After much controversy over the premature closure of the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme, the government has bent under the pressure and allowed an extended grace period. There are no plans to bring back the RO scheme, as Amber Rudd sticks to her pledge amid claims she is protecting customers against high bills. “As we have […]
Ofgem-run energy price comparison service?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published the preliminary findings in their report in July, with regard to the energy market and its issues. Along with a proposal to set up a Safeguard Regulated Tariff which would protect all ‘disengaged’ customers from high standard variable tariffs, the CMA also suggested an Ofgem managed comparison service which […]
New shadow head of energy policy appointed
Shadow energy secretary Lisa Nandy, has cemented her reputation as a campaigner for green energy with the appointment of an ex-Greenpeace director as her new head of energy. Joss Garman, former deputy political director for Greenpeace, will leave his current role at IPPR as associate director for energy, transport and climate change. The Labour party […]
Ofgem energy investigation over British Gas
Ofgem are investigating whether British Gas has complied with the requirements of conditions 7A, 14, 14A and 21B of its gas and electricity supply licences, which contain safeguards relating to supply to micro business consumers. There have been concerns over wrongful blocking of business customer transfers and billing issues after British Gas experienced a host […]
High risk of blackouts this winter
National Grid warns of potential blackouts this winter as the capacity margin hits a record low of 1.2%. Capacity margin is the average amount of extra electricity available compared to peak winter demand. Households will be expected to fund subsidies to new gas power stations to increase capacity and avoid darkness. Measures have already been […]
Government back new nuclear energy plant project
Controversial nuclear plant project, Hinkley Point C is being backed by the government, with Chancellor George Osborne pledging a £2 billion credit guarantee towards the investment. The plant, despite having hit plenty of obstacles including public opposition, is being backed by Chinese firms, sealing an “unprecedented” collaboration between the UK and China. The deal will […]
Nandy says no to nationalisation of energy industry
Despite Jeremy Corbyn’s previous controversial ‘personal wish’ to nationalise the energy industry, Lisa Nandy, the new shadow energy secretary has stated they will not be pursuing this. “Jeremy and I don’t want to nationalise energy. We want to do something much more radical. We want to democratise it,” Nandy announced. She instead plans to focus […]
Government to reform business energy efficiency taxes
The government has set out new business energy efficiency policy proposals to simplify and improve corporate carbon taxation schemes with a view to decarbonising the economy and ensuring secure energy supplies. These changes have been brought about as the government has ruled that there is a significant amount of cost-effective energy and carbon saving potential […]
A record-breaking 39 business energy suppliers on the market
With the government and consumers taking a renewed interest in the energy industry, new entrants have boosted the number of business energy suppliers up to 39 – a new record. With seven new companies entering the market, the competition in both the gas and electricity markets has ramped up. Axpo, Yu Energy, Economy Energy, D-Energi, […]
Which? claims energy price falls too little
Another day, another round of energy attacks from our politicians. Thank the good lord we are not a high street chemist. The latest lambasting of the Big 6 energy suppliers came from price comparison website (or consumer champion depending on who you listen to) Which? Which? have done an Ofgem and collated their ‘own’ SMI. […]