Ahead of the Erasmus Energy Forum, meeting in Rotterdam on 28-29 June, Volker Beckers and Wolf Ketter argue that we need a joint understanding of the need for energy transition and how to implement the necessary changes. Once that is…
Perspective
OPINION: For industry codes, form should follow function and the customer comes first
by New Power • • Comments Off
Tony Thornton, head of transformation at Gemserv, says a single Retail Energy Code could help support a simplified consumer-centric code governance model, but it must be implemented around a complex reform programme already under way. Aligning codes to function is a…
OPINION: Energy networks are making too much profit
by New Power • • Comments Off
Morgan Wild, senior policy researcher at Citizens Advice, thinks it is time for Ofgem to re-examine its assumptions. Market comparisons justify lower returns and reduced cost allowances in the next RIIO period Energy networks are making bumper profits. Ofgem’s…
OPINION: The energy industry needs a ‘grand bargain’ on flexibility
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The future of European energy depends on flexibility. This calls for a regulatory rethink based on a grand bargain between all players, says Simon Hobday, partner at Osborne Clarke If the future’s bright, the future’s flexible. The two go…
OPINION: a holistic approach is crucial to establishing the credibility of DSR
by New Power • • Comments Off
Robert Owens, VP asset optimisation at SmartestEnergy, argues that DSR providers must maintain standards to maintain confidence in this important new market With this week’s Transitional Arrangements auction clearing higher than expected at £45/kW, there is now a chance…
OPINION: Local authorities should join the battery gold rush
by New Power • • Comments Off
Mark Bramah of Municipia and Marc Wynn of Asset Utilities argue that local authorities should take the lead in developing electricity storage to develop a new income stream Councils undertake energy projects for different reasons: as a means of…
OPINION: energy industry must prepare for customer power and technology shocks
by New Power • • Comments Off
Domestic and business customers, are about to become much more important drivers of change in the energy market, and in a decade they could be far more influential than utilities or central government. When they take up new technologies the…
OPINION: Please come back bankers, all is forgiven – we need wholesale market liquidity
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Dominic Whittome, consultant and ex-energy trader, regrets the loss of banks and other third parties from commodities and power trading In November the Financial Times reported that Barclays was winding down its energy – largely oil and gas – trading business,…
OPINION: Tidal power can help cut carbon emissions
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Andrew Crossland, energy storage specialist and blogger at MyGrid, says we should invest in tidal lagoons to increase the diversity of our energy supplies and reduce our carbon emissions The UK is committed to carbon reduction in all sectors of…
OPINION: Take the Brexit opportunity to engineer a better energy landscape
by New Power • • Comments Off
Chris Evans, deputy managing director at Rolton Group, says this is a good time to reassess our steps towards a low-carbon economy, broaden our technology choices, and move heat up the agenda The start of 2017 has not alleviated the…