Energy sector hits out at automatic switching plans July 23, 2021 The energy industry has reacted with dismay to the government’s plans to tackle the so-called “loyalty tax” on energy customers. Under proposals laid out this morning, the government will trial automatic switching to move customers on expensive default energy tariffs to cheaper deals. From 2024, consumers on costly tariffs would be automatically switched to cheaper [...]
Ecotricity makes fourth takeover bid of Good Energy for £60m July 22, 2021 Ecotricity has made a new higher offer in its takeover pursuit of fellow green energy supplier Good Energy, after a series of rejected offers since June. The latest cash offer, announced this morning, is at 340 pence per share, valuing the Chippenham-based company at around £59.5m. It marks a rise on Ecotricity’s initial indicative offer [...]
China’s crackdown on crypto continues as more mining projects shut down July 14, 2021 The cryptocurrency industry in China was further hit today as Anhui province said it would close all crypto mining operations due to energy consumption concerns. The province in east China will shut down the energy-intensive projects as part of a package of changes to address a power supply shortage. Cryptocurrency prices continued to drop overnight, [...]
Gas firms pushed UK minister to burn more gas in transition to clean energy July 7, 2021 Fossil fuel giants lobbied a UK government minister to use more natural gas in the transition to lower carbon energy production. As reported by Channel 4, a memo released under the Freedom of Information Act details how firms pushed the then-trade minister Connor Burns to accept a “greater recognition” of gas. The document, obtained by [...]
Draft EU plans for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism June 8, 2021 | City Talk Draft EU regulations last week provided businesses with their first opportunity to consider the Commission’s current thinking around embedding a carbon price on imported, emissions-intensive goods. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) would introduce a charge aimed at ensuring that the cost of foreign products imported to the EU reflects their carbon content. Under the [...]
City fund managers discuss post-pandemic opportunities, with NatWest, Lloyds and BP topping the list April 28, 2021 As the economy slowly recovers from what has been a dramatic year, and investors gradually dare to think again about growth and investment, Morning Wire checked in with a number of prominent Square Mile-based fund mangers to find out where they spot opportunities as London’s investment community starts to shake off the pandemic. Banking, energy [...]
National Grid pays watchdog £1.5m after inaccurate electricity forecasts April 8, 2021 National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) will pay Ofgem £1.5m after failing to provide accurate electricity demand forecasts back in 2017. One of the key roles of the firm, which is responsible for the transmission of electricity across the UK’s networks, is to provide suppliers with seven day forecasts for power demand. However back in [...]
Shell suggests linking director’s pay with climate performance March 29, 2021 British-Dutch energy giant Shell has suggested linking its director’s pay with the groups’ climate performance today, as climate resolution edges to the top of industry discussion. The move would signal a shift in priorities in the energy sector, as directors currently receive bonuses that are tied to natural gas production volumes. Shareholders are set to vote [...]
E.ON proposes higher dividend as British business eyes £100m profit March 24, 2021 E.ON’s British retail businesses, which includes the Npower brand, is recovering faster than planned, and as a result the company has proposed a higher dividend. E.ON’s UK retail unit is likely to deliver more than £100m in profit this year, one year ahead of schedule. The German company, which became Europe’s largest operator of energy [...]
Ofgem plans to make suppliers pay back unused credit balances March 17, 2021 Ofgem is mulling proposals that would limit the amount of consumer credit energy suppliers can hold, which could see £1.4bn in excess payments returned to customers. Households that pay for their energy by direct debit typically pay a set amount to suppliers every month based on their average consumption. As energy use is normally lower [...]