Fracking gets the (not-so) green light

DECC has given the green light for exploratory fracking to restart in the UK. Beyond the controversy, what does this actually mean? Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “Shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the UK. It could contribute significantly to our energy security, reducing our reliance on imported […]

CRC simplification to save businesses ‘millions’

Simplifications to the often-criticised CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) will save businesses £272m and cut the cost of the scheme by 55% according to DECC. A sigh of relief could have been audible emanating from the FTSE listed boardrooms of Britain as the much-maligned CRC initiative was finally subject to long demanded simplification this week. […]

Energy-intensive industries CfD exemption

The government plans to make energy-intensive industries exempt from any additional costs that will arise from the ‘contracts for difference’ proposed in the Energy Bill. Contracts for difference (CfDs) are designed to encourage investment in low carbon energy infrastructure, like new wind farms and nuclear power stations. The scope of the exemption is yet to […]

The Energy Bill Is Here!

Key Points and Response The Energy Bill – the crucial piece of legislation that we’re relying on to keep the lights on and keep carbon emissions down – has finally been published, after months of discussion and speculation. The key points are: Contracts for Difference (CfDs) – these are intended to reassure investors that they will […]

Will government pay businesses to be more energy-efficient?

The government is proposing a scheme that would mean businesses would be paid for being more energy-efficient. The scheme is one of a number of proposals that have been announced alongside the Energy Bill, which had been criticised for not doing more to reduce our national energy usage. The proposals are: ‘Premium payments’ for each kWh […]

Does the Energy Bill mean bigger bills for business?

Details of the Energy Bill have been released ahead of its publication next week, so what does it mean for your business energy bills? The main points in the Bill are: There will be a new government-owned ‘counterparty’ to give investors the confidence they need to provide funding for low carbon electricity projects; A capacity […]

Impacts of Gas Market Manipulation

How it could work and affect prices Our CEO, James Constant explains how gas market manipulation might work and how it could affect the prices your business pays. Despite the scant detail provided thus far, this looks like another classic example of how financial instruments can be abused for the gain of a party (or […]

Gas Market Manipulation, Suppliers Comments

What the suppliers say A whistle-blower has alleged that energy companies have been manipulating wholesale gas prices. The FSA and Ofgem are investigating, but what do the energy companies themselves have to say? Centrica (British Gas Business) – “Centrica has very robust governance and compliance policies, which regulate its market participation and behaviour. These policies are […]

Rising business energy costs affect 40%

40% of businesses say rising energy costs have affected their growth Businesses are worried about the security and cost of energy in the future, and government policies designed to help them may not be hitting the mark, according to the findings of a survey of 3,500 companies by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). On the […]

Whistleblower: Wholesale Gas Market Is ‘Regularly’ Manipulated

A whistleblower has alleged that the wholesale gas markets in the UK have been “regularly” manipulated by energy companies, according to an exclusive in the Guardian. The FSA and Ofgem are both investigating the claims, which were made by an employee of ICIS Heren, a company that provides data on energy prices for the industry and […]