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Energy Reset

Utility Week's latest campaign sets out a vision for reforming the energy retail market.

Editor's picks

It’s time to fix the energy crisis before it’s too late
“Truly horrific” is how Scottish Power’s chief executive recently described the looming winter energy bill crisis. As such it’s time for a massive shift in policy and approach. Writing for Utility Week Keith Anderson says with the Queen’s Speech due in a few weeks’ time, the government must consider how to introduce a social tariff to protect those most in need.
Opinion
April price cap saw 50% increase in PCW activity  
News of April’s price cap saw a 50% year-on-year increase in activity on price comparison websites (PCWs) in March, the latest data from Electralink has revealed. As a result 174,000 switches were started in March 2022 which is 81% less than March last year but 22% more than February 2022.
News
Ofgem pledges action on ‘moral hazard’ of energy retail
Ofgem wants suppliers to ringfence customer credit balances and renewables obligation (RO) payments to try and fix what it calls a “moral hazard” in the energy sector. One industry source told Utility Week they had major concerns about the proposals. They accused the regulator of coming out with "some quite draconian measures on credit balances".
News

Latest in Energy Reset

UK Utilities Risk Report
The inaugural UK Utilities Risk Report, from Utility Week and Marsh, highlights the key issues keeping sector leaders awake at night. From cybersecurity to policy and regulatory blockers, extreme weather and price volatility, this report presents a snapshot of the key concerns for utilities.
Downloads
Time to look beyond the price cap
Following Ofgem’s minded-to decision to introduce a quarterly price cap, Utility Week reporter Adam John believes it is time to start looking to a future that is not fixated on price and switching. From a relative cap to social tariffs, there are several options on the table to be considered. Failure to act is likely to result in more consumer woe.
Opinion
Weekend press: Failed energy supplier bosses launch Putney Energy
In our weekly roundup of national news coverage from the weekend is news that the men behind behind energy suppliers that failed have launched a new energy company called Putney Energy; the impacts of the energy crisis continue to bite; government action over river water quality is criticised; and an interview with Octopus boss Greg Jackson asks if heat pumps are worth it;
News
Energy suppliers grilled on direct debit practices
Energy retailers have been given three weeks to provide Ofgem with information relating to their direct debit activities, the business and energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has confirmed. It comes after the regulator’s chief executive Jonathan Brearley expressed concerns that some suppliers may have been increasing direct debit payments by more than is necessary or directing customers to tariffs that may not be in their best interest.
News
Government signals move to cap soaring heat network bills
The energy minister has hinted that the government is considering a cap on heat network customers’ bills, which Parliament was told have risen by up to 700% recently. However, opposition MPs have called for more immediate relief from spiralling bills for those customers using communal heating systems.
News
Scottish Power blasts BEIS for focus on switching as energy crisis brewed
The government’s focus last summer on encouraging opt ‘in’ and ‘out’ switching when the energy price crisis was brewing indicates a regulatory failing "years in the making", according to Scottish Power. The retailer also said the spate of insolvencies in 2021 had been "entirely predictable" due to the entry into the market of so many companies with "ill-thought-out loss leading strategies" and poor financial resilience.
News
Returning to the field: The role of face-to-face engagement in an uncertain world
Field sales in Great Britain’s energy market were largely suspended a decade ago following mis-selling scandals but does it still have a valuable role to play? This webinar will explore how retailers can deploy a more positive and progressive approach to face-to-face engagement that acts as a catalyst for growth in an uncertain world.
Webinars
Expert view: Supporting Customers in the Cost of Living Crisis
There is a whole world of unknown about to come into the UK Utilities market following the significant price cap increase in April. This isn’t just limited to energy as consumers struggle with household bills across the board. Subsequently, water suppliers have already seen an uptick in customer contact and we expect to see this across the utilities sector in the coming months.
Market insight
Government simply has to act
Energy suppliers have prepared as best they can to support customers hit by a £700 increase in the price cap. However, Energy UK’s Dhara Vyas argues that this assistance can only so far and ultimately the government must step in.
Opinion
Citizens Advice reveals record demand ahead of ‘ruinous’ price cap hike
Citizens Advice has revealed it has broken the record for the amount of crisis support given to consumers for the third consecutive month, and highlighted enquiries from even the most affluent areas. The charity criticised the lack of government support ahead of a “ruinous” price cap increase – a stance echoed by energy retailers.
News
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