coronavirus

What can utilities learn from the insurance sector about productivity?

Insurance giant RSA knows what it’s like to feel the drag of legacy systems on its cost base and productivity potential. But a new approach to deploying work in its back office and optimising the capabilities of its employees has unlocked breakthroughs in efficiency and effectiveness.

Networks defer £39m of charges as part of Covid support

Ofgem has revealed that around £39 million of network charges had been deferred as of the end of August. Under the schemes announced earlier this year energy networks were to defer up to £350 million of charges as a last resort for struggling suppliers and shippers.

Effortless Energy becomes second supplier of 2020 to fail

Effortless Energy (trading as Go Effortless Energy) has become the second supplier to fail in 2020, and the first since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Utility Week recently revealed that the Stoke-based supplier was looking to exit the market, having previously entered level two credit default with code administrators Elexon.

Smart meter installations down 86% over second quarter

Optimising flexibility and productivity – the challenge for operations leaders post-Covid

A webinar to explore the challenges for utilities operations leaders in supporting increased levels of flexible working while also maximising productivity in the post-Covid environment. The event will feature lessons from the insurance sector as well as insights from utilities experts.

Coronavirus: 2.8m fall behind on energy bills

Why back office automation is key to helping the vulnerable

Parseq's managing director Craig Naylor-Smith believes rethinking how payments are allocated can help utilities improve their customer experience and avoid reputational damage when supporting vulnerable consumers in the wake of Covid-19. He argues that while the channels customers use to interact with their suppliers have become more digital, the back office has fallen behind.

Energy market may be in for a ‘winter of discontent’

By August 2019 a total of five energy suppliers had entered the supplier of last resort process, with a further four to follow before the end of the year. However, despite the economic disruption seen so far in 2020, only one supplier has exited the market - with one other believed to be on the brink. To find out why, Utility Week speaks to industry experts.

Effortless Energy set to exit the market

Effortless Energy is set to become the first energy supplier to exit the market since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Utility Week understands. The Stoke-based retailer is understood to have put in a request to Ofgem last month to place its customers through the supplier of last resort (SoLR) process.

Displaced ‘Class of 2020’ to be at heart of Northumbrian innovation festival

Ofgem reduces balancing costs cap

Ofgem has reduced the cap on balancing charges introduced as part of its Covid support scheme and has extended the provision until October. Ofgem said the existing cap has already deferred more than £8 million in charges and has mitigated "extreme volatility".

Smart meter installations see dramatic recovery

Energy customers in local lockdown need ‘flexible protections’

A BEIS official has said the government’s attention is turning to ensuring those who have to isolate in the winter are supported in being able to heat their homes. He pointed to the extension of free school meals during lockdown as evidence that help can be targeted but stressed that good data would be key.

ESO agrees contract to turn down output from Torness nuclear plant

Options for recovering bad coronavirus debt outlined