Policy

NEA warns of ‘gathering storm’ of coronavirus debt

Progress report: One year on from the net-zero pledge

Energy efficiency drive could boost economy ‘right away’

Tony Cocker discusses the need to Build Back Better

Tony Cocker, the chair of Affinity Water and a director of SSE, will be among the experts discussing how the sector can “build back better” on Utility Week’s latest #AskUsAnything online show. The former Eon chief executive will be part of a panel of experts fielding reader questions from 11am today (12 June).

CBI urges government to ‘build back better’

The Confederation of British Industry has made investment in the green economy one of its three asks of the government in forming an economic recovery plan. An open letter from the business body’s director-general Dame Caroline Fairbairn urged Boris Johnson to invest in EV charging networks and roll out a nationwide energy efficiency drive.

Now is the time for action on building Britain’s hydrogen economy

After establishing an early leadership position in the international hydrogen race, the UK now faces becoming a laggard as other countries make major commitments towards green gas networks. Writing for Utility Week, Chris Train, the UK’s Green Gas Champion, argues that the economic response to Covid-19 presents an opportunity to regain the initiative.

Sizewell C faces new legal challenge

EDF Energy’s plans for a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell have suffered a fresh legal blow. The High Court has allowed a legal challenge to the local planning authority’s consent for 30 hectares of development on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Weekend press round-up: Octopus loses a friend over link to fracking and coal

In our latest review of sector coverage across the national newspapers, Friends of the Earth has ended its partnership with Octopus Energy after it took investment from Origin. Meanwhile, the group that claims to have hacked Elexon is now asking for a ransom from the company.

Energy infrastructure can help with green recovery

Darren Pettifer of National Grid reflects on the key takeaways from a debate with industry experts on investing in net zero. These include the need for clarity on the policy and frameworks to stimulate massive investment in decarbonising our energy system and the duty to be honest with the public about the costs involved – as well as the price to be paid if we fail to act

Limited take-up of Covid loans by energy suppliers

Energy UK has revealed that just one in 27 suppliers it polled has accessed the government’s pandemic corporate finance measures despite a “big spike” in non-payments and direct debit cancellations. Interim CEO Audrey Gallacher said “alternative mechanisms” are needed to support the industry – stressing “there’s no money down the back of the couch”.

‘Overwhelming’ need for coherent skills strategy

Energy & Utility Skills has called for a joined-up skills strategy across the whole of the UK to help people who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus lockdown get back into work. The organisation was responding to a pledge by Boris Johnson to take an “activist and interventionist” approach to dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, guaranteeing apprenticeships all young people.

Energy suppliers resume smart meter rollout

Thanet Extension denied consent due to shipping risks

Stay home, save water

Water efficiency needs a message as simple to understand and follow as "stay home, save lives", according to the head of the Environment Agency (EA). James Bevan said there were lessons from the Covid-19 crisis in terms of the significant behavioural changes accepted by the public when the urgency of the issue was clearly communicated.

Energy UK calls for annual CfD auctions and roadmap to 2030