Industry News Roundup May 2020
Friday 29/05 – The Environmental Audit Committee announces it will be holding an evidence session on offshore wind. Ofgem’s consumer perception report sees supplier satisfaction remain steady. EDW Technology announced the launch of its CSS Gateway software solution. In 2017 Ofgem announced plans for faster and more reliable energy supply switching. It is vital that energy consumers can easily change their energy supplier with confidence as it strengthens competition in the energy supply market, which benefits consumers. The programme aims to deliver fast, reliable switching for consumers by replacing the existing switching services with a new Central Switching Service (CSS). To work with the CSS effectively, energy suppliers must find a way to enable the exchange of messages between the CSS systems and their gas and electricity billing, metering and market data flow platforms. EDW has developed a CSS adaptor solution to provide this new communication layer. EDW Technology’s chief executive Simon Miles said “As well as significant changes to our existing Energy Retail Suite (ERS) software, we also had to design and build a product from scratch that would connect ERS to the new Central Switching Service. We released the CSS solution to our customers in line with our target delivery date – a particularly notable achievement in the midst of quite unprecedented conditions caused by the COVID19 pandemic”. The EDW CSS Gateway is a purpose built solution which provides real time connectivity between the Central Switching Service (CSS) and all Market Participants that are required to communicate with it.
Thursday 28/05 – Business Secretary Alok Sharma grants development consent for the Cleve Hill solar farm. Provisional statistics show renewables provided 43.5% of GB generation in Q120. Ofgem approves UNC678A Amendments to Gas Charging Regime (Postage Stamp), confirming its minded-to position issued in December.
Wednesday 27/05 – The IPPR Environmental Justice Commission publishes its Faster, Further, Fairer report, calling for a more urgent approach to further the energy transition. The International Energy Agency claims that global energy spending has dropped to historical lows because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Tuesday 26/05 – A new paper from LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment suggests that the government consider a subsidy to help improve smart meter uptake. National Grid Electricity System Operator announces that Sunday 24 May saw GB’s lowest ever carbon intensity – 46gCO2/kWh.
Monday 25/05 – Bank Holiday. SSE Chief Executive Alistair Philip-Davies writes to the government, urging it to commit to a net zero power sector by 2040.
Friday 15/05 – Independent liberal conservative thinktank Bright Blue and professional services firm WSP publish a series of essays on policy ideas to help the UK achieve net zero. Ofgem confirms it has closed its compliance engagement with Green Star Energy following the supplier committing to financially compensating affected customers.
Thursday 14/05 – BEIS announces that the close date on the consultation on proposed amendments to the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 4 will be extended from 22 May to 29 May. UK High Level Climate Action Champion Nigel Topping tells the Environmental Audit Committee that a decision would be made on the timing of the 2021 COP26 climate conference by “the middle of June”.
Wednesday 13/05 – Ofgem commends National Grid Electricity System Operator on the improvements in clarity and engagement its 2020-21 Forward Plan. The Code Change and Development Group and Architecture Working Group for half-hourly settlement should be able to continue their work, Ofgem says.
Tuesday 12/05 – BEIS opens consultation on Contracts for Difference payment deferral. The government extends deadline for smart meter-enabled electric vehicle charging trial bid submissions. Ofgem approves urgent UNC proposals to address COVID-19 issues.
Monday 11/05 – Early Day Motion on rising energy bills is tabled by MP. Lotus and Centrica announce electric vehicle and connected homes partnership.
Thursday 07/05 – The latest BEIS Public Attitudes Tracker shows that 64% of the public are unaware of the concept of net zero. National Grid Electricity System Operator and EDF agree a one off, fixed term contract with to reduce output from Sizewell B nuclear power station.
Wednesday 06/05 – The Committee on Climate Change writes to the Prime Minister and First Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, putting forward six recommended actions to help the UK recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The Oil and Gas Authority announces it is seeking views on its intention to “refresh its core aim”, including a requirement for industry to help the government achieve the 2050 net zero target.
Tuesday 05/05 – Research commissioned by Ofgem is published, capturing the impacts of social distancing on domestic energy consumption, consumers’ financial well-being and concerns regarding managing bills and contacting suppliers. E.ON announces that it is to combine its I&C business with npower Business Solutions.
Monday 04/05 – The National Infrastructure Commission publishes a Net Zero: Commission Recommendations and the Net Zero Target document. Ofgem publishes a letter setting out its expectations of suppliers involved in a trade sale.
Friday 01/05 – The Heat Networks Industry Council agrees on a new consumer protection scheme during the COVID-19 crisis. Origin Energy, an Australian energy company, acquires a 20% stake in Octopus Energy.
Written By Graham Paul