavirus

Brearley hints at flexibility on RIIO2 timetable

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

#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.

Pure Planet creates entirely digital recruitment process

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.

Suppliers are ‘split’ over BEIS coronavirus assistance

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.

‘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.

More than 5,000 apply for NHS water rebate

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.

Lockdown halts half of planned work by UKPN

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.

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.

‘Uncertainty and confusion’ over contractual obligations during lockdown

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.