The Chancellor of the Exchequer outlined his commitment to shale gas during his annual Budget. Speaking to the House of Commons yesterday, George Osborne said that he would introduce a “generous new tax regime” for shale gas, as part of his 2013 Budget. “I want Britain to tap into new sources of low-cost energy like shale gas,” said the […]
Government backs Ofgem’s energy reforms
The Government has backed Ofgem’s plans to simplify the energy market and introduce fines for practices such as contract rollover. Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The package announced today is a huge step towards energy bills that are more fair for everyone. This is about putting people before profits. “Our aim is that consumers will […]
Ofgem boss warns of higher energy prices
Energy prices are set to increase, as the UK becomes increasingly dependant on imports, warns regulator. Energy regulator Ofgem has warned consumers and businesses that it expects energy prices to rise, as ageing power stations are closed and Britain becomes more reliant on imported gas. Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan, writing in The Daily Telegraph, said: “We […]
A quarter fail to embrace energy efficiency
SME Businesses Not Taking Action Energy efficiency measures have still not been implemented by a quarter of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), according to new RWE npower research. The survey of more than 500 SMEs across the UK showed just four out of ten (41%) viewed energy efficiency as a key priority. It also found […]
Ofgem wants more powers to protect UK businesses
Energy regulator Ofgem has called for more powers from the Government to tackle the mis-selling of energy. It is seeking powers to take direct action against ‘rogue’ brokers that mis-sell energy to businesses, and are planning to review energy suppliers’ use of automatic rollover contracts. The regulator is also developing a code of practice for brokers, which it hopes […]
The Green Deal Has Arrived
Businesses and households can now take advantage of the government’s Green Deal scheme. The government’s new initiative to make the UK more energy efficient has been launched today. The Green Deal enables businesses and households to make energy efficiency upgrades at no upfront cost. How Green Deal Works: Following an assessment by an accredited Green […]
Only 1 in 5 has heard of the Green Deal
Scheme launches next week! Only one in five people has heard of the Green Deal – despite the fact it launches in less than a week. A poll conducted for uSwitch by YouGov found that only 19% had heard of the government’s flagship Green Deal scheme, which launches on Monday 28th January. If you’re one of […]
FSB adds support to ‘anti-rollover’ Bill
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has given its backing to a Bill which proposes a 30 day limit on rollover energy contracts. Rollover is when your energy supplier automatically signs you up to a new contract when your existing one ends. If you haven’t written to them to tell them that you don’t want your […]
Trust in energy industry falls among MPs
The level of trust MPs have in the energy industry has fallen over the last three years, according to a new poll by Ipsos MORI. The research found that while MPs trust the industry to keep the lights on: 36% distrust the energy industry to move as quickly as possible towards lower carbon generation methods; 79% […]
Businesses failing to display an EPC could face fines
A change in legislation means that businesses that fail to display an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could face fines of up to £1,000. The new Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations came into force yesterday and they state amongst other things that all commercial buildings of over 500m2 in size and which members of the public regularly visit must display […]