News
Policy & Regulation
Dieter Helm resurrects network-led smart metering argument
Distribution networks should take over smart-metering to correct a "fundamental flaw" in the programme, a leading academic has argued.
Technology & Operations
Liquidity will be ‘a real challenge’ for local energy markets
Low numbers of participants may create difficulties for the smooth operation of local balancing markets
Gas
Networks must collaborate on common smart tech standards
Operators will otherwise face restrictive rules and regulations imposed by government
Technology & Operations
Battery prices could soar post-Brexit
Batteries used for electricity storage could see prices increase by almost a quarter, warns REA
Power
Primary legislation may be required to end storage double-charging
BEIS official says changes should be "straightforward to deliver" despite parliament's timetable being taken up by Brexit
Strategy & Management
Energy Systems Catapult and Beama formalise joint working
The Energy Systems Catapult and Beama have signed a new agreement for joint working on energy system innovation.
Power
Cisco invests in UK smart grid future
Global technology giant Cisco has committed itself to accelerating UK smart grid innovation by becoming a tier 1 member of the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) at Strathclyde University.
Power
PNDC seeks network data pioneers
The Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) has launched a competition for innovators in data monitoring to enable unprecedented visibility at distribution level.
Policy & Regulation
Ofgem plans major network charging review
Ofgem has outlined plans for a major review of network charging to examine concerns that some consumers are paying too much towards to the cost of the grid and others too little.
Power
Ofgem keen to level the playing field for storage
Ofgem has published proposals to alter the network charges paid by storage to prevent it being charged twice as both generation and demand.
Heat
Scilly Isles move towards ‘full energy independence’
Home battery company Moixa has started work on an energy systems project on the Isles of Scilly which will support the islands' "path to full energy independence".
Gas
‘Wrong’ to keep system operator role within National Grid
Ofgem's proposal to create a legally separate system operator within National Grid is the "wrong choice" for a "rapidly changing energy world", academics from the University of Exeter have warned.
Power
DNOs test self-healing cable to minimise leaks
Northern Powergrid and UK Power Networks (UKPN) are exploring the use of self-repairing polymers and resins to minimise leakage from damaged fluid filled cables.
Power
Vehicle branding used to drive awareness of 105
Northern Powergrid has added the power cut 105 number to more than half of its fleet to drive up awareness of the free to call service.
People & Skills
ETI appoints new chief executive
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has appointed Jonathan Wills as its new chief executive with it immediate effect.
Gas
Ofgem denies rushing embedded benefits review
Ofgem has denied rushing through a review of embedded benefits, saying the process has been going for more than a year and that swift action is needed to prevent investor uncertainty and market distortions.
Gas
Networks are ‘most transparent’ part of energy industry
The chief executive of the Energy Networks Association has pushed back against accusations that UK energy networks are making excessive returns.
Technology & Operations
Plans revealed for largest battery factory in Europe
Swedish start-up Northvolt has revealed plans to build the largest battery factory in Europe.
Gas
Minister opens £18m district energy facility in Gateshead
The first district energy centre of its kind in the North East has been opened by the energy minister, Jesse Norman.
Technology & Operations
Capula hits deadline on SCS upgrade framework
Capula has completed refurbishment works to schedule on the first eight substations under its contract to upgrade National Grid's Substation Control System (SCS).
Power
Morrison Utility Services wins two year contract with UKPN
Utility services provider Morrison Utility Services (MUS) has won a two-year framework agreement to support UK Power Networks in delivering capital maintenance across the South East.
Gas
National Grid Gas Distribution singled out for service failures
National Grid Gas Distribution (NGGD) is the only gas distribution network (GDN) which failed to meet its customer satisfaction targets in 2015-15, according to a report published by Ofgem today.
Gas
Centrica to build battery storage facility
Centrica has revealed it will start building a new battery storage facility on the site of the former Roosecote power station in Cumbria in early March.
Heat
Clark gives go-ahead to energy-from-waste plant
Business and energy secretary Greg Clark has given the go-ahead to a new energy-from-waste plant at the Edmonton EcoPark in London.
Gas
DNO’s spend frugal £3.2bn on network management
UK distribution network operators (DNOs) spent a collective £3.2bn on managing their networks during the first year of their price control according to a report published by Ofgem today.
Gas
Ofgem claws back £185m from National Grid
Ofgem has confirmed a £185m spending allowance cut for National Grid in its mid-period review of electricity and gas transmission.
Power
EV trial offers free smart chargers
A project looking to ensure local electricity networks can cope with electric vehicle uptake is offering up to 700 participants a free, faster smart charger.
Power
ENW ready for high winds and snow
Electricity North West has drafted in extra engineers in response to an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office for Thursday.
Gas
The customers’ choice
The heating solution of tomorrow cannot risk leaving more consumers at risk of fuel poverty.
Power
Flexibility needed ‘urgently’ to avoid spiralling renewable costs
The government needs to "act urgently" to deliver a more flexible power system and avoid "spiralling" costs from the integration of renewables, the UK Energy Research Centre has warned.
Technology & Operations
Composite conductor cuts transmission connection time
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has utilised an innovative composite conductor to cut the grid connection time for Beinneun wind farm by two months.