<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.  

Energy News

Latest energy news

Ofgem proposes £25bn investment programme

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

Ofgem pledges permanent help with energy bills

Ofgem update customer service criteria for suppliers

Centrica to launch British Gas X

Pre-payment customers collectively overpaying £390m

Nearly 100 businesses promise net zero by 2030

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

Renewable energy overtakes fossil fuels in powering Britain

Global emissions set to fall 8% due to Coronavirus lockdown

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