Friday 28 February 2014

UK electricity mix in 2013: less gas, still lots of coal, but wind’s on the up http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/uk-electricity-mix-in-2013-less-gas-still-lots-of-coal-but-winds-on-the-up/



The UK sourced two thirds of its electricity from fossil fuels last year, official statistics show. Renewables still languish far behind, supplying about 12 per cent of the country’s power. But wind power is growing rapidly – increasing its market share by 38 per cent in just twelve months.

Coal accounted for 40.7 per cent of electricity supplied in the UK in 2013, according to provisional figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Gas generated about a quarter (26.7 per cent) of the country’s electricity last year, and nuclear 21.1 per cent.


Wind power shows the most significant change, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the country’s electricity supply. In 2012, the figure was 5.5. per cent, so that’s a big jump in relative terms.


Gas and coal still dominate


Overall, fossil fuels still dominate the electricity mix, however. The chart below, created using DECC’s numbers, illustrates the mix. Fossil fuels are coloured grey, nuclear power orange and renewables green:



via UK electricity mix in 2013: less gas, still lots of coal, but wind’s on the up | Carbon Brief.



UK electricity mix in 2013: less gas, still lots of coal, but wind’s on the up

Most UK Energy Managers Don’t Compare Energy Usage to Benchmarks http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/most-uk-energy-managers-dont-compare-energy-usage-to-benchmarks/



A survey by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and the National Energy Foundation (NEF) found that facility managers are committed to energy improvements but lack metering and monitoring tools to establish accurate baselines and track progress. While 90 percent of respondents know their annual energy costs, only half of respondents know how the buildings were performing compared to design, and nearly a third were not comparing the building’s performance over time.

Three quarters of respondents are working toward a relative percentage energy reduction target, although the survey found respondents had mixed levels of confidence in achieving these. While 40 percent of respondents use building management systems, monthly consumption data is still the primary data tool available for most energy managers to navigate the complexities of energy management.


Technology (such as new plant), was cited as the most important factor in improving the use of energy by nearly half of respondents, closely followed by, and interlinked with, behavior. Carbon offsetting and certification was seen as having the most limited impact.


The online survey was conducted during October 2013 with 62 respondents, 93 percent of whom were manager level or above.



via Most UK Energy Managers Don’t Compare Energy Usage to Benchmarks | Energy Manager Today.



Most UK Energy Managers Don’t Compare Energy Usage to Benchmarks

Thursday 27 February 2014

Chemical engineers mark 200 years of commercial gas production : News from The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/chemical-engineers-mark-200-years-of-commercial-gas-production-news-from-the-institution-of-chemical-engineers-icheme/


The first commercial operation to produce and supply gas from coal began in London, UK, just over two hundred years ago. Chemical engineers will be descending on Rotterdam, The Netherlands, next month to celebrate this important milestone and some of the latest technologies in low carbon energy production.


The Gas Light and Coke Company began supplying London with gas manufactured from coal for street lighting on New Year’s Eve, 1813. It marked the start of the first commercial gas production and supply operation in the world. Up to eight million people in London alone would eventually rely upon the technology to light and heat their homes for well over a century.


Chris Higman of Higman Consulting GmbH and gasification specialist, said: “The possibility of extracting a flammable gas from coal by ‘distillation’ – or pyrolysis as we would call it today – was known from ancient times.


“However, towards the end of the eighteenth century the work of pioneers like Minckelers, Murdoch, Lebon and Lampadius resulted in viable and safe commercial gas production from coal.


“Once developed, the technology soon spread across the world with gasworks established in Baltimore, USA (1816), Manchester, UK (1817), Hannover, Germany (1825) and Rotterdam, The Netherlands (1827).


“Over two centuries later, gasification continues to be an important part of the world’s energy supply. It has endured despite the emergence of alternative sources of energy, lighting and heating and evolved to support industry including fertilizer production.


“Today, gasification provides around a quarter of the world’s supply of synthetic ammonia and about one third of the world’s methanol. With an estimated 750 gasifiers planned or under construction across the world the technology is set to play a major part for at least another century.”


Chris will be presenting ‘200 Years of Commercial Gas Production’ in March at the 12th European Gasification Conference in The Netherlands, organised by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and supported by DECHEMA.


IChemE’s Matt Stalker, conference organiser, said: “There continues to be huge level of interest in the potential of gasification. The 12th European Gasification Conference brings all the latest development together under one roof. From governments, to policy-makers, to energy suppliers, it is an opportunity not to be missed.”



via Chemical engineers mark 200 years of commercial gas production : News from The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).



Chemical engineers mark 200 years of commercial gas production : News from The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Ipswich: Energy supplier Haven Power highlights “burden” of non-energy charges on bills as Tory grandee Ken Clarke pays a visit http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/ipswich-energy-supplier-haven-power-highlights-burden-of-non-energy-charges-on-bills-as-tory-grandee-ken-clarke-pays-a-visit/



A business energy supplier’s efforts to highlight its concerns over the volatility of non-energy direct costs were boosted after Minister without Portfolio Ken Clarke MP visited the firm to find out more.

The Tory grandee, who was accompanied by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, was shown around the Haven Power’s headquarters at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich and was interested to hear of the firm’s impressive growth.


Chief executive Peter Bennell and head of supplier management Antony Badger also discussed with him what Haven is trying to achieve in the industry, particularly in terms of non-energy direct costs.


These costs, which include the delivery of electricity to businesses, make up a substantial part of a customer’s bill and Haven wants to see an end to the unpredictable nature of the charges.


Mr Clarke said: “My visit to Haven Power allowed me to hear more about the pressing issues faced by the energy industry and how they affect businesses of all sizes across the country. I was particularly interested to learn about how Haven Power’s power purchasing team trades within a competitive energy market.”



via Ipswich: Energy supplier Haven Power highlights “burden” of non-energy charges on bills as Tory grandee Ken Clarke pays a visit – News – Ipswich Star.



Ipswich: Energy supplier Haven Power highlights “burden” of non-energy charges on bills as Tory grandee Ken Clarke pays a visit

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Japan Reconsiders Its Nuclear Energy Options http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/japan-reconsiders-its-nuclear-energy-options/



Three years after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear catastrophe Japan has revealed that it still considers nuclear power as a vital source of commercial energy and will look to it for power in the future. In the country’s first energy policy since 2011, Japan’s government have said it is still a ‘key’ course of electricity for the country. The statement will likely cause a backlash from a Japanese public who still have memories of Fukushima fresh in their minds, and will be quick to remind Tokyo of the pledges that were made to reduce dependence on the power source amid cries to shut down the country’s reactors.

via Japan Reconsiders Its Nuclear Energy Options.



Japan Reconsiders Its Nuclear Energy Options

Ofgem unveils rules to make energy bills clearer and boost competition http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/ofgem-unveils-rules-to-make-energy-bills-clearer-and-boost-competition/



Ofgem has announced rules to provide greater billing transparency to consumers and “tear down the barriers to competition” in the UK’s gas and electricity market.

The energy regulator said that the ‘Big Six’ suppliers must trade fairly with smaller players or face fines. As well as benefiting existing suppliers, the rules are designed to open up the market to new operators.


The changes follow a number of mis-selling scandals hitting suppliers, such as SSE being fined £10.5m last year by Ofgem for breaching marketing obligations that led to customers being “missold” energy deals.


From 31 March, the new regulations will come into effect, with the six largest suppliers having to publish the price at which they sell wholesale power up to two years in advance. Prices must be published daily in two one-hour windows, a move Ofgem says will give smaller energy providers, which do not produce their own power, the “opportunity and products they need to trade and compete effectively”.


The news follows comments made earlier this month by Ed Davey, secretary of state for energy and climate change, who said that British Gas may be broken up to increase competition in the sector.


The new legislation will mean that the ‘Big Six’ – British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power, and SSE – and the largest independent energy generators will have to trade fairly with independent suppliers in the wholesale market. Those failing to abide by the new rules will face financial penalties.


Andrew Wright, Ofgem’s chief executive, said: “Our rules for a simpler, clearer, fairer energy market are coming into force, meaning that it is getting easier for consumers to pick out the best deals.


“Now we are also breaking down barriers to competition for new entrant suppliers. These reforms give independent suppliers, generators and new entrants to the market, both the visibility of prices and opportunities to trade that they need to compete with the largest energy suppliers.”



via Ofgem unveils rules to make energy bills clearer and boost competition | Marketing Magazine.



Ofgem unveils rules to make energy bills clearer and boost competition

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Ofgem proposes code to regulate energy brokers http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/ofgem-proposes-code-to-regulate-energy-brokers/


Energy suppliers and brokers could be subjected to a new code of practice by Ofgem to protect businesses from misselling.


The code suggests requires suppliers marketing deals through a broker, or third party intermediary (TPI), to use one that complies with the code.


The energy and gas watchdog said TPIs play an important role in helping firms compare and choose tariffs but “some do not operate fairly and mislead businesses”.


The code requires TPIs to be completely transparent about the fees for their services, the suppliers they are affiliated with, and the contracts they offer.


It also asks members to refrain from using “pressurised sales techniques”, and to have a complaints handling procedure in place at all times.


Maxine Frerk, partner for retail markets at Ofgem, said: “We are determined to clamp down on poor practices by some TPIs and provide more transparency in this market. They also have to improve their overall training and the way they deal with customers.


“By requiring suppliers to only work with accredited TPIs, we will ensure that suppliers and TPIs are jointly accountable for giving a high quality service to business consumers.”



via Ofgem proposes code to regulate energy brokers | Supply Management.



Ofgem proposes code to regulate energy brokers

The energy 'savers' that cost you more http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/the-energy-savers-that-cost-you-more/



Energy-saving homes, appliances and devices are sold as the cost-saving solutions of the future with claims they can cut hundreds of pounds from annual power bills. And with the cost of gas and electricity rising at far above the rate of inflation, these claims are attractive.There are increasing concerns, however, that many of these items, which can be expensive to buy and install, may not be as cost‑effective as they claim.Last week, the Energy Saving Trust said customers were being duped into buying fridges, dishwashers and other household appliances that claim to be more energy efficient than they actually are.Even devices created solely to cut energy or water consumption – such as solar battery chargers, water-saving shower heads and plug-in adaptors that claim to cut appliances’ electricity consumption – have been criticised as expensive gimmicks that deliver negligible savings.

via The energy ‘savers’ that cost you more – Telegraph.



The energy 'savers' that cost you more

CNG feels benefit of moves away from Big Six http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/cng-feels-benefit-of-moves-away-from-big-six/



COMMERCIAL gas supplier CNG has taken on a raft of new recruits as it reports rising demand for its services, boosted by public dissatisfaction in the Big Six energy suppliers.

The Harrogate-based company, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, recorded a turnover of £150m last year and expects the figure to hit around £180m this year, up 20 per cent, with a target of £220m for the year after.


CNG supplies commercial natural gas to businesses, from family firms to blue chip corporations, across sectors including retail, leisure and hospitality.


But it also provides technical services to independent gas providers such as Ovo Energy.


Chris England, operations director at CNG, said: “I think that people are looking around a lot more rather than just staying with the Big Six.


“They are realising there are others out there who can do a good job for them as well. People shop around a lot more than they used to.”


Mr England added: “We have got a good name with our agents and brokers so when they suggest going to somebody outside the Big Six like ourselves people are willing to give us a chance.”


He added that smaller independent suppliers such as Ovo Energy have been “growing nicely”, which has also contributed to CNG’s growth.


Ovo Energy is among a number of smaller energy providers to have benefited from a move by consumers in the last few months away from larger groups such as the Big Six following public outrage at energy price rises.



via CNG feels benefit of moves away from Big Six – Yorkshire Post.



CNG feels benefit of moves away from Big Six

Monday 24 February 2014

The Incredible Energy Egg - Dragon's Den http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/the-incredible-energy-egg-dragons-den/



It’s the frustration every father has felt, right up to the point of parody – you walk into a room to find the lamp on, the TV blaring and the Playstation on pause – but the kids have all got bored and gone to different rooms. Well, one Kildrum dad decided that enough is enough, and invented a solution that is taking the energy world by storm.Brian O’Reilly says that the Energy EGG was “built out of frustration really. My daughters know about being ecological and environmentally friendly from things they’ve learned at school, such as turning off taps and turning off lights, but they knew nothing about switching off plugs and TVs and the like.

via The Incredible Energy Egg.



The Incredible Energy Egg - Dragon's Den

Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/google-investing-more-than-1-billion-in-alternative-energy-2/


Around one-third of Google’s operations are made possible by renewable power, but the Silicon Valley giant is gunning to become completely reliant on resources like wind and the sun.


Rick Needham, the director of Google’s Energy and Sustainability office, told CNBC recently that 34 percent of the search engine company’s day-to-day operations are currently powered by reusable resources. If all goes as planned, though, before long that statistic could soar as high up as 100 percent.


Speaking to CNBC for an article published on Sunday, Needham acknowledged that a huge amount of Google’s spending has been going towards advancing the company’s reliance on energy sources like solar power.


In just the last quarter, Needham said, Google spent $2.25 billion on data centers and its general infrastructure, which is a lot for even one of the tech industry’s biggest companies. To bring the cost down, Google has been investing tons lately to be used towards alternative energy sources.


“We’ve invested over a billion dollars in 15 projects that have the capacity to produce two gigawatts of power around the world, mostly in the US, but that’s the equivalent of Hoover’s Dam worth of power generation,” Needham told the network. According to IT Pro Portal reporter Paul Cooper, that $1 billion worth of spending has all occurred in just the last year, with new endeavors being unveiled as recently as last week.


One of the latest pieces of Google’s puzzle came into place last Thursday when the company officially began operations at a massive solar thermal project in Ivanpah, California that uses 357,000 sun-facing mirrors to make around 394 megawatts of electricity. That project is the largest of its kind in the entire world, and is capable of making enough energy to power around 140,000 area homes.



via Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy — RT USA.



Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy

Wind farms paid £30m to shut down during high winds http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/wind-farms-paid-30m-to-shut-down-during-high-winds/



Onshore wind farms are being paid £30 million a year to sit idle during the windiest weather.

The payments are made because the cables which transmit power from the turbines to the National Grid cannot cope with the amount of electricity they produce during stormy conditions.


Ministers are launching a fresh crackdown on the compensation charges – which ultimately end up on customers’ bills – and are threatening to force power companies to reduce the cost of the payments.


Michael Fallon, the Energy Minister, has written to renewable power companies warning that he is ready to change the law to force wind farms to lower their prices if they fail to cut the costs voluntarily.


The scale of the compensation payments, which can be disclosed for the first time, will fuel opposition to wind generators from campaigners who argue that they are inefficient and blight the landscape.



via Wind farms paid £30m to shut down during high winds – Telegraph.



Wind farms paid £30m to shut down during high winds

UK unveils world first carbon capture project at gas-fired power station http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/uk-unveils-world-first-carbon-capture-project-at-gas-fired-power-station/



This revolutionary multi-million pound project is the first of its kind in the world. The signing of the deal is for the first stage of a project to retrofit the Peterhead gas-fired power plant with carbon capture and storage technology.

The Peterhead project is the second of 2 projects to be funded under the UK’s CCS competition marking a significant milestone for the programme. Over the next 2 years, the Government is investing around £100 million from its £1 billion CCS budget, with additional industry investment, to plan, design and engineer the UK’s first 2 CCS projects.


Along with the White Rose CCS Project in Yorkshire, the projects will be supported by around £100 million of Government money and will create 2,000 jobs including construction, and technical and operational jobs.


Peterhead will be the first gas plant in the world to capture carbon dioxide on an industrial scale and pipe it under the sea where it can be stored safely. This means the plant can produce clean energy.


Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “The innovation of the UK’s energy industry is something we should be really proud of and the fact that we are a world leader in carbon capture and storage is a great example of our country’s ingenuity.


“Today’s multi-million pound deal with Shell will help to safeguard thousands of jobs and power half a million homes with clean electricity.



via UK unveils world first carbon capture project at gas-fired power station > National News > News | Click Green.



UK unveils world first carbon capture project at gas-fired power station

Thursday 20 February 2014

Wind power saves Ireland €1bn in fossil fuel imports over five years http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/wind-power-saves-ireland-e1bn-in-fossil-fuel-imports-over-five-years/



Recent figures suggest that renewable energy helped Ireland to save €1 billion (£820m) in fossil fuel imports, as well as 12m tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, over the past five years.

A report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) says that wind farms across the country have saved money, prevented greenhouse gas and have not affected consumer energy bills.


Brian Motherway, CEO of the SEAI, said, “This is all about making Ireland more energy independent – harvesting our own resources instead of importing the expensive resources of others.”


Wind development is said to have saved €1 billion (£825m) in fossil fuels imports from abroad and prevented 12m tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.


Motherway said that these figures were encouraging for Ireland, which is looking to become increasingly self-sufficient and boost its economy, as it currently spends €6.5 billion (£5.36 billion) a year on importing fossil fuels.


“Less reliance on fossil fuels gives us greater certainty on our energy prices, rather than leaving us at the mercy of international commodity price rises. It also helps attract foreign investment, as more global companies seek access to clean energy as part of their location decisions”, he added.



via Wind power saves Ireland €1bn in fossil fuel imports over five years – Blue and Green Tomorrow.



Wind power saves Ireland €1bn in fossil fuel imports over five years

Faulty electricity meter clocks 'could be costing households thousands' http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/faulty-electricity-meter-clocks-could-be-costing-households-thousands/



Incorrect electricity meter clocks are going unnoticed, meaning millions of households on reliant tariffs could be paying too much, consumer group Which? has warned.

The watchdog said its members had come forward to warn that their meter clocks had been showing the wrong time, potentially leaving them “significantly out of pocket”.


About 3.9m UK households are on time-of-use tariffs, such as Economy 7 and Economy 10, which offer customers a lower rate for electricity during some hours and a higher rate for others.


Gary Day, a retired engineer from South Wales, told Which? he had saved himself and three neighbours more than £2,300 after discovering their meter clocks were wrong by several hours.


They were all on time-of-use tariffs with supplier Swalec, which supplies gas and electricity to customers throughout Wales.


Day told Which? magazine: “I have only checked four meters, and every single one of them was wrong. I am horrified that there might be hundreds of others that have these clock errors and don’t realise it.”


He said two replacement meters failed and he was wrongly told his clock would automatically adjust to British Summer Time.His neighbour Andrew Murphy claimed back around £800 after discovering his clock was about three hours out.


Murphy told Which?: “The problem is most consumers don’t go around checking, and we are at a disadvantage because of that.”


Swalec told Which? that staff were not required to check the clocks when they read meters, although if they happened to notice any problems, they were obliged to report them. It said it could not release any information about the scale of similar problems. Ofgem licence conditions say suppliers must inspect meters at least once every two years.



via Faulty electricity meter clocks ‘could be costing households thousands’.



Faulty electricity meter clocks 'could be costing households thousands'

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/google-investing-more-than-1-billion-in-alternative-energy/



Around one-third of Google’s operations are made possible by renewable power, but the Silicon Valley giant is gunning to become completely reliant on resources like wind and the sun.

Rick Needham, the director of Google’s Energy and Sustainability office, told CNBC recently that 34 percent of the search engine company’s day-to-day operations are currently powered by reusable resources. If all goes as planned, though, before long that statistic could soar as high up as 100 percent.


Speaking to CNBC for an article published on Sunday, Needham acknowledged that a huge amount of Google’s spending has been going towards advancing the company’s reliance on energy sources like solar power.


In just the last quarter, Needham said, Google spent $2.25 billion on data centers and its general infrastructure, which is a lot for even one of the tech industry’s biggest companies. To bring the cost down, Google has been investing tons lately to be used towards alternative energy sources.


“We’ve invested over a billion dollars in 15 projects that have the capacity to produce two gigawatts of power around the world, mostly in the US, but that’s the equivalent of Hoover’s Dam worth of power generation,” Needham told the network. According to IT Pro Portal reporter Paul Cooper, that $1 billion worth of spending has all occurred in just the last year, with new endeavors being unveiled as recently as last week.


One of the latest pieces of Google’s puzzle came into place last Thursday when the company officially began operations at a massive solar thermal project in Ivanpah, California that uses 357,000 sun-facing mirrors to make around 394 megawatts of electricity. That project is the largest of its kind in the entire world, and is capable of making enough energy to power around 140,000 area homes.



via Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy — RT USA.



Google investing more than $1 billion in alternative energy

Google's Record-Breaking Solar Planet Goes Online http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/googles-record-breaking-solar-planet-goes-online/



When it comes to companies we love to revisit, Google has to be top of the list. The Search Engine giant has quietly been investing huge amounts in both self-serving renewable energy projects and investments into ongoing reseach over the last decade. The California-based company have previously invested huge sums on wind farms in Scandinavia and tidal generators in Europe, but the crown jewel of their renewable energy investments finally came online last week.

via Google’s Record-Breaking Solar Planet Goes Online.



Google's Record-Breaking Solar Planet Goes Online

Monday 17 February 2014

Bye bye to ban on business energy rollovers http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/bye-bye-to-ban-on-business-energy-rollovers/



Ofgem has shied away from banning auto-rollovers, the controversial practice of automatically putting businesses onto the same energy tariff or higher when their contract ends, according to new plans announced today.

Debate over auto-rollovers has raged amongst suppliers with some backing a ban while others were less convinced.


In the end many suppliers such as ScottishPower plumped for scrapping auto-rollovers – or near enough – before Ofgem forced them to.


Instead Ofgem said today it is changing the number of days’ notice a business can give to switch supplier. The notice period will be dropped to 30 days rather than around the 30-90 days they are currently.


The regulator said “streamlining” this across suppliers will “end confusion” for businesses on when they have tell their supplier if they want to switch.


At the end of the contract, suppliers will also have to provide businesses with information on how much energy they have used in the last year.


In the renewal price they will have to put a comparison between their current rate and new rates they are offering.



via Bye bye to ban on business energy rollovers | Energy Live News.



Bye bye to ban on business energy rollovers

British Gas owner Centrica under fire from fuel poverty campaigners http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/british-gas-owner-centrica-under-fire-from-fuel-poverty-campaigners/



Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has come under fire from fuel poverty campaigners before announcing profits of almost £3bn this week.

The energy group is expected to announce broadly flat group operating profits of £2.8bn for 2013, with the British Gas “UK downstream” business contributing £1.05bn, down 4% from 2012, City analysts say.


“A slight drop in already astronomical profits will provide little succour to the millions struggling with high bills, cold homes and unwanted prepayment meters precisely because of the profiteering of this company,” said a spokeswoman for the Fuel Poverty Action group.


“Although Centrica care little for their customers freezing to death in their homes they have shown commitment to their shareholders, by recently handing back £420m to them, and a commitment to fracking in Lancashire, despite community objections, in their insatiable lust for profit,” she added. Centrica, which has by far the largest market share of the UK gas and electricity supply market, has traditionally been a lightning rod for critics of the wider big six power providers.


A spokesman for the group insisted it was working hard to help tackle fuel poverty. “Last year we assisted nearly 2 million vulnerable households with discounts and free insulation. This winter more than half a million British Gas customers received the Warm Home Discount, worth £135. In addition, many of them also received a new top-up discount worth £60,” said a spokesman.


Centrica’s profit margin averages about 5% after tax across the group, he added: “We use this to make the big investments and commitments which secure vital energy supplies for British homes.”



via British Gas owner Centrica under fire from fuel poverty campaigners.



British Gas owner Centrica under fire from fuel poverty campaigners

Water shortages could disrupt Britain's electricity supply, researchers warn http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/water-shortages-could-disrupt-britains-electricity-supply-researchers-warn/



Parts of Britain may be under water after the worst floods in half a century, but a team of top academics from Newcastle and Oxford University is warning that the country is at risk of water shortages that could shut down power stations and paralyse electricity supplies.

“It is difficult to fathom we should start to think about water shortages in the middle of these storms but only two years ago areas of Britain were suffering from severe droughts,” said Ed Byers, a researcher at Newcastle University’s engineering and geosciences department.


“The high dependency on water in electricity generation means there is a real possibility that in just a few decades some power stations may be forced to decrease production or shut down if there are water shortages, which may be expected with changes in climate and a growing population.”


Byers, with another Newcastle colleague and Professor Jim Hall, director of the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University, has been studying the impact on water of the government’s proposed different energy “pathways” taken from the 2011 Carbon Plan.


Their new academic paper makes clear that one Department of Energy and Climate Change option – of using gas or other fossil fuels with high levels of carbon capture and storage (CCS) – could increase fresh water consumption by almost 70%.



via Water shortages could disrupt Britain’s electricity supply, researchers warn.



Water shortages could disrupt Britain's electricity supply, researchers warn

Blog: Yee-ha! The sheriff’s new crackdown on bad brokers begins http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/blog-yee-ha-the-sheriffs-new-crackdown-on-bad-brokers-begins/


Compare Energy PricesA lone rattlesnake shakes its tail. The tumbleweed blows. Frightened shopkeepers huddle behind closed shutters. At the saloon bar, push doors swing open: the energy brokers are in town.


For years it’s been a wild, Wild West out in the energy market when it comes to brokers and TPIs – that’s third party intermediaries, don’t y’all know?


With little or no regulation, their numbers have swelled to around 1,000 at the latest count.


Some of these go-betweens for energy users and suppliers have respectably set up shop, nestled in next to the barber and the saddlery.


But other brokers have ranged on the outskirts, preying on smaller businesses who don’t know their way around energy charges – and making a fast buck on their ignorance.


These cowboys have long needed reining in – and finally Ofgem has offered up a code of practice for the sector. Energy suppliers won’t be able to do deals with anyone who isn’t a member.


The message from the sheriff is clear: get clean, or get out of town.



via Blog: Yee-ha! The sheriff’s new crackdown on bad brokers begins | Energy Live News.



Blog: Yee-ha! The sheriff’s new crackdown on bad brokers begins

Friday 14 February 2014

Which? reveals more than 5.5m energy customer complaints for 2013 http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/which-reveals-more-than-5-5m-energy-customer-complaints-for-2013/



The big six energy firms have collectively received over 5.5m complaints over the last year, according to the consumer group Which? – as it calls on the government to fix the “broken energy market”.

Npower received the most complaints with 1,383,650 – while SSE and Scottish Power received the fewest of the mainstream suppliers, at 482,582 and 308,648 respectively.


According to the new report, complaints against the big six energy firms – which also includes British Gas, EDF and E.ON – accounted for 97% of the total.


Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said, “Millions of people are unhappy with the service they receive from the suppliers which, combined with low levels of trust is yet more evidence that more must be done to fix the broken energy market.


“Next month we want the regulators to refer the energy market to the Competition and Markets Authority and launch a full scale inquiry. This is the first and most important step towards a more radical reform of the energy market, giving hard-pressed consumers the confidence that they are paying a fair price.”


Green energy companies Ecotricity and Good Energy received the fewest number of complaints – 0.55 and 3.35 per 1,000 customers respectively. They also recently came first in another Which? survey on customer satisfaction.



via Which? reveals more than 5.5m energy customer complaints for 2013 – Blue and Green Tomorrow.



Which? reveals more than 5.5m energy customer complaints for 2013

Ovo Energy cuts prices by 2.5% http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/ovo-energy-cuts-prices-by-2-5/



An energy company has announced a 2.5% price cut for consumers, saying that the mild winter weather has meant that gas and electricity are cheaper.

Ovo Energy claimed that the reduction meant its bills were now about £180 a year cheaper than the average of the Big Six companies which supply the bulk of the UK’s households.


The “insurgent” company’s chief executive Stephen Fitzpatrick said that the energy market was not working efficiently for consumers, with the big companies relying for much of their profit on customers’ reluctance to switch away from the names which supplied their areas pre-privatisation.


Fitzpatrick told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme: “Today we are announcing a relatively small price cut – 2.5% – but it’s the fourth price cut we’ve had since September.


“What we’ve seen is the weather over this winter has been quite mild and it’s led to gas and electricity prices falling by about 6% or 7% and on top of that we are starting to see some impact from the government policy where they have asked distributors and network companies to try to reduce their cost.


“The rates that we are charged for accessing the pipes and the wires has fallen for next year following some government intervention, so that’s feeding through as well. I think today we are going to be £180 cheaper than the average Big Six standard tariff that most people pay.”



via Ovo Energy cuts prices by 2.5%.



Ovo Energy cuts prices by 2.5%

Thursday 13 February 2014

British Gas Could be ‘Broken Up’ - Energy Minister http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/british-gas-could-be-broken-up-energy-minister/



Energy Minister Ed Davey has called into question the prices and profits of British Gas this week, suggesting that the company holds a monopoly position that may have to be broken up.Minister Davey laid out a letter to regulators at the start of the week detailing plans to investigate the profit margins and prices of the big six energy firms in the industry. In particular, Davey highlighted British Gas over concerns they hold a monopoly that is causing prices to be artificially inflated.

via British Gas Could be ‘Broken Up’ – Energy Minister.



British Gas Could be ‘Broken Up’ - Energy Minister

Families faced with gas bill - even though they only use electricity http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/families-faced-with-gas-bill-even-though-they-only-use-electricity/



Households hit by shock bills of £100 a year for gas meters they don’t use also face paying up to £400 to have them removed.Stunned homeowners who don’t use any gas are being sent bills that charge them a fixed daily fee for having a certain type of meter.The idea is this covers the supplier’s cost of metering and billing, and that every unit of energy actually used is charged separately.

via Families faced with gas bill – even though they only use electricity | This is Money.



Families faced with gas bill - even though they only use electricity

Business Water Broker bursts open Scottish water market... http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/business-water-broker-bursts-open-scottish-water-market/


Firms in Scotland could soon be buying water from a supplier other than Scottish Water.


A new business deal announced yesterday could see Thames Water wedge a crowbar into the tightly sealed market north of the border.


It is backing a new business run by Scottish-born entrepreneur John Wyllie, called Water24, which is hoping to offer customers slightly cheaper deals on their H2O.


Currently Scottish Water’s retail arm, called Business Stream, supplies 97% of the 157,000 companies in Scotland which pay water rates.



via Water broker bursts open Scottish water market? | Energy Live News.



Business Water Broker bursts open Scottish water market...

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Npower employs meditation gurus to help staff relax after vast job cuts http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/npower-employs-meditation-gurus-to-help-staff-relax-after-vast-job-cuts/


Npower employs seven ‘meditation gurus’ to help staff deal with stress after the energy firm announced it would axe 1,400 jobs as part of a major business overhaul.


The team uses Buddhist meditation techniques to help relax the mind and find inner peace. The positions are voluntary and unpaid.


A spokesperson for Npower said: “Like many large companies, npower offers helps with stress management for people based in our contact centres.


“Across the UK, we have a team of people who are fully trained and, in addition to their normal day jobs, offer voluntary, unpaid help to colleagues who request this kind of support.”


Npower, which was fined £3.5 million last year after an investigation by energy regulator Ofgem found it had breached sales rules on the doorstep and over the phone for vulnerable customers, remains the most complained about of the big six energy firms.



via Npower employs meditation gurus to help staff relax after vast job cuts – Business News – Business – The Independent.



Npower employs meditation gurus to help staff relax after vast job cuts

UK reliance on France for nuclear expertise needs to focus on likely future costs http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/uk-reliance-on-france-for-nuclear-expertise-needs-to-focus-on-likely-future-costs/



The UK is borrowing heavily on French nuclear energy expertise, with the first third-generation nuclear power plant built in England likely to be EDF’s Hinkley Point C, designed around two Areva NP EPR reactors, and likely to come on stream in the early 2020s. Britain has also committed to French technology for the fourth generation of nuclear reactors.

via HazardEx – UK reliance on France for nuclear expertise needs to focus on likely future costs.



UK reliance on France for nuclear expertise needs to focus on likely future costs

Monday 10 February 2014

Energy firms told to cut gas bills because wholesale prices are down http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/energy-firms-told-to-cut-gas-bills-because-wholesale-prices-are-down/



Analysts are telling energy firms that it is time to cut consumer gas bills, as a result of falling wholesale prices.They say that consumers should expect as much as £30 a year off their bill.Wholesale prices for the coming year have fallen by as much as 16% since December, thanks in part to the mild weather.But energy companies rejected the idea, saying that wholesale prices fluctuate on a daily basis.They also said that the cost of buying the gas only makes up part of a consumer’s energy bill.’Lower your prices’Energy companies buy wholesale gas on the futures market, to try to hedge – or protect – themselves – against future price rises.

via BBC News – Energy firms told to cut gas bills because wholesale prices are down.



Energy firms told to cut gas bills because wholesale prices are down

Energy Saving Trust figures reveal ups and downs of energy-saving claims http://www.energy-broker.co.uk/energy-saving-trust-figures-reveal-ups-and-downs-of-energy-saving-claims/



Confused? You will be if you are considering installing energy-saving measures in your home, following the publication of figures from the Energy Saving Trust, which works closely with the government.

This week it revised the savings that can be achieved as a result of measures such as loft insulation or a new boiler.


It had been expected to lower the amounts, but has mystified green experts by upping some of the figures substantially.


Three weeks ago Guardian Money revealed how a study of 21,000 homes tracked by the Department of Energy and Climate Change had suggested the savings claims made by the EST were seriously flawed and in no way borne out by real-life conditions.


An analysis of DECC’s own data suggested the annual savings from installing loft insulation have been around £15.50 a year, compared with the “up to £180″ figure promoted by the EST.


The figures are important because they have been widely used in adverts from companies such as British Gas to persuade householders to spend thousands of pounds on replacing an old boiler or paying for other energy efficiency measures. They also form the basis of the government’s Green Deal.



via Energy Saving Trust figures reveal ups and downs of energy-saving claims.



Energy Saving Trust figures reveal ups and downs of energy-saving claims