Energy Policy
The need for reform of the retail energy market is increasingly clear – the past week has seen the failure of another new entrant supplier, bringing the total number of failures in since the beginning of 2018 to 17*. At the same time, suppliers [...]
Third party intermediaries or energy brokers are an important source of information for companies in their energy procurement and an important sales channel for suppliers; however the market is un-regulated, lacks transparency, and may be deterring customers at a time when rising prices mean [...]
The consultation into Ofgem’s minded-to decision in its Targeted Charging Review into residual network charging and embedded benefits closed this week with strong objections being made by renewable and distributed energy bodies who see the proposals as damaging the business models for small embedded [...]
Ofgem is exploring major changes to electricity network charging and access arrangements that will affect all users of the system from large businesses to households, from large transmission-connected to generation to behind-the-meter storage operators. In this second post on network charging and access reform, I [...]
Electricity network charging is facing its most significant reforms since the creation of the current NETA/BETTA system. Ofgem believes that current charging methodology creates distortions in the market and incentivises undesirable behaviours. This is because the entire electricity network structure is undergoing significant change, [...]
Horizon Nuclear Power announced today that it will suspend its UK development programme for new nuclear power stations, following a decision taken by its parent company Hitachi. Horizon is developing the Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant on Anglesey in North Wales and has a second [...]
It’s always interesting at this time of year to look back over the past year and ahead to what might be expected in the year to come. This time last year, I expected the retail price cap to be big news, alongside new nuclear, changes [...]
On Friday, the National Audit Office (“NAO”) published its latest evaluation of the UK’s smart meters programme and concluded: “The facts are that the programme is late, the costs are escalating, and in 2017 the cost of installing smart meters was 50% higher than [...]
Today Ofgem has announced it is taking action against a number of challenger suppliers that have failed to make scheduled payments under the Renewables Obligation scheme. Suppliers had until 31 October to pay outstanding sums into the late payment fund however, a shortfall of [...]
Energy prices have been in the news again, with price increases from many suppliers and the publication of the intended level of the retail price cap. There are a number of drivers of energy prices, with network and policy costs making an increasing impact [...]