<h3>September became the only month during lockdown to see a rise of smart meter installations.&nbsp;</h3>This is according to new analysis conducted by Electralink, which suggests close to 232,000 meters were installed in households across the UK, making September the first month to have more installations than the same month in 2019. September 2019 saw just 228,000 of new smart meters installed.&nbsp;Surprisingly, Electralink's analysis also recorded significantly less installs month on month since March 2020 compared to the same months in 2019.&nbsp;There have been an estimated 1,333,000 smart meter installations in the UK so far this year, with a total of 14,038,000 installed since the smart meter programme was introduced.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/10/20/smart-meter-installations-in-september-grew-for-first-time-since-lockdown-began/">Energy Live News</a>

September became the only month during lockdown to see a rise of smart meter installations, recording a total of 232,000. 

Smart meter installations back on the rise

September saw 232,000 smart meters installed. 

<h3>It's been announced the Energy Price Cap has been extended until the end of 2021.</h3>This announcement means around 11 million UK households on default and prepayment tariffs will be protected by price rises for at least another year.&nbsp;The Energy Price Cap only affects customers on standard variable tariffs and prepayment meter tariffs, which tend to be two of the most costly energy tariffs on the market.&nbsp;The only way to save a considerable amount of money on your annual energy bill is to <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/">switch to a cheaper deal</a>. In the first six months of 2020, 2.8 million electricity and 2.1 million gas customers switched their supplier*.&nbsp;But how do you know what the best deal on the market is? Use our comparison service and we'll generate a completely transparent list of all the better deals you could switch to. From here, it's up to you which one you pick and we'll do the rest.&nbsp;At the time of writing the best deal on the market that we're able to switch to is £166^ cheaper than the average standard variable tariff annual cost.&nbsp;****Figures from <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/11-million-households-to-make-savings-as-government-extends-cap-on-energy-bills">GOV.UK&nbsp;</a>^Worked out using Ofgems average SVT price of £1,042 and subtracting the cheapest deal we can switch customers to at the time of writing.&nbsp;

It's been announced the Energy Price Cap has been extended until the end of 2021. This announcement means around 11 million UK households on default and prepayment tariffs will be protected by price rises for at least another year. 

Energy Price Cap extended until end of 2021

Ofgem's Price Cap will continue until the end of 2021 at least. 

<h3>Ofgem has announced they will increase protection for customers struggling to pay their energy bills this winter.&nbsp;</h3>New licensing rules set to begin from 15th December will require suppliers to offer emergency credit to customers struggling to top up their prepayment meters. This action will mostly be needed for the customers who are considered vulnerable. This could be because of two reasons; they are unable to pay due to limited funds or because they cannot get to a top-up point due to mobility issues or because of self-isolation.&nbsp;In order to help reduce the number of prepayment customers who get disconnected after running out of credit, suppliers will also be expected to offer extra prepayment credit for households in vulnerable situations to provide more time while they figure out a way to pay.&nbsp;Another Ofgem licence rule will require energy suppliers to put the customers who are in debt on suitable repayment plans. A lot of suppliers in the market already have said processes in place, but Ofgem will make it mandatory for all come 15th December.&nbsp;The new licence rule will also require suppliers to continue to offer their customers the same level of support as they did through the initial stages of the Covid-19 lockdown earlier this year.Philippa Pickford, Director of Retail at Ofgem, said:“Suppliers have stepped up to the challenge of supporting their customers during the COVID-19 crisis, especially those in vulnerable situations.“Customers who are struggling to pay their bills should contact their supplier as soon as possible. The extra protections we have announced today will help ensure they get some breathing space this winter.”“Alongside our wider programme of support for vulnerable customers, Ofgem has also capped and reduced default tariffs so these customers always pay a fair price for their energy.”Source: Ofgem&nbsp;

Ofgem has confirmed plans to bolster their support for customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills this winter, and are introducing new license rules for suppliers from 15th December. 

Ofgem bolsters protection for struggling customers this winter

The new protection comes into effect from 15th December. 

<h3>Due to unplanned power outages across Britain and unusually low wind speeds, the National Grid has warned that Britain's electricity will be in short supply over the next few days.&nbsp;</h3>The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said they will make sure there is enough electricity generation during the cold weather spell to prevent a major blackout.“Unusually low wind output coinciding with a number of generator outages means the cushion of spare capacity we operate the system with has been reduced,” the ESO told its Twitter followers.A spokesperson for the National Grid said the company did not expect to issue a warning in the next 24 hours, as the electricity supply squeeze was not expected to be as tight, but the company are "monitoring how the situation develops," she said.&nbsp;In mid-September the National Grid issued an official warning to the electricity market that its backup of power reserves had fallen below 500MW, and it may need to call on more power plants to prevent a blackout. However, this warning was later withdrawn.&nbsp;The National Grid's main challenge in recent years has actually be an oversupply of energy, which can overwhelm the grid during prolonged periods of low energy demand. They also paid generators to produce less energy during the coronavirus lockdown to prevent blackouts during the first half of 2020.&nbsp;

Due to unplanned power outages across Britain and unusually low wind speeds, the National Grid has warned that Britain's electricity will be in short supply over the next few days. 

National Grid warns of short electricity supply

Over the next few days, the National Grid has said electricity could be in short supply. 

<h3>A quarter of UK billpayers have admitted to not always opening their monthly energy bill, according to our recently conducted research.&nbsp;</h3>As 138,000* bills go unopened each day, the risks of errors and direct debit rises continue to go unnoticed as consumers are paying very little attention.&nbsp;With customers not signing into online accounts, or with some being left confused by their bill’s contents, people are choosing not to regularly check their statements. This means a massive 50.4 million bills could be going unopened or unread over the course of a year.&nbsp;Below is a table revealing what is keeping people from opening their energy bills.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3">Ranking and percentage of what keeps consumers from opening their energy bills</td></tr><tr><td>=1st</td><td>I feel no need to, since I think my direct debit will always be the same</td><td>16%</td></tr><tr><td>=1st</td><td>My bills are online and I don't bother signing into my account to check</td><td>16%</td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td>They are too complicated and difficult to understand</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td>I am on a prepayment meter / I pay by top up</td><td>9%</td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td>I'm afraid of how much I may owe&nbsp;</td><td>6%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>As you can see, the most popular reason for people not opening their direct debit is due to the belief that the direct debit will always remain the same. However, we have recently warned that due to the increased energy use due to working from home amid the pandemic, bills could rise up to an average of £94 each.&nbsp;Also, with most suppliers offering online bills instead of paper ones, consumers are choosing not to log in to check them, meaning they could be missing any vital mistakes on their bills and be costing themselves money by failing to do so.&nbsp;Following our research findings, we have renewed our recent calls on regulator Ofgem to revisit the existing rules that govern bill design – last overhauled in 2014 – to help more consumers instate better control over their energy use, especially at a time of higher energy usage during the Covid-19 pandemic.Commenting on the research, Tom Lyon, Director of Energy at Energy Helpline, said:&nbsp;“There is mass uncertainty among consumers about understanding and checking energy bills - and this is why it’s critical that customers&nbsp; can quickly and easily check their bill is correct, that it is based on accurate meter readings, and that they are on their supplier’s cheapest tariff.”“That’s why we’re calling on Ofgem to revisit the rules governing bill design, which were last overhauled six years ago as part of its Retail Market Review. We have also launched our own guides in the past few months to help consumers find the savings by looking closer at their energy bill.”“Given increasing energy use at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that consumers feel more empowered to open and understand their bills to stay in control of their energy use and spend.”****Research conducted by us, here at Energy Helpline

Our research has unearthed a shocking statistic, that 25% of UK billpayers admit to not always opening their energy bill - that’s anywhere up to 130,000 going unopened everyday. 

Up to 138,000 energy bills unopened each day in UK

A staggering 25% of UK billpayers admit they do not always open their energy bill.

<h3>After recent news of Tonik Energy ceasing to trade, Ofgem has announced they will appoint Scottish Power to take on their whole customer base.&nbsp;</h3>Scottish Power will offer their new customers a competitive energy tariff, while all outstanding credit will be honoured and energy supplies will remain uninterrupted.&nbsp;Customers will be contacted to be told about the changes put in place, and if they are not happy, they can opt to <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/">switch their supplier</a>. All exit fees will be waived if anyone does decide to switch to another tariff.&nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s director of retail, said:“I am pleased to announce we have appointed Scottish Power for the customers of Tonik Energy. Their energy supply will continue as normal and domestic customer credit balances will be honoured."“Scottish Power will be in contact with customers over the coming days with further information. Once the transfer has been completed, customers can shop around for a better deal if they wish to.”Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/tonik-energy-customers-your-questions-new-supplier-scottish-power">Ofgem</a>

After recent news of Tonik Energy ceasing to trade, Ofgem has announced they will appoint Scottish Power to take on their whole customer base. 

Scottish Power to take on Tonik Energy customers

Scottish Power will absorb all of Tonik's 130,000 customers

<h3>Around 130,000 Tonik Energy customers have been caught under Ofgem's safety net following the energy supplier ceasing trade.&nbsp;</h3>All customers will continue with energy supply and all outstanding credit balances they might have had with Tonik will be honoured.&nbsp;Ofgem now has the task of choosing a new supplier to take on all of Tonik's customers. All customers will be contacted when this decision has been made to be notified who their new supplier is.&nbsp;Ofgem strongly advise Tonik's customers to not switch until a new supplier has been appointed, and you have been contacted by them in the following weeks, in order to ensure outstanding credit balances are protected, and to take a meter reading ready for when the new supplier gets in contact to guarantee accurate initial billing.&nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Director of Retail at Ofgem, said:“Tonik Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected."“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we are doing this our advice is to ‘sit tight’ and don’t switch. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.” &nbsp;Victoria Arrington, spokesperson for Energy Helpline said:&nbsp;“While supplier failures have been very low this year, this news may come as unsettling to Tonik customers. However, their energy supply will continue as normal and any credit balances will be protected through regulator Ofgem's safety net. Customers will be automatically moved to an appointed 'supplier of last resort' by Ofgem and it's important that the new tariffs offer good value for money."“We would recommend that, once customers are moved to the new supplier, they take an up-to-date meter reading and run a price comparison to see if there is a better deal elsewhere on the market. Any exit fees for moving to another provider will be waived and they could end up lower bills.""Energyhelpline.com has predicted a full-time working household will spend an extra £107 on energy this winter (October-March) due to increased working from home, so it's important that consumers are on the lowest energy tariff before the cold weather starts to bite."Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-protects-customers-failed-supplier-tonik-energy">Ofgem</a>

Around 130,000 Tonik Energy customers have been caught under Ofgem's safety net following the energy supplier ceasing trade. 

Tonik ceases trade, but Ofgem protects customers

Tonik Energy Ltd is ceasing trade as Ofgem finds new home for customers. 

<h3>Ofgem's price cap falls today, bringing the average price for a typical dual-fuel household energy bill down to £1,042 a year.&nbsp;</h3>Households on expensive standard variable tariffs could see their bills drop slightly as the price-per-unit of energy decreases with Ofgem's price cap falling.&nbsp;However, it's important to note that the overall cost of your energy bill will not drop, just the price you pay per kWh of energy - so don't expect to see drastic savings immediately, or maybe ever.&nbsp;So if you're looking to save money on your bills, it's important you don't rely on the price cap falling to do it for you. Standard variable tariffs - the type of tariff affected by the price cap falling - are already the most expensive deals out there, so don't let this price caps news fool you into remaining on one.<h3>Switch instead</h3>Switching remains the best way to ensure great savings, giving you the chance to compare the current price you pay for your energy next to cheaper, better deals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/">Enter your postcode</a>, followed by some details on your current supply to get started, and we'll generate a completely transparent, no-nonsense list of the best deals out there for you.&nbsp;Check out our very own guide for anything else you want to know regarding the <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/energy-price-cap-2020-what-you-need-to-know">October 2020 energy price cap</a>.

Ofgem's price cap falls today, bringing the average price for a typical dual-fuel household energy bill down to £1,042 a year. Households on expensive standard variable tariffs could see their bills drop slightly as the price-per-unit of energy decreases with Ofgem's price cap falling. 

Ofgem's price cap reduction kicks in today

The price cap falls today, but you'll save more if you switch.

<h3>From our survey, we’ve discovered just under half (45%) of homeowners from the poorest backgrounds are aware of the Green Homes Grant scheme. &nbsp;</h3>The Green Homes Grant will provide a voucher worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 (depending on socio-economic status) in order to help households become more energy efficient.&nbsp;The Government vouchers will cover two-thirds of the costs for homes undergoing energy improvements, with the homeowners themselves expected to cover the rest of the costs. &nbsp;Those on low income and certain benefits could receive the £10,000 voucher covering the entirety of the cost of the selected project. However, our survey has revealed that those who could benefit the most from the Grant are the ones least likely to know about it. &nbsp;The most well-off group of people (65%) was the most likely to know about the Green Homes Grant and the most likely to have plans to apply for the scheme. &nbsp;Our table of the awareness levels among homeowners of the Green Homes Grant, broken down socioeconomic grade:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Social grade (using the NRS grading system)</td><td>Social grade description</td><td>% of those aware of the Green Homes Grant</td></tr><tr><td>AB</td><td>Higher managerial, administrative or professional</td><td>65%</td></tr><tr><td>AB</td><td>Intermediate managerial, administrative or professional</td><td>55%</td></tr><tr><td>C1</td><td>Supervisory or clerical, junior managerial, administrative or professional</td><td>55%</td></tr><tr><td>C2</td><td>Skilled manual worker</td><td>50%</td></tr><tr><td>DE</td><td>Semi-skilled or unskilled manual worker</td><td>50%</td></tr><tr><td>DE</td><td>Pensioners, casual workers, and other people who depend on the welfare state for their income</td><td>45%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>Need help understanding the Green Homes Grant?&nbsp;</h3>Read our guides <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/what-is-the-green-homes-grant">What is the Green Homes Grant? </a>and <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/how-to-use-the-green-homes-grant">How to use the Green Homes Grant</a> to help you better understand the Green Homes Grant as a whole, and what improvements could be made to your house.<h4>Update</h4>As of 30th September 2020, the Green Homes Grant is now taking applications for you to improve the energy efficiency of your home.&nbsp;To begin your application process, head on over to the GOV.UK website - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme">apply for the Green Homes Grant scheme</a>.&nbsp;

The poorest homeowners in England and Wales are the ones least aware of the Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme, despite being able to have all energy home improvements paid for up to the sum of £10,000. 

Poorest households least aware of Green Homes Grant

Our research shows that 45% of poorer homes aren’t aware of the scheme.

<h3>Together Energy has bought Bristol Energy for £14 million, ensuring Bristol's customers and workers do not lose out.&nbsp;</h3>Together Energy will acquire the entirety of Bristol Energy's customer base, along with the Bristol Energy brand and systems.&nbsp;It was announced earlier this year by Bristol City Council (the founders of Bristol Energy in 2015) that they would be selling the company, completing the sale of the business customer base in August.&nbsp;Together Energy employ more than 90% of its staff from Scotland's most deprived areas, so guaranteeing the jobs of 110 frontline workers when the purchase of Bristol Energy was made was a big priority of theirs.&nbsp;With Together Energy already providing 100% renewable electricity to its customer base, both companies will continue to strive to deliver green energy to new customers.&nbsp;CEO of Together Energy, Paul Richards, said:&nbsp;“There are great synergies between both companies and the acquisition is a natural fit to our growth strategy. &nbsp;We are an employer with strong social ethics and in the current climate are delighted to have secured so many jobs."“We are delighted to welcome Bristol Energy’s customers into the Together family and want to assure them that nothing is changing – tariffs, terms and conditions and how you contact Bristol Energy will all remain consistent. We also recognise the value of the brand and plan to retain it.”Cllr Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor and Bristol City Council Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Performance said:&nbsp;“Throughout this process it has been really important that we find a buyer who will not only offer a good deal for Bristol but also shares similar values. We are therefore delighted that Bristol Energy has been acquired by Together Energy which has proved committed to do the very best for its staff, customers and the environment.”Source: <a href="https://togetherenergy.co.uk/news/together-energy-acquires-bristol-energys-residential-customers-and-brand/">Together Energy</a>

Together Energy will acquire the entirety of Bristol Energy's customer base, along with the Bristol Energy brand and systems. 


Bristol Energy bought out by Together Energy

Together Energy acquires the customers and secures jobs. 

<h3>Daytime heating could see homeworkers’ utility bills rise up to £107* as winter approaches, our research suggests. &nbsp;</h3>With offices expected to remain predominantly closed as the colder weather draws in, those working at home could see their utility bills hike up by almost a fifth (18%) of their usual amount, warming their home when they would otherwise be vacant. &nbsp;Altogether, homeworking come the winter could see the nation’s energy bills rise up to as much as £1.9 billion between October 2020 and March 2021. &nbsp;While not everyone will be working from home five days a week, we broke down how much would be spent depending on how many days people worked from home. &nbsp;Typically, a homeworker's winter energy bill will increase on average £21 by working from home one day a week during the winter. Working from home four days a week would add £84 to a homeworker’s energy bill, three days £64, and two days £43. &nbsp;Our research follows earlier research we conducted, which unearthed the fact many were already in debt with their energy supplier following increased energy use at home since the lockdown began in March. We have predicted that consumers could already be in debt by up to £94 per household, which is a staggering £2 billion nationwide. This information comes at a time when most consumers would normally be in credit with their suppliers going into the winter. &nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>DAYS SPENT WORKING FROM HOME</td><td>The average winter energy bill would increase by a total of</td><td>The energy cost of days spent working from home</td><td>The energy cost of the days spent working at the office/weekend days</td><td>Winter energy bill total</td><td>Cost vs the average winter dual fuel bill (based on new winter SVT price cap)</td></tr><tr><td>5 DAYS A WEEK</td><td>£107.18</td><td>£536.29</td><td>£171.64</td><td>£707.93</td><td>+17.8%</td></tr><tr><td>4 DAYS A WEEK</td><td>£85.75</td><td>£429.03</td><td>£257.46</td><td>£686.50</td><td>+14.27%</td></tr><tr><td>3 DAYS A WEEK</td><td>£64.31</td><td>£321.77</td><td>£343.29</td><td>£665.06</td><td>+10.07%</td></tr><tr><td>2 DAYS A WEEK</td><td>£42.87</td><td>£214.52</td><td>£429.11</td><td>£643.62</td><td>+7.14%</td></tr><tr><td>1 DAY A WEEK</td><td>£21.44</td><td>£107.26</td><td>£514.93</td><td>£622.19</td><td>+3.57%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>We’re calling on energy suppliers and Ofgem to do all they can to support struggling customers. We also advise consumers to provide their supplier with an up-to-date meter reading to ensure accurate billing, while also checking they are on the cheapest tariff possible in order to help them cut back on energy costs. &nbsp;Tom Lyon, Director of Energy here at Energy Helpline, says:“With many offices expected to be partially or completely closed over autumn and winter, millions face a worrying hike in bills from working at home at the time of year when we use most energy. In addition, consumers paying by Direct Debit should normally now be in credit ahead of winter, but are finding themselves already in debt from spending more time at home since March.”“It’s vital that energy suppliers and Ofgem do all they can to support consumers who are struggling to pay spiralling energy bills. Customers who are worried should ensure they switch to the cheapest tariff and contact their supplier about ways they can help.”****Research conducted by Energy Helpline

As the winter months draw closer, it’s been predicted that energy bills for homeworkers could increase by £107 through heating their house in the daytime.

Winter energy bills could increase by £107 for homeworkers 

Staying warm indoors has its price. 

<h3>Ofgem has fined energy company SSE for failing to make inside information about the wholesale energy market known.&nbsp;</h3>Under the Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT), suppliers must divulge any information that is likely to affect the price of wholesale energy, and they must publish this inside information in a timely manner.&nbsp;The £2.06 million fine (the first relating to the publication of inside information) sends a very strong message to other energy companies about the importance of complying with REMIT.&nbsp;SSE failed to publish vital information about three particular energy units at Fiddler's Ferry power station, altogether having a combined generating capacity equivalent to 3% of Great Britain's peak electricity demand. Ofgem discovered that a deal between SSE and NGET (made on 22nd March 2016) reversed the likelihood that these three units would close, which was the general consensus. Without the market knowing that more generation was available than previously thought (due to the three units remaining open), is it likely some market participants ended up paying more for wholesale electricity than they should have.&nbsp;Jonathan Brearley, chief executive at Ofgem, said:&nbsp;“SSE’s failure to publish inside information in a timely and effective manner resulted in market participants trading for four working days under a false impression of supply availability in GB’s electricity market. This meant that market participants were likely to have paid higher prices than they needed to, and risked undermining confidence in the wholesale electricity market."&nbsp;&nbsp;"This fine sends a strong message to market participants that they must be familiar with, and keep to, their obligations under REMIT rules or face enforcement action by Ofgem.”Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-fines-sse-206-million-failing-publish-inside-information-about-wholesale-energy-market">Ofgem</a>&nbsp;

Ofgem has fined energy company £2.06 million SSE for failing to make inside information about the wholesale energy market known to other energy market participants.

SSE fined £2.06 million by Ofgem 

SSE failed to publish inside information about the wholesale market. 

<h3>Effortless Energy Ltd (Go Effortless Energy), a gas and electricity supplier with 2,500 domestic customers, is ceasing to trade.</h3>Under Ofgem's safety net, customers will continue to receive their energy supply as usual and outstanding credit balances will be protected.&nbsp;In the meantime, Ofgem will decide which supplier will take on all of Effortless Energy's customers. Once the decision has been made, the chosen supplier will contact all customers in the following weeks.&nbsp;Ofgem strongly advises Effortless Energy customers against switching suppliers at the moment and to take a meter reading ready for when the new supplier contacts you.&nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Director of Retail at Ofgem, said:“Effortless Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected."“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we’re doing this our advice is to ‘sit tight’ and don’t switch. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.” &nbsp;UPDATE:&nbsp;Ofgem have appointed Octopus Energy to take on the customers of Effortless Energy following the news of the supplier ceasing trade.&nbsp;Octopus will offer these 2,500 domestic customers a competitive tariff, while all outstanding credit balances - money owed to both existing and former domestic customers of Effortless Energy - will also be honoured.&nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s director of retail, said:“I am pleased to announce we have appointed Octopus Energy for the customers of Effortless Energy. Their energy supply will continue as normal and domestic customer credit balances will be honoured."“Octopus Energy will be in contact with customers over the coming days with further information. Once the transfer has been completed, customers can shop around for a better deal if they wish to.”Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-protects-customers-failed-supplier-effortless-energy-ltd">Ofgem</a>&nbsp;

Effortless Energy Ltd (Go Effortless Energy), a gas and electricity supplier with 2,500 domestic customers, is ceasing to trade, and Ofgem will protect both their supply and outstanding credit scores. 

Ofgem to protect Effortless Energy customers

Ofgem will make sure customer energy supply is protected after news of Effortless Energy ceasing to trade.

<h3>British Gas failed to notify some 270,000 prepayment meter customers that their top-up provider had changed from Paypoint to Payzone, and has paid out £1.48 million to customers.&nbsp;</h3>As a result, some customers wasted journeys to top up their prepayment meter cards to places that no longer offered the service, while some customers dropped off supply completely, leaving some, many of whom are vulnerable, without energy.&nbsp;This occurred at the beginning of 2020, with British Gas issuing these changes on 1st January, but only notifying customers in December of 2019, leaving a small amount of time for customers to adapt to the alterations in their supply. Not only did the changes include the top-up provider, but also the minimum top-up spend, which went from £1 up to £5.&nbsp;With such a small window of time between being notified and the changes taking place, customers were unable to switch suppliers before British Gas made the changes. Additionally, the notification alerting customers of these changes did not contain a telephone number and only internet links. Unfortunately, a lot of the customers on British Gas' prepayment meter tariffs do not have access to the internet and rely heavily on being able to pick up the phone to make a call.&nbsp;When Ofgem became aware of the problem they stepped in, and at which point were told by British Gas they were going to pay £1.48 million in compensation to the affected customers. British Gas also agreed to pat £250,000 into Ofgem's voluntary redress fund administered by the Energy Savings Trust, which helps support vulnerable customers.&nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Director of Retail at Ofgem said:“When such a fundamental change is being made, such as where meters can be topped up, energy suppliers need to communicate with their customers in plenty of time. British Gas should have informed all of their prepayment customers, many whom are in vulnerable situations, of the change to how to top-up their meters during the winter period."“Some customers were unaware of the change before it happened and may have struggled to contact British Gas as they opted not to open their general enquiries line on the go live date. Others were given insufficient time to make alternative arrangements if they were unhappy with the change of top-up provider."“Ofgem will continue to closely monitor the market to ensure that all customers are protected and treated fairly by their supplier.” &nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/british-gas-makes-payments-totalling-173-million-handling-changes-prepayment-meter-top-arrangements">Ofgem</a>

British Gas failed to notify some 270,000 prepayment meter customers that their top-up provider had changed from Paypoint to Payzone, and has paid out £1.48 million to customers. 

British Gas to pay out compensation to prepayment customers

Prepayment meter tariffs can be fraught with risk, and should be switched away from. 

<h3>Our recently conducted research has shown that the British public has ranked Energy bills as the most difficult to decipher among seven other utilities.</h3>Four in ten energy customers (that's some 11.1 million consumers) have admitted they don't understand their energy bill. Amidst the confusion, almost half of customers (46%) fail to check if their energy bill is accurate, and over six in ten don't check if they are on their supplier's best deal.&nbsp;In a bid to tackle country-wide bemusement, Energy Helpline is calling on Ofgem to revisit their 2014 bill design in order to help customers obtain better control over their energy spent.&nbsp;Tom Lyon, Director of Energy at Energy Helpline, says:&nbsp;“It’s clear that energy bills continue to cause much confusion for consumers. With complicated metrics and long-standing myths, it’s no wonder they are ranked the most difficult bills to understand by customers."“It’s absolutely critical that consumers are able to quickly and easily check their bill is correct, that it is based on accurate meter readings, and that they are on their supplier’s cheapest tariff."“That’s why we’re calling on Ofgem to revisit the rules governing bill design,which were last overhauled six years ago as part of its Retail Market Review.Given increasing energy use at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that consumers can understand their bills to stay in control of their energy use and spend.”In the meantime, we've created an extremely easy-to-follow guide to help you <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/understanding-your-energy-bill">understand your energy bill</a>, along with specific guides with some of the most popular energy suppliers, including images to make things as simple as they can be. We have also produced a plethora of other guides on <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/your-meter-supply-numbers-explained">meter supply numbers</a> and tariffs, <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/fixed-and-variable-tariffs-whats-the-difference">fixed and variable tariffs</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/what-are-unit-rates-and-standing-charges">unit rates and standing charges</a>.

Energy bills have been voted the most confusing type of bill, according to recent research conducted by Energy Helpline. 

Energy bills have been voted the most confusing around

Energy suppliers have been ranked the worst for providing customers with confusing bills.

<h3>Despite COVID-19's impact on the energy industry, July saw a huge shift towards full recovery with smart meter installations up 120% from June.&nbsp;</h3>Along with the surge in smart meters, July saw a <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/news/july-sees-16-switch-increase-on-june">significant increase in energy switches</a> compared to June, signs that things are well on their way to going back to the way things were before lockdown.&nbsp;July's figures are still down 36% against July 2019, but the void is rapidly closing, having already clawed back a staggering 152,000 smart meter installations in just one month.&nbsp;The east of England made up over 20,000 of the installations, with the West of England and the East Midlands very close behind. Since the smart meter installation programme began, the UK has seen 13,620,245 homes have one installed.&nbsp;Ofgem announced in June - alongside Government guidance - that smart meter installations would once again resume as lockdown begins to ease. The Government decided to extend the existing rollout obligation for six months as well, along with the decision for a new regulatory framework. Energy suppliers are now expected to continue making the necessary steps to roll out smart meters to their domestic and non-domestic customers by 30 June 2021.&nbsp;One of the key benefits of smart meters is the customer's control of their energy usage, and is also a key step in the direction for achieving Net Zero by 2050.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.electralink.co.uk/2020/08/smart-meter-installs-see-a-dramatic-recovery-in-july-with-a-120-percent-increase-from-june/">ElectraLink </a>&amp; <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/smart-meter-rollout-energy-suppliers-progress-and-future-plans-open-letter-june-2020">Ofgem&nbsp;</a>

Despite COVID-19's impact on the energy industry, July begins to see a huge shift towards full recovery with smart meter installations up 120% from June. 

Smart meter installations up 120% from June 

July sees a huge recovery in the installation of smart meters across the UK. 

<h3>Electricity switching shot up 16% between June and July of this year, reaching a monthly total of 545,000.</h3>June 2020 witnessed 470,000 energy switches, but as lockdown began to ease in early July, figures shot up, leading to the highest number of switches completed in the month of July since records began. A total of 545,000 switches is almost 3% higher than July 2019, which was a record in itself.&nbsp;As the country slowly comes out of stricter lockdown conditions , it seems energy consumers have become more conscious of their utility bills. Switching records have also seen a big shift away from the Big Six, who tend to offer more expensive energy tariffs, with a huge 31% increase.&nbsp;Subsequently, the number of switch requests to move to one of the Big Six are at their lowest levels for over a year, with only 58,000 of the 545,000 switches being made with one of the major energy suppliers (EDF, E.ON, British Gas, SSE, ScottishPower and npower).&nbsp;With recent news of the <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/news/price-cap-falls-but-switching-remains-cheaper">price cap falling</a> come October 2020, we might even see switching figures exceed those of July's, as people begin to realise that despite a lower annual average SVT cost, they could be saving a significant amount more on their energy bills by moving to a fixed tariff.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.electralink.co.uk/2020/08/challenger-energy-suppliers-make-gains-as-switching-leaps-in-july/">ElectraLink</a>&nbsp;

June 2020 witnessed 470,000 energy switches, but as lockdown began to ease in early July, figures shot up, leading to the highest number of switches completed in the month of July since records began. A total of 545,000 switches is almost 3% higher than July 2019, which was a record in itself. 

July sees 16% switch increase on June 

In a month, energy switching has rocketed.

<h3>Ofgem has announced that the price cap for standard variable tariffs has fallen by £84 and prepayment meter tariffs by £95, which will take effect from 1 October 2020.&nbsp;</h3>The average annual SVT is now sitting at £1,042, the lowest the price cap has been since it was introduced in 2018, due to the coronavirus pandemic lowering wholesale energy demand.This comes as good news to energy customers who are on SVTs and prepayment meters, who could end up saving money if they are on poor-value deals.&nbsp;However, customers on any other energy deals, such as fixed-term tariffs, are already beating the price cap by paying a cheaper, set annual rate for their energy.&nbsp;It’s worth mentioning that as the UK adjusts back to normal, demand for wholesale energy will go up, and as a result, the energy price cap could, too.&nbsp;Fixed energy tariffs are the ideal way to protect yourself from said price hikes, and due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, there are some great value-for-money deals on the market. While the price cap might lower the price you pay per unit of energy if you’re on an SVT or prepayment meter tariff, they’re still the most expensive deals on the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;Victoria Arrington, spokesperson for Energy Helpline, comments:“Although the price cap is moving to its lowest level since its introduction in 2018, these regulated variable tariffs - £254* more expensive than the best deal on the market - represent anything but good value."“Lower wholesale energy prices have also increased the number of competitive, fixed tariff deals – meaning now is a particularly good time to consider switching.In addition, these deals lock in today’s low price for 12 months or more, protecting from any potential future price rises."“Competitive, fixed tariffs are particularly important given increased energy usage during the Covid-19 pandemic, which means consumers are spending more on energy this year. Recent analysis by Energy Helpline indicates that Direct Debits, based on pre-lockdown usage levels, may be widely under-billing customers to the tune of £94.45 per household."“This means that,at a time when consumers would normally be increasing credit to balance out the cost of their winter bills, they may actually be quietly building up debt.It’s important that consumers give suppliers an up-to-date meter reading to make sure bills reflect the energy actually used,in order to avoid significant domino debt later in the year.”<h3>Over a million switched and saved with Energy Helpline</h3>From August 2019 to July 2020, we have helped over a million customers^ switch and save money on their annual energy bills.&nbsp;Despite the price cap falling back in April to £1,127, there has still been an increase in customers switching their energy tariffs to lock in great prices for a fixed period.&nbsp;&nbsp;To become a saver, switch today by entering your postcode on our main page to get started. Continue by filling in a few usage details and we’ll be able to show you the best deals tailored to your search results.****Savings figures are calculated with the cheapest available tariff available as of 06/08/20 (Outfox the Market’s “One Green Flex 2.0”, priced at an annual average cost of £788) vs. the new Price Cap rate as of 1st October 2020, priced at £1,042. All energy calculations are based on an average usage dual fuel household paying by monthly direct debit on a single rate meter.Average usage as defined by OFGEM is 12,000 kWh pa of gas and 2,900 kWh pa of electricity. Correct as of 07/08/2020.^Energy Helpline data, Aug 2020.

Ofgem has announced that the price cap for standard variable tariffs and prepayment meters has fallen. 

Price cap falls, but switching remains cheaper 

Switching still remains the most effective way to ensure savings. 

<h3>The UK Government has confirmed a brand new £1.3 billion investment for up to 45,000 homes and other eco-friendly infrastructure, which will bring us closer to Britain’s green recovery.&nbsp;</h3>The building of houses is expected to also create around 85,000 new jobs and reduce 65 million kilograms of carbon emissions across England.&nbsp;The project taking place in Mayfield Park, Manchester, is expected to bring in around 3,200 jobs alone, and will attract more than one million visitors a year.&nbsp;Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said:&nbsp;“As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.”The plans surrounding the Green Homes Grant Scheme, which will offer support for home improvements to speed up Britain’s green recovery, has also been announced. Low-income households can have 100% of their improvements covered up to a maximum of £10,000.&nbsp;Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said:&nbsp;“Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.”In order for tradespeople to get in on Britain’s green revolution, they must register for TrustMark accreditation. If you’re a tradesperson, you could see yourself helping out with the installation of low-carbon heating, and other various home improvement infrastructure.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/08/04/government-confirms-1-3bn-infrastructure-investment-for-green-recovery/">Energy Live News&nbsp;</a>

The Government has confirmed a £1.3bn investment in order to build up to 45,000 homes and cut a staggering 65,000 tonnes of CO2. 

Green infrastructure development gets £1.3bn investment

Up to 45,000 houses to be built and 65,000 tonnes of CO2 to be slashed. 

<h3>Renewable energy made up 37.1% of Britain's electricity in 2019, compared to 33.1% in 2018.&nbsp;</h3>Wind farms alone provided the UK with a record 20% of electricity in 2019, while also setting new records in the annual quantities of power it provided, with both onshore and offshore generating 32 terawatt-hours (TWh), out of the total 121TWh that renewables generated.&nbsp;Another promising statistic is that low carbon generation from renewables and nuclear energy reached a record of 54.4%, despite nuclear falling to 17.3% due to maintenance and outages, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Gas also generated 40.6% and coal reached a record low of 2.1%.&nbsp;RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Melanie Onn, said:&nbsp;“In 2010 less than 7% of our electricity came from renewables, now it’s 37%. But we know that to tackle the existential threat of climate change, we need to decarbonise not just electricity, but also heating and transport, where progress has been glacial.”Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said:&nbsp;“The growth of renewable electricity in the UK continues to be a major success story. The UK continues to break records and the success of getting to just under 40% renewable electricity generation in a little over a decade needs to be celebrated.”Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/07/31/renewables-set-new-record-by-providing-a-third-of-electricity-in-2019/">Energy Live News</a>

Renewable energy made up 37.1% of Britain's electricity in 2019, compared to 33.1% in 2018. 

Renewables generated over a third of electricity in 2019

2019 has seen a 4% increase on 2018. 

<h3>Ofgem seeks large investment to help Britain’s electricity distribution networks support the growing presence of greener methods of heating, transport and the surge in green energy production. &nbsp;</h3>The funds are needed to help local networks expand their energy-carrying capabilities in order to manage higher demand and the increase in green electricity flowing through the grid. &nbsp;<h2>Unlocking the funds for a greener Britain</h2>The funding Ofgem have proposed will help deliver the capacity and infrastructure needed to support an extra 11 million electric vehicles on Britain’s roads by 2030. &nbsp;With the investment also comes the ability to be able to deliver environmentally-friendly heating to Great Britain’s homes and businesses, connecting locally sourced energy to local communities. &nbsp;Along with the objective to support the existing processes of green energy production and its transportation across the country, is the aim to unlock a new strategic innovation fund worth £450 million to help drive even more research and green energy development. &nbsp;<h2>Cutting the costs you pay</h2>Customers can expect to see less of their money going towards network company's profits, and more towards improving network distribution capabilities and fighting climate change. &nbsp;Ofgem also continues to ensure that the costs of delivering green energy to British energy customers are kept as low as possible, in order to keep tariff costs down and encourage people to switch. &nbsp;Ofgem’s CEO, Jonathan Brearley, says:“Our proposals will help turn Britain’s streets green, putting in place the wires and technology for families to travel in electric vehicles and heat their homes and businesses with clean energy.”“The green energy transformation is not just about putting more copper in the ground. We need a modern, digital grid that uses all our energy assets as efficiently as possible”“Local electricity networks will be at the forefront of eliminating harmful carbon emissions from the country, helping tackle climate change, so it’s vital they have the investment they need to do this whilst keeping costs as low as possible for consumers.”<h2>Global increase in the use of renewable energy</h2>The global use of renewable energy in the first three months of 2020 was 1.5% higher than in the first three months of 2019, according to the <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2020/renewables">Global Energy Review 2020</a>. Furthermore, renewable electricity made up 28% of global electricity generation in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 26% in the first quarter of 2019. &nbsp;This increase was driven by an estimated rise of around 3% in renewable electricity generation, after the completion of additional solar and wind power projects in 2019.Promisingly, the green energy forecast for 2020 suggests renewable electricity generation will grow a further 5% despite the supply chain and infrastructure construction delays caused by the coronavirus. &nbsp;<h2>Help out and switch to green energy</h2>Customers around the UK save a great deal of money annually by switching to a better value-for-money energy deal, and now with the number of green energy suppliers increasing, customers can save money and the planet. &nbsp;Using our own data at the time of writing, there are 126 green energy tariffs on the market that customers have the choice to switch to. In fact, the third cheapest deal on the market is Green’s CherryBlossom tariff, with an average annual price of £800. When compared to the average gas and electricity tariff price of £1,127, you could potentially save £327* by switching to green energy. &nbsp;Enter your postcode on our main page to get started and switch to a green energy deal today. &nbsp;****The Green CherryBlossom tariff costs an average £800 a year. It is £327 less than the current typical cost of a UK gas and electricity bill of £1,127 a year. These are for an average UK home paying by monthly direct debit on a standard gas and electricity tariff with a Big Six supplier. Average usage is currently defined by the energy regulator Ofgem as 12,000kWh of gas and 2,900 kWh of electricity per year. If your usage is higher or lower than this, the rates will be fixed and the amount you pay will depend on your usage. Prices correct as of 30/07/2020.

Ofgem have proposed potential investment in order to secure the capacity to support 11 million electric vehicles and get them on the road by 2030. 

Ofgem strive for greener streets by 2030

Further funding could see another 11 million EVs on the road. 

Ofgem strives for greener streets by 2030

<h3>Ofgem has revealed that it plans to tackle energy brokers, so millions of microbusinesses can get a fairer energy deal. &nbsp;</h3>If you own a small business, your days of being hampered by unscrupulous energy brokers could be over. An Ofgem review revealed that microbusinesses were hindered by hidden agendas when dealing with energy brokers, locking them into poor value-for-money energy deals. &nbsp;As small business owners, you could end up saving thousands, which is the estimated sum of money microbusinesses are overpaying a year in broker commission charges, according to Ofgem. &nbsp;Ofgem’s plans mean energy brokers will have to make commission fees and key contract details much clearer when interacting with microbusinesses. Ofgem’s proposal will make shopping around for energy deals a much fairer and simpler experience for microbusinesses. &nbsp;To give you an example of the unethical practices some energy brokers are guilty of, a Business Energy Claims (BEC) case study revealed the experience of a particular golf club. The broker said it would search the entire market for the best deal, but only offered one. This particular deal had a hidden commission of 50% of the golf club's energy spend. BEC estimate the golf club now owes £24,000 in ‘hidden’ commission charges.&nbsp;Ofgem has stepped in to make sure this does not become a regular occurrence, to protect people who own small businesses, and to ensure energy brokers remain transparent throughout their transactions. Microbusinesses will also find it easier to switch between energy suppliers, as administrative barriers are to be removed. &nbsp;Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s Director of Future Retail Markets, Consumers &amp; Markets said:“Providing greater transparency and tackling unscrupulous brokers will help microbusinesses get a better, fairer energy deal. This is more important than ever as microbusinesses emerge from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”“These proposals are part of Ofgem’s wider work to improve the energy retail market through smart metering, extra support for vulnerable customers, plus faster and more reliable switching.”

Ofgem unveils plans to make sure microbusinesses get fairer deals on their energy supply. 

Mircobusinesses to get fairer energy deals, Ofgem unveils

Ofgem plans to tackle energy brokers taking advantage of small businesses.  

<h3>Switching is back on the up, with 450,000 people switching in June 2020 - up 1% on June 2019.</h3>This marks the first increase in switching rates since lockdown begun, with close to 3 million customers moving suppliers in total so far this year. This isn't as many as the same point last year, but it's positive to see people switching and saving once again.&nbsp;Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s chief executive, said:“It is positive that 3 million consumers have switched supplier in the first half of the year despite the pandemic. I’d encourage everyone to make sure they’re on the best deal either by getting in touch with their current supplier or by shopping around."“The best way to save on your energy bill in the long-term is by making your home more energy efficient. I’d urge all eligible households to take advantage of the new ‘Green Homes Grant’, announced by the Chancellor last week. Energy efficiency improvements will save money, cut emissions and create jobs, kick-starting the Green Recovery.”Source: <a href="https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/media-and-campaigns/press-releases/463-2020/7586-switching-goes-up-for-the-first-time-since-lockdown.html">Energy UK</a>

Switching is back on the up, with 450,000 people switching in June 2020 - up 1% on June 2019.

Switching rates back up for first time since lockdown

3 million have switched so far this year.

<h3>The UK Government is investing £40 million into nuclear energy technologies in order to speed up development.&nbsp;</h3>£30 million will be dedicated to supporting three Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) projects in Oxfordshire, Chesire and Lancashire, with the aim to boost their low carbon heat and hydrogen supplying abilities across the United Kingdom.AMRs produce heat generated in nuclear reactions to produce low carbon electricity, and because they are much smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, they can be used at remote locations.&nbsp;The £30 million is being divided between Tokamak Energy, Westinghouse and U-Battery, who will all receive £10 million each. To put things into perspective, one successful nuclear technology project producing low carbon energy could power a city the size of Leeds.&nbsp;£5 million will go to start-up British companies with much smaller research, design and manufacturing projects, which is expected to create around 200 jobs.&nbsp;Nadhim Zahawi, Business and Industry Minister, said:&nbsp;“Advanced modular reactors are the next step in nuclear energy and have the potential to be a crucial part of tackling carbon emissions and climate change."“Today’s investment will immediately create new jobs in Oxfordshire, Cheshire and Lancashire. But through this vital research, the technology could also create thousands more green collar jobs for decades to come.”The remaining £5 million will being invested in strengthening the UK’s nuclear regulatory regime, in an effort to ensure it remains “one of the most robust and safest in the world.”Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/07/13/uk-government-invests-40m-to-develop-next-gen-nuclear-tech/">Energy Live News</a>

The UK Government is investing £40 million into nuclear energy technologies in order to speed up development.

UK Government to invest £40m in nuclear projects

The money will be divided among businesses to create low carbon energy.

<h3>Ofgem has proposed a £25 billion 5 year investment programme to transform Britain's energy networks.&nbsp;</h3>The two major areas Ofgem wants improved are suppliers delivering emission-free green energy, along with world-class customer service and reliability, which can be a major flaw in some energy suppliers on the UK energy market. When these proposals are implemented, customers will see a direct benefit, not only in vastly-improved customer support, but in more affordable green energy, too.&nbsp;The networks that transport our energy around Great Britain are likely to receive increased funding, ensuring they can meet Government targets for Net Zero (carbon-emission free 2050) by more effectively carrying clean energy around the country. Ofgem hopes this investment will generate more green energy growth and employment, helping environmentally-conscious customers do their part for the planet's welfare by opting for emission-free energy.&nbsp;Ofgem aims to keep energy costs as low as possible for consumers, by proposing the lowest rate of return for network companies and telling companies to be much more efficient with how they operate.&nbsp;Ofgem's chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, said:&nbsp;“Ofgem is working to deliver a greener, fairer energy system for consumers. This is why we are striking a fair deal for consumers, cutting returns to the network companies to an unprecedented low level while making room for around £25 billion of investment needed to drive a clean, green and resilient recovery."“Now more than ever, we need to make sure that every pound on consumers’ bills goes further. Less of your money will go towards company shareholders, and more into improving the network to power the economy and to fight climate change."“Ofgem’s stable and predictable regulatory regime will continue to attract the investment Britain needs to go further and faster on decarbonisation.”Ofgem will unlock additional funding to drive green energy that companies can unlock over the next five years, but Ofgem have been very clear that they will only grant access to these funds if the investment will deliver decarbonisation at the lowest cost to consumers.Ofgem's proposal also nearly halves the allowed rate of return of network companies, meaning the extra profit they would have made will go towards network improvements. Ofgem reckons this will save £3.3 billion over the next five years for the gas and transmission sectors.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-proposes-25-billion-transform-great-britain-s-energy-networks">Ofgem</a>

Ofgem has proposed a £25 billion 5 year investment programme to transform Britain's energy networks.

Ofgem proposes £25bn investment programme

Ofgem want suppliers delivering better value for customers and more clean energy.

<h3>In total, 100 council homes in Southampton will soon be fitted free of charge with energy-saving LED lightbulbs to help people save money and drive down their carbon footprint.&nbsp;</h3>With help from green energy supplier CitizEn Energy, 17 council houses in Southampton have already been installed with 96 lightbulbs, with the rest of the work for the remaining houses to continue shortly.&nbsp;In tandem with CitizEn Energy, Southampton Council are also looking to get residents on more competitive energy deals, with the hopes of reducing carbon emissions further and saving them money.&nbsp;Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place, said:&nbsp;“We set ambitious, challenging goals to help tackle climate change, this includes being a carbon neutral council by 2030."“We are committed to in excess of 60 activities that we are going to deliver over the next three years to ensure we achieve our vision of being a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable council.”With Southampton Council leading the way, let's hope others follow suit.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/07/03/southampton-council-installs-energy-saving-lightbulbs-for-free-to-reduce-electricity-bills/">Energy Live News</a>

In total, 100 council homes in Southampton will soon be fitted free of charge with energy-saving LED lightbulbs to help people save money and drive down their carbon footprint.

Southampton Council installs energy-saving lightbulbs in council homes for free

The Council hopes to be carbon neutral by 2030.

<h3>Ofgem has announced that they will provide more financial help and support for prepayment customers and those struggling to pay their energy bills. &nbsp;</h3>When the UK went into lockdown the UK’s energy suppliers voluntarily agreed to put measures in place, like being able to nominate a third-party to go and top up your prepayment card if you’re self-isolating, to ensure these kinds of customers remain supplied with energy. &nbsp;The industry regulator now wants to offer more permanent protection. Even prior to coronavirus they were concerned about the growing number of prepayment customers, who are also often classed as vulnerable, that go without energy after their credit runs out. &nbsp;Under Ofgem’s new proposals:<ul><li>Suppliers must provide emergency and friendly hours credit to prepayment customers, so extra credit when their meter is about to run out to tide them over until they’re able to top up.</li><li>Those prepayment customers who fall into the vulnerable category will be able to receive credit while they work out another way to pay. For example, somebody who is unable to go out and top up due to a disability.</li><li>Suppliers will set repayment rates based on the customer’s ability to repay and keep an eye on the arrangement to make sure it’s still viable.</li></ul>Many suppliers do already offer help to vulnerable and prepayment customers, for example offering emergency credit between £5 and £20, but the introduction of these proposals will help to make it standard across the industry. &nbsp;“It is always best for customers to keep up with their energy bills if they can. But at this time when many may face financial hardship, these proposals mean those who are struggling to keep up are assured of some breathing space,” said Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem.Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/more-help-prepayment-customers-and-those-struggling-bills">Ofgem</a>

Ofgem pledges more help for prepayment customers and those struggling with bills

The industry watchdog wants to protect prepayment customers and those struggling financially.

Ofgem pledges permanent help with energy bills

<h3>Ofgem have finalised their proposal for driving up customer service standards for existing suppliers.&nbsp;</h3>While growing suppliers are able to offer the innovative products and low prices, some are struggling to keep pace with the larger, more competitive suppliers on the market.&nbsp;With added demands placed on suppliers during the coronavirus lockdown, it is now extremely important suppliers remain resilient, treat their customer base fairly and are supporting those who need it most.&nbsp;If growing suppliers fail to meet financial obligations while being able to effectively serve their customer base, Ofgem could stop them from taking on new customers.&nbsp;Mary Starks, Executive Director of Consumers and Markets, said:&nbsp;"Now more than ever we need to ensure that suppliers are set up in the right way to treat customers fairly and meet the challenges of today’s energy system.""These proposals will drive up suppliers’ customer service standards and lead to greater resilience in the sector, whilst reducing the risk and costs to consumers associated with supplier failure.”Source: <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-publishes-final-proposals-raising-standards-existing-suppliers">Ofgem</a>

Some suppliers could be stopped from taking on new customers.

Ofgem update customer service criteria for suppliers

<h3>Centrica, the owner of British Gas, is set to launch a digital-only brand to challenge its lower-priced competitors by offering discounted deals on electricity and gas.&nbsp;</h3>The aim of setting up British Gas X is to establish a brand name that can directly compete with the number of low-cost start ups that have lured thousands of customers away from British Gas.Centrica hopes the new business venture can win back customers who have switched away from British Gas to rivals with cheaper rates, by switching again to British Gas X.&nbsp;British Gas will continue to offer its premium service to customers, including all of the household extras that come with some of their tariffs. The two sibling brands will not compete with each other for the same customers.&nbsp;The head of Centrica's home services division, Peter Simon, will run British Gas X, while Matthew Bateman, who runs Centrica's field operations, will manage the existing British Gas supply business.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/22/centrica-plans-cut-price-british-gas-x-to-take-on-digital-rivals">The Guardian</a>&nbsp;

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, is set to launch a digital-only brand to challenge its lower-priced competitors by offering discounted deals on electricity and gas. 

Centrica to launch British Gas X

There's a new, low-cost digital energy supplier on its way.

<h3>New research published by comparethemarket.com has revealed 4.1 million people are paying on average £94 more a year than they would on a normal credit meter.&nbsp;</h3>Like other energy tariffs on the market, prepayment tariffs can be either fixed or variable, and much like other tariffs, variables tend to be the most expensive on the market. 64% of prepayment customers on a standard variable tariff are paying on average £1,195 a year - £39 more than a non-prepayment meter SVT. A fixed prepayment meter tariff is on average £33-a-year more expensive than a standard fixed tariff, too.&nbsp;There is a staggering £219 difference between the annual price for the average standard variable tariff and the average standard credit meter fixed term tariff. This difference rises to £431 per year when compared against the cheapest fixed credit meter tariff on the market.&nbsp;It seems customers on prepayment meters are very limited in their choice of energy deals. The research conducted revealed that there are just four fixed prepayment meter tariffs customers can switch to, and only 45 variable. When compared to the 293 tariffs on option for non-prepayment customers, there really isn't much choice.&nbsp;Head of Energy at comparethemarket.com, Peter Earl, said:&nbsp;“It is hugely concerning that prepayment meter customers – some of whom are undoubtedly classed as vulnerable – are paying considerably more for their energy on average than those on a standard credit meter."“According to the latest government fuel poverty statistics over two million households are living in fuel poverty. British Gas’ swift reversal of its decision to only allow top-up of its prepayment meters by a minimum of £5 earlier in the year underlines how far consumers struggling to make ends meet must make each pound go.”Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/06/10/pre-payment-customers-overpaying-nearly-390m-a-year-on-energy-bills/">Energy Live News</a>

New research published by comparethemarket.com has revealed 4.1 million people are paying on average £94 more a year than they would on a normal credit meter. 

Pre-payment customers collectively overpaying £390m

4.1 million customers over paying a lot more than necessary.

<h3>Close to 100 businesses have signed up to the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, vowing to make all of their buildings carbon emission free by the year 2030.&nbsp;</h3>The companies to have signed the Commitment will now have to work in order to make all the buildings they own or develop, generate zero carbon emissions by 2030, giving them a time-frame of just under 10 years. &nbsp;62 of the signatories are businesses and organisations, who, collectively, are expected to spare 3.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the environment. Making up the rest, 28 cities and six states and regions have also signed the commitment, which was also help bring the amount of emissions entering the earth's atmosphere down significantly.&nbsp;CEO of the World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa, said:&nbsp;“Buildings are our planet’s largest consumers of energy. Measures to reduce consumption and energy waste in buildings offer the fastest way to unlock carbon savings, but they are often overlooked and prioritised."“As we overcome the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must prioritise resilience. Net zero building can benefit people, economies and the planet and must form a part of the bold and decisive action necessary to tackle the climate emergency.”Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/06/05/wave-of-businesses-promise-to-make-their-buildings-net-zero-by-2030-at-the-latest/">Energy Live News</a>&nbsp;

Close to 100 businesses have signed up to the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, vowing to make all of their buildings carbon emission free by the year 2030.

Nearly 100 businesses promise net zero by 2030

Companies vow to make their buildings emission-free for worldwide net zero by 2050.

<h3>UK energy customers could be facing an average debt of £94 per household by the end of summer 2020, our research has revealed. &nbsp;</h3>Britons have been consuming up to 30% more energy than normal during lockdown but monthly direct debits are still being calculated from pre-lockdown levels of energy usage. &nbsp;As a result, many customers are likely being underbilled for their energy. This eats up any credit you would normally incur during the summer when we generally use less energy, which in turn leads to this accumulation of debt. &nbsp;It begins a domino effect of having to pay more for your energy over the coming months even as offices, schools, shops and factories begin to reopen. &nbsp;In the worst case scenario, this could lead to customers being caught in a catch-up cycle of debt. The unfortunate combination of no credit to see you through the winter and added debt repayments could cause monthly direct debits to rise considerably.Thankfully, there is a very simple solution to all of this and the best way to prevent domino debts is to <a href="https://www.energyhelpline.com/">switch for free with Energy Helpline</a> today. You could save up to £461* on your annual energy bills!After you’ve secured a great price for your energy with us there’s plenty of small things you can do around the home to reduce your costs even more.Some of our top tips include: &nbsp;<ul><li>Replace your existing light bulbs with energy efficient ones</li><li>Try to take shorter showers</li><li>Make sure your TVs, game consoles and other appliances aren’t on standby</li><li>Wash your clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40</li></ul>

 Monthly direct debits for energy are still being calculated using pre-lockdown levels of energy usage which is predicted to have a knock-on effect causing energy costs and debt to rise in the coming year.

Monthly direct debits could soar as a result of pre-lockdown rates being used to determine usage.

£2.6 billion of surprise energy debt could lead to domino debts in 2021

<h3>Renewable energy generated over 40% of Britain’s power in the first three months of 2020 overtaking fossil fuels for the first time. &nbsp;</h3>30% was produced by wind power which experienced a particularly huge boost in February when the UK was battered by some major storms.&nbsp;The arrival of Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis and the like meant that it was the first month when more electricity was produced by wind farms than gas-fired power stations in the UK.Solar power, biomass energy and natural gas also all contributed.It’s hoped that this trend for renewable energy will continue with more offshore wind farms set to come online this year and one of Britain’s three remaining coal plants to close next March. &nbsp;Overall, demand for electricity in the UK has fallen significantly due to the lockdown imposed by the coronavirus outbreak.It’s down by 13% to its lowest level since 1982 due to a reduction in transport services and the vast majority of schools, offices and factories being closed since late March. &nbsp;Domestic power has increased however as the country continues to work and learn from home.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-renewable-energy-overtakes-fossil-fuels-in-powering-britain-11991953">Sky News</a>

A new study has highlighted that in the first three months of 2020 renewable energy sources generated more power than fossil fuels in Britain.

Renewable energy overtakes fossil fuels in powering Britain

Wind power accounted for 30% of that after an incredibly stormy February.

<h3>According to the International Energy Agency, global emissions will fall by a record 8% due to the coronavirus lockdown.</h3>With a great deal of the population indoors, the electricity demand around the world has been greatly reduced as a result of lockdown and social distancing measures. In areas where industrial operations outweigh domestic energy demand, emissions have fallen by a staggering 20%.&nbsp;Global coal demand has been hit the hardest according to the International Energy Agency, which has fallen by nearly 8% when compared to the first three months of 2019. Oil is also down 5% having been hit hard as a result of the reduction in road and aviation transportation, which have both fallen by nearly 50%.The International Energy Agency states:&nbsp;"We explore a scenario that quantifies the energy impacts of a widespread global recession caused by months-long restrictions on mobility and social and economic activity. Within this scenario, the recovery from the depths of the lockdown recession is only gradual and is accompanied by a substantial permanent loss in economic activity, despite macroeconomic policy efforts."“The result of such a scenario is that energy demand contracts by 6%, the largest in 70 years in percentage terms and the largest ever in absolute terms. The impact of Covid‑19 on energy demand in 2020 would be more than seven times larger than the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on global energy demand.”"It notes all fuels will continue to be affected in the future – it forecasts oil demand could drop by 9% on average across the year, returning consumption to 2012 levels, with coal demand potentially dropping by 8%.""While drops in gas and nuclear power demand are expected to accelerate, renewable demand is expected to increase because of low operating costs, preferential access to many power systems and new power systems coming online."Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/04/30/iea-coronavirus-lockdown-to-see-global-emissions-fall-by-record-8/">Energy Live News</a>

With a great deal of the population indoors, the electricity demand around the world has been greatly reduced as a result of lockdown and social distancing measures.

Global emissions set to fall 8% due to Coronavirus lockdown

Energy and oil demand around the world has fallen.

<h3>Durham has managed to reduce its emissions by a staggering 47% between 2009 -2019.&nbsp;</h3>With Durham's air quality continuing to improve, the city's carbon dioxide emissions has already fallen by almost half after committing to an 80% reduction in council's carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.&nbsp;The news comes after a recent study published by Solar Centre, which explored government government data on UK cities, and proceeded to rank them according the waste management, carbon dioxide emissions, green spaces and air quality.&nbsp;Out of the 59 cities Solar Centre analysed, Durham came out top, with Swansea second and Newcastle Upon Tyne ranking third.&nbsp;John Clare, Member of Durham County Council, said: “We are pleased to receive this recognition for our work to combat climate change, which is a testimony to the amazing work of the council’s environment and low carbon teams."“Creating a clean and green county is at the core of the council’s Climate Action Plan and we will continue to build on these promising figures. This includes helping businesses and residents become more energy efficient and integrating clean technology in our county’s infrastructure.”Source: <a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/04/27/durham-deemed-the-greenest-city-in-the-uk/">Energy Live News</a>

With Durham's air quality continuing to improve, the city's carbon dioxide emissions has already fallen by almost half after committing to an 80% reduction in council's carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

Durham labelled "greenest city in the UK"

The city has seen the largest reduction in emissions.

<h3>Energy UK's monthly switching figures were published today, revealing that 589,297 customers switched their energy supplier in March, totalling 1.6 million switches so far in 2020.&nbsp;</h3>Although, while appearing like a large amount at first, this number is actually down by 4.3% on March 2019. But switching is still up by 10% so far in 2020 compared to the same point in 2019.&nbsp;Here's what Audrey Gallacher, Energy UK’s interim chief executive, had to say on the matter:“While switching can be a way to save money, the best way to save money in the longer term is through energy efficiency.&nbsp; So, while we are managing the challenges thrown at us from the current lockdown, I’d encourage people to consider whether they could be saving money by being more energy efficient.""Simple measures such as switching lightbulbs, reducing energy use or doing some minor adjustments around the home, like draught proofing doors and windows, can help save you money off your bill and help the environment at the same time.”Source: <a href="https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/media-and-campaigns/press-releases/463-2020/7479-nearly-600-000-switch-in-march.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Energy UK</a>

Energy UK's monthly switching figures were published today, revealing that 589,297 customers switched their energy supplier in March, totalling 1.6 million switches so far in 2020. 

Almost 600,000 switch energy suppliers in March

We've got the latest figures from Energy UK.

<h3>The energy sector has agreed new measures with the British Government to ensure energy customers across the United Kingdom remain supplied with gas and electricity through these extremely uncertain times. &nbsp;</h3>These new measures focus particularly on help for those most affected by the social distancing and isolation measures, such as customers on prepayment meters who often have to leave the house to top-up their credit meter. &nbsp;Along with other customers prioritised, the talks with the government also covered topics such as: &nbsp;<ul><li>Customers who have been directly impacted as a result of lockdown measures, such as those who have lost a portion of their income or who have been made redundant.</li><li>Ensuring all credit meters remain connected, except in cases of safety, theft and vacant properties.</li><li>Extra care committed towards prepayment customers, such as extending credit, sending out pre-loaded top-up cards or allowing customers to nominate a third party to collect credit bought at a shop.</li><li>For those in financial stress, reducing or pausing prepayment bill payments for domestic customers will be considered and possibly assessed based on individual circumstance.</li><li>Making advice, information and guidance available to all customers who need it, as well as directing additional monetary support for those who are struggling financially.</li></ul>Source: <a href="https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/media-and-campaigns/press-releases/463-2020/7467-powering-the-nation-and-supporting-customers.html">Energy UK</a>&nbsp;

The energy sector has agreed new measures with the British Government to ensure energy customers across the United Kingdom remain supplied with gas and electricity through these extremely uncertain times.  

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