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 […]
ECCC to review drop in renewables investment
The Energy and Climate Change select committee (ECCC) has agreed to investigate whether there has been a drop in investor confidence towards the energy market since the entrance of the new government. ECCC chair Angus MacNeil said: “Energy projects like offshore wind farms and nuclear power stations can take years from planning to completion, so […]
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 […]
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 […]
Environment Agency to accept late ESOS entries
While, the deadline still remains at 5th December 2015 to submit ESOS audits, a new amendment suggests that as long as qualifying businesses have notified the Environment Agency that completion will be delayed, then they’ll have until end of January to actually comply. The new measures were put into place as only 371 firms have […]
Tories debate over renewables and energy policies
After public concern after cuts to renewable energy subsidies, the Tories gathered to discuss energy policies at a conference fringe meeting. Conservative MP for the Wells constituency and member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, James Heappey cautioned: “Certainly we should not be making an enemy of the renewables sector.” He was responding to […]
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, […]
Low gas prices thanks to mild start to October
While we’re all enjoying some Autumn sunshine, the mild weather has ensured that short-term gas and power prices are set at historic lows for the winter season. The demand for gas and heating will be low thanks to warmer temperatures seeing the UK gas imports in abundant supply, driving the gas and power prices down. […]
The Big Six lose more customers to independent suppliers
Independent suppliers are gaining more momentum in the energy market as they poach more customers away from the Big Six. Their collective market share now stands at 11.2%, which is higher than three of the major suppliers. Hardly surprising though as the Big Six have been through a torrent of bad press after the initial […]