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29.03.2012
ASDA delighted with MEUC help
ASDA, a long standing member, are delighted with the assistance they receive from the MEUC. David Olivant, the Energy Procurement Manager said “Many thanks for your support. The door opening and people access the MEUC provides is invaluable when key issues arise.
08.03.2012
WATER CUSTOMERS CHALLENGE TO SUPPLIERS
MEUC is playing a leading role in the Water Regulator OFWAT’s new Customer Advisory Panel. At its first meeting MEUC Chairman, Andrew Bainbridge, said price was only one of the issues which concern business users. Bad billing was a serious problem.
23.02.2012
Calling Public Sector Organisations
The Carbon Trust is inviting public sector organisations to take part in carbon reduction programmes for 2012-13. The charge is £9K-20K dependent on the level of support required (such as a carbon management toolkit and bespoke site visits).
15.02.2012
The MEUC will be at The Energy Event taking place on 11th and 12th September at NEC Birmingham.
If you are investigating your company’s energy use, compliance with legislation, sustainable and cost effective energy efficiency, or procurement solutions come and talk to us at The Energy Event in September. Register your free place by quoting MEUC at www.
13.02.2012
Water regulator OFWAT is advertising for a Chair.
Water regulator OFWAT is advertising for a Chair. Remuneration is £100,000 per annum for three days’ work a week. OFWAT is responsible for making sure that water and sewerage companies provide customers with good quality service at a fair price.
13.02.2012
The English water sector is due for radical reform
The English water sector is due for radical reform and the 3rd meeting of MEUC’s Water Competition Action Group due to be held in Coventry on 26th April, is attracting an exceptional level of attention from customers, suppliers and consultants.
13.02.2012
ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) – long-standing MEUC member and provider of contracting and procurement services in the public sector, is advertising for a Director.
ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) – long-standing MEUC member and provider of contracting and procurement services in the public sector, is advertising for a Director. Salary is up to £127,000 for someone who can expand the organisation’s horizon and work with new partners, markets and customers.
08.02.2012
Congratulations and sincere thanks to WWAM Writers who compile our "Energy Snapshots"
Congratulations and sincere thanks to WWAM Writers who compile our "Energy Snapshots" which is emailed to members on a regular basis. They have just completed their 6th year of service to members. During the 12 months ending with the latest issue they provided 1183 reports of which 395 concerned the UK.
08.02.2012
Andrew Buckley shares his thoughts on the npower website
Andrew Buckley, Director General of the MEUC, shares his thoughts on the latest move by DECC to see what help businesses need to better manage their electricity need s on the npower energy blog. Click here to read the blog.
03.02.2012
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme - Eddie Proffitt
The MEUC are submitting comments to the Government regarding the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. Have your say by contacting Eddie Proffitt, Gas Group Chairman, before February 10th 2012.
11.01.2012
MEUC met with Richard Benyon, MP on 13th December to discuss the need for water competition
A group of MEUC members met Richard Benyon, MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries on the 13rth December 2011 to discuss the need for competition in water supply. Representations from AstraZeneca, B&Q, Asda, PowerEfficiency, Waterscan, Cadantis and others outlined their problems in relation to issues with billing disputes from multiple suppliers and lack of help on reducing water consumption and effluent discharge.
11.01.2012
Interesting new job - Buying Manager wanted at Tesco
Tesco want to recruit a Buying Manager which will involve seeking new and untested opportunities for Energy sourcing. If you’re interested in a fast moving and volatile trading environment you will find further information on their web site www.
15.12.2011
Red Tape Challenge Consultation - Hugh Conway
The slide presentation by Dr Jeanie Cruicksank given to the MEUC Westminster meeting on 8th December has been posted on our web site. Please click here to view the presentation. It is important that your views and suggestions to reduce bureaucracy within the energy sector are known and that you respond to this consultation.
02.12.2011
MEUC Chairman Andrew Bainbridge was awarded the prestigious "Outstanding Contribution to the Energy Industry" accolade last night at the EMAP Energy Awards.
MEUC Chairman Andrew Bainbridge was awarded the prestigious "Outstanding Contribution to the Energy Industry’"accolade last night at the EMAP Energy Awards, which took place at Grange St Pauls in the City of London. Asked how he felt about winning the most coveted award of the evening he said “This could not have been achieved without the wonderful support of Andrew Buckley and the very talented MEUC team.
16.09.2011
16/9/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Consent has today been granted to Anglesey Aluminium Metal Renewables to construct a biomass fuelled power station at Penrhos Works, Holyhead, Anglesey. The plant will generate 299 MW of electricity, enough to power approximately 300,000 homes – equivalent to around a quarter of the homes in Wales.
01.09.2011
OFGEM PROVIDES FRESH IMPETUS TO INDUSTRY EFFORTS TO CUT GAS THEFT – Eddie Proffitt
Energy regulator Ofgem is today publishing analysis of proposed industry measures to tackle gas theft more effectively. The industry has developed three broad options on how it can better tackle gas theft. Ofgem has analysed these options in terms of their costs and benefits from the perspective of consumers and is now consulting on these options.
04.08.2011
4/8/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Energy Minister Charles Hendry will today give the go-ahead for InterGen’s proposals to construct a new 900MW gas power plant at the London Gateway Logistics Park, Coryton, Essex. The plans are for a new £600 million power station comprising of up to two CCGT generating units, each around 450MW in capacity.
29.07.2011
29/7/11 - Ofgem recently published "factsheets" - Hugh Conway
Ofgem has recently published several "factsheets" that may be of interest to business customers. Please click the links below to access the factsheets. Ofgem Factsheet - Switching for Business Customers Ofgem Factsheet - Energy Contracts for Business Customers Ofgem Factsheet - Renewable Heat Incentive
01.06.2011
Test drilling for shale gas in the north of England has been halted after the latest minor quake hit. -- Eddie Proffit
Cuadrilla, the company responsible for the gas drilling, suspended drilling as a precaution after Friday’s 1.5 magnitude quake. This followed a 2.2 quake on April 1 which was also centred on Poulton-le-Fylde. The drilling process, known as fracking, involves shattering shale rocks deep underground to release the gas.
16.05.2011
16/5/11 - £8 million fine imposed on National Grid Gas Distribution by Ofgem -Eddie Proffitt
Under the provisions of its licence, NGG is required to provide to Ofgem for each regulatory year a report of the mains decommissioning work completed by NGG in that year. Ofgem used Ernst & Young to carry out an investigation to which NGG co-operated fully.
07.04.2011
7/4/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
U.K. natural-gas deposits trapped in shale formations are twice the proved reserves of the North Sea, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Britain’s has 20 trillion cubic feet (567 billion cubic meters) of shale gas that is “technically recoverable” compared with 9 trillion in proved gas deposits in 2009, the department’s Energy Information Administration said in a report dated yesterday
02.04.2011
DECC lays foundations for smart meters rollout - Eddie Proffitt
A crucial step in delivering the UK’s energy security and low carbon future was taken today with the publication of the Government’s plans for the national rollout of smart meters. . Alongside the Government’s response to the Smart Meters Prospectus consultation, the Department of Energy and Climate Change has set out the overall strategy and timetable for the installation of 53 million smart meters in 30 million homes and businesses across Great Britain, estimated to have a net benefit to the nation of £7.
25.03.2011
Climate Change Levy discount to increase back to 80% for organisations with Climate Change Agreements – Hugh Conway
Chancellor George Osborne announced in Wednesday's Budget that from April 2013 he will increase the Climate Change Levy electricity discount for firms which sign up to Climate Change Agreements (CCA) from 65 per cent to 80 per cent. He also confirmed that he would extend the tax break scheme for firms that sign up to CCAs until 2023.
14.03.2011
14/3/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
The European Union called a meeting of the bloc’s energy ministers, power companies and regulators for tomorrow to discuss nuclear safety as Japan struggles with reactors damaged by an earthquake. “The meeting tomorrow (Tuesday), called by EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger, will be a comprehensive safety check,” said Helen Kearns, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, the EU executive in Brussels.
11.03.2011
11/3/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
U.K. natural gas for delivery next winter rose after an earthquake in Japan halted nuclear power stations, raising concern that liquefied natural gas cargoes may be diverted away from Britain. Gas for winter 2011/12, gained as much as 1.5 pence, or 2.
08.03.2011
8/3/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
“The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister backed cross-Government action plan on climate change has been launched today which sets strict actions and deadlines that Whitehall will have to meet to ensure that the Government lives up to its ‘Greenest Government’ ever aim.
04.03.2011
4/3/11 - News updates from Eddie Proffitt
1. Centrica Plc, Britain’s biggest energy supplier, has put four gas-fed power stations on “preservation mode,” halting some of the company’s least-efficient plants for at least a year to cut costs. Centrica said no production is forecast from stations at Barry, Kings Lynn, Peterborough and Brigg for the next 52 weeks, The shutdowns remove 1,231 megawatts of power capacity, or about 2 percent U.
01.03.2011
1/3/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Liquefied natural gas imports by the U.K. rose 54 percent in February and surpassed Spain, the world’s third-biggest LNG buyer after Japan and South Korea, according to Pan EurAsian Enterprises Inc. Shipments to the U.K. climbed to 76.1 billion cubic feet (1.
16.02.2011
16/2/11 - Electricity Market Reforms – Hugh Conway
Far reaching changes to the GB electricity market are proposed in the EMR consultation announced by the coalition government before Christmas. It actively seeks comments on its proposals which are likely to result in significant increased costs to all sections of the community.
15.02.2011
15/2/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Gazprom said it would win any future legal dispute with natural-gas buyers over contracts linked to oil prices. “If it does come to arbitration proceedings, we are pretty confident,” Gazprom Deputy Chief Executive Officer Alexander Medvedev said in London.
25.01.2011
25/1/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Another gas fired power station approved. Energy Minister Charles Hendry today gave the go-ahead for ScottishPower to construct a new 1,000 megawatt gas-fired power station near Hoo St Werburgh in Kent, adjacent to the existing Damhead Creek 800 MW gas-fired power station.
20.01.2011
20/1/11 - Market Developments - Don McGarrigle
OPERATING EXTENSIONS TO NUCLEAR STATIONS Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power plants have had operating extensions for a further five year period up until 2019. There could be extensions granted for other AGR nuclear plant over the next few months.
13.01.2011
13/1/11 - ELECTRICITY CHARGES LATEST NEWS - Hugh Conway
ELECTRICITY CHARGES LATEST NEWS ========================== EDCM Consultation December 2010 - updated illustrative charges ================================================== Now available on ENA web site: EDCM area: http://2010.energynetworks.org/edcm-file-storage/ Transmission Use of System Charges from April 2011 ========================================= Now available on NGC web site Electricity area: www.
07.01.2011
DNO consultation on common electricity distribution use of system charging methodologies - EDCM proposals
On 7th January Ofgem published a letter reminding interested parties that the DNOs' consultation document along with illustrative prices for each of the 14 DNO areas is available on the Energy Network Association's website at the following link: http://energynetworks.
07.01.2011
MEUC Carbon Action Group
Prior to Christmas we have spent some time developing a new page for the MEUC web site to support the Carbon Action Group. The aim of this Group is to cover all carbon related matters both for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and the Climate Change Agreements/Climate Change Levy.
06.01.2011
6/1/11 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
OFGEM ANNOUNCES PROPOSED PENALTY OF £8M ON NATIONAL GRID GAS FOR MISREPORTING OF INFORMATION Ofgem intends to impose a penalty of £8m and to find National Grid Gas in breach of obligations to provide accurate information. Proposed penalty would have been higher had it not been for the co-operation and corrective action by National Grid Gas.
22.12.2010
Buying and Using Utilities - December 2010 Edition
Buying and Using Utilities -December Edition Click here to view the latest issue
21.12.2010
21/12/10 - Gas Balancing Alert - Eddie Proffitt
National Grid have just declared a GBA for tomorrow due to the forecast demand of 458.7 mcm exceeding the trigger level of 452.4 mcm. The Distribution Networks have also increased the number of LDZs likely to be interrupted to eight.
20.12.2010
20/12/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
WARNING! GAS BALANCING ALERT ISSUED - Monday 20 December 2010 A GBA has been issued today by National Grid at a level of 452.4 mcm against a forecast demand of 465.7 mcm. Initial indications from the real time flow data show that the supply side has reacted to meet the extra demand.
20.12.2010
20/12/10 - Gas demand/supply balance tightens – Eddie Proffitt
Eddie Proffitt, spokesman for the Major Energy Users Council, told Platts: The supply side had responded well to the gas balancing alert, but “most sources are fairly well stretched” and it would not need demand to go much higher to lead to an emergency.
02.12.2010
2/12/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
DECC - Youth Panel Report "Research published today shows huge support for renewable energy among young people with 94 per cent of those questioned saying that offshore wind was the ‘fairest’ energy technology, 81 per cent saying onshore wind, and 94 per cent supporting solar energy.
23.11.2010
23/11/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Smart meters. The U.K. wants to accelerate the introduction of smart-power meters in the nation’s homes, completing installation as early as 2016. The previous government’s 2020 target “was insufficiently ambitious,” Greg Barker, Britain’s minister for energy and climate change, said today.
10.11.2010
Government opens up carbon capture and storage demonstration to gas - Hugh Conway
Having failed to get an adequate take up from coal the Government has opened up carbon capture and storage demonstration to gas and announced that the carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration programme - the three projects that will follow the first demonstration- will be open to projects on gas-fired power plants as well ascoal-fired power plants.
30.10.2010
30/10/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
LNG Import Expansion. Isle of Grain phase 3 set to receive first delivery Friday 29 October 2010. The U.K.’s Isle of Grain terminal are set to receive liquefied natural gas on Friday at a new storage tank and jetty capable of docking the world’s largest carriers.
22.10.2010
Government Spending Review - Hugh Conway
In his statement to Parliament on 20th October the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that revenues generated by the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme would be retained by the Treasury. He also announced that the RHI (Renewables Heat Incentive) scheme would be financed by general taxation Further details can be found by going to the following link (Document pages 62-65): http://cdn.
22.10.2010
22/10/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Gas storage licence awarded for major North Sea project The Government today issued a Gas Storage Licence for ENI’s proposed major new gas storage facility at the Deborah field, under the Southern North Sea near the Bacton terminal.
09.10.2010
9/10/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
NATIONAL GRID’S 2010-2011 WINTER OUTLOOK REPORT: OFGEM WARNS AGAINST COMPLACENCY National Grid has today (Thursday) published the final winter outlook report for 2010-2011. The report is produced yearly to set out the availability of gas and electricity supplies for the coming winter.
30.09.2010
30/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Will energy suppliers choose to gamble? Ofgem, Britain’s energy regulator, today proposed energy suppliers should give 30 days notice before any price rises are made to “help consumers work out whether they are getting a good deal in their energy,” the regulator said in a statement on its website.
26.09.2010
26/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Government advised to re-design ‘complex’ CRC scheme for the second phase The Committee on Climate Change has recommended that Government re-designs the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) energy efficiency scheme prior to the start of the second phase (2013-2017), in order to reduce its complexity.
24.09.2010
24/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
1. Ofgem’s Monitoring of suppliers' social programmes 2009-10 In the 2008 Budget, the Chancellor announced an increase in suppliers’ collective expenditure on their voluntary social programmes. Ofgem reports, on their web site, on the range of measures suppliers’ undertook to assist their vulnerable and fuel poor customers in the second year of the voluntary commitment (April 2009 - March 2010).
22.09.2010
Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme. – Hugh Conway
The latest data published by DECC on 20th September show that less than 2500 large businesses out of an estimated 4000 have registered for the CRC scheme. Missing the 30th September deadline will incur an immediate £5,000 fine and £500 for each day after that, up to a maximum of £45,000.
22.09.2010
Nuclear Power – Hugh Conway
It has been reported in the Times newspaper that E.ON AG has written to the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne to protest against remarks he made last week at a House of Commons committee hearing suggesting a rejection of a proposed consumer-funded levy to support new British nuclear stations.
16.09.2010
16/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
A new website which explains the science behind the headlines on climate change was launched today by Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Sir John Beddington. The website presents an overview of some of the most important areas of study in climate science, to help anyone wishing to get beyond the day-to-day headlines to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental scientific issues involved.
14.09.2010
14/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Energy security boost as go-ahead given to new gas storage capacity project The UK’s gas storage capacity is set to rise by 15 per cent after the Government today gave the go ahead, following a public inquiry, for WINGAS Storage to convert its Saltfleetby onshore gas field into an underground gas storage facility.
10.09.2010
10/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Feed in Tariff Update from Ofgem Issue 1/September 2010 Key Facts 1. Figures up to 9 September 2010 show that 9,350 units are now registered to participate – this includes both units that have been newly installed since the FIT scheme went live on 1 April and installations that were previously claiming payments under the Renewables Obligation 2.
06.09.2010
6/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Is this the way to bridge the UK’s “Energy Gap”? The German government has agreed to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants in exchange for payments to fund alternative energy projects. Coalition leaders yesterday in Berlin agreed to allow seven reactors built before 1980 to run eight years longer than planned and 10 newer plants to remain open an additional 14 years, said Klaus Breil, the ruling Free Democratic Party energy spokesman, who took part in the talks.
03.09.2010
3/9/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Despite the threat of increased legislation, most of the UK’s largest companies do not currently measure their carbon footprint, a survey has found. Three quarters (74 per cent) of finance heads from UK companies with more than 500 employees said their companies have not yet measured their carbon footprint in a poll published today by the Carbon Trust.
27.08.2010
27/8/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
Under sea CO2 storage licensing plans published 27 August 2010 DECC Press Notice: 2010/097 The Government today set out how it will license the storage of carbon dioxide under the sea bed, following responses to its recent consultation on the geological storage of CO2.
26.08.2010
26/8/10 - News update from Eddie Proffitt
One North Sea - Joint Ministerial Statement on Climate Change and Energy Security PRESS NOTICE Reference: 2010/096 Date: 25 August 2010 On the occasion of the 2010 ONS Conference and Exhibition, an important industry event attracting several hundred Norwegian and British energy companies and investors; Recognising the historical significance and important on-going role of offshore North Sea oil and gas in our bilateral trade relationship; Identifying the growing potential for North Sea marine renewable energy projects to bring new investment and green job opportunities and to strengthen energy security in the region; Acknowledging as a priority the need to apply new technology for the further development of North Sea petroleum resources in the most efficient, safe and environmentally responsible manner; The Norwegian Minister for Petroleum and Energy and the British Minister of State for Energy agree the following priorities for UK and Norway cooperation: Oil and Gas • Further develop the valuable relationship between Norway as gas supplier and the United Kingdom as an important gas consumer.
24.08.2010
24/8/10 - Green levies set to triple over decade. - Hugh Conway
Research from think tank Policy Exchange reveals how the total levy in energy, effectively tax to pay for climate and renewable energy policies is set to soar by 2020. Policy Exchange's figures reveal that by 2020, the cost of policies like the Renewables Obligation and Feed-in Tariffs, which pay householders to produce power uneconomically through technologies like solar, will hit over £16bn a year.
10.08.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 10/8/10
1. Huhne ends Local Authority power struggle Councils across Britain will from next week be allowed to sell renewable electricity to the grid and should assume their rightful place leading a local power revolution, Chris Huhne will say today in a letter to all local authorities.
01.08.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 31/7/10
News update from Eddie Proffitt 31/7/10 1. A group led by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. has offered to buy EDF’s U.K. power distribution networks unit for 5.8 billion pounds ($9.1 billion). Cheung Kong Infrastructure, subsidiary Hongkong Electric Holdings Ltd.
29.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 29/7/10
19/07/2010 - Statement Regarding Potential Combination of International Power plc and GDF SUEZ Energy International GDF SUEZ announces that it is in preliminary discussions with International Power regarding a possible combination of International Power and GDF SUEZ Energy International Business Areas (outside Europe) and certain assets in the UK and Turkey ("GDF SUEZ Energy International"), to create an enlarged International Power which would be listed on the Official List of the Financial Services Authority (“Official List”) and traded on the Main Market of London Stock Exchange.
27.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 27/7/10
Coalition sets out energy policy as new analysis points to scale of 2050 challenge (Press release) The UK’s energy and climate change policy was today recalibrated for the long term, supported for the first time by comprehensive analysis of plausible pathways to a secure, low carbon energy system in 2050.
18.07.2010
Hugh Conway - The Environment Agency has made the following announcement on its web
QUOTE: " Disaggregation deadline (30 June 2010) We understand some organisations are having difficulty making their initial registration by the 30 June deadline for disaggregation. If this applies to your organisation please send us an email, quoting your CRC reference number, confirming your intention to register and disaggregate as soon as possible to: CRCHELP@environment-agency.
09.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 9/7/10
1. "Chris Huhne today announced the start of a market sounding process for the UK’s Carbon Capture and Storage Demonstration Programme. This is not a formal consultation, but is intended to help the Department to explore workable options for the CCS demonstration project selection and funding processes, and learn about projects being considered by industry.
08.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 8/7/10
DECC Press Release: Huhne to overturn ban on councils selling green electricity Carbon footprint for England’s local councils revealed A ban on councils selling green electricity into the national grid is to be overturned, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said today as the carbon footprint of every local council in England was published.
06.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 6/7/10
Anaerobic digestion - Realising the potential Government invites discussion on the future of energy from waste "Climate Change Minister Greg Barker and Environment Minister Lord Henley are today jointly chairing an Anaerobic Digestion Round Table with industry.
04.07.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 4/7/10
National Grid Preliminary Stakeholder Consultation The future of energy is changing and this winter National Grid will be consulting a wide range of stakeholders on what they want National Grid’s Transmission business to deliver. This consultation is the first in a series of engagements, which will be used to help shape their business plans for 2013 and beyond.
30.06.2010
McKinnon & Clarke buys Encore - Hugh Conway
McKinnon & Clarke buys Encore McKinnon & Clarke (M&C),a energy procurement and compliance specialist company,has purchased energy risk specialist,Encore for £6.25m. Its CEO,Simon Northrop , believes this latest acquisition is an important step in the creation of a 'next generation' energy consultancy,saying "The challenges facing organisations when managing their energy consumption are complex and potentially detrimental to the success of their business.
29.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 29/6/10
Energy Minister gives go-ahead to new North Sea development (Press Release) Press Release The vital role of North Sea oil and gas in securing the UK’s future energy supplies was underlined today in Aberdeen by Energy Minister Charles Hendry, as he approved the development of a new oil and gas field.
22.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 22/6/10
News from BIS The members of the Business Advisory Group established last month have been confirmed. The group will act as an informal advisory board to the Secretary of State. The members are: Professor John Kay - visiting Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics.
18.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 18/6/10
Business Secretary Vince Cable today confirmed Government support for multi million pound investments to secure low carbon and science projects in the UK and the Post Office Network. This followed the Treasury concluding a review of significant projects announced since January to check they were affordable, value for money and that they fitted in with the priorities of the Coalition Government.
15.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 15/6/10
1. Chris Huhne has delivered an Oral Statement to Parliament on the implications for the UK of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. "The House will wish to join me in expressing our deepest sympathy for those bereaved or injured in the explosion on 20 April.
10.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 10/6/10
No hiding place for Whitehall energy waste - Huhne Greener, transparent government took a step forward today with two ministries displaying their energy use in real-time, on-line, for the first time. The Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Home Office will be followed by all central government HQs in the coming months, making good on a promise made by Prime Minister David Cameron only three weeks ago.
07.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 7/6/10
Programme for Government - Have Your Say on Energy and Climate Change Policy Do you want to help shape the Coalition Government's energy and climate change policies? The Programme for Government website gives you the opportunity to enter public discussion on key areas.
02.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 2/6/10
1. EDF Energy makes payments totalling £200,000 to two consumer organisations following Ofgem investigation - information note EDF Energy has made payments of £200,000 to the Money Advice Trust and to a Citizens Advice led scheme after Ofgem found the company had breached new regulations setting standards for handling customer complaints.
01.06.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 29/5/10
1. Ministerial responsibilities at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Press Release) The new ministerial responsibilities at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) were announced today: Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change • DECC strategy and budgets • Energy market reform • Carbon price • Annual Energy Statement • Energy Security • National Security White Paper • DECC Delivery Landscape • Devolved Administrations ________________________________________ Greg Barker MP, Minister of State for Climate Change Supports the Secretary of State on: • Climate change • International climate change • Climate Science • Energy efficiency • The Green Deal • Public sector energy efficiency including greening DECC • Carbon reduction commitment • Climate Change Agreements • Fuel poverty • Social tariffs • Warm Front • Promoting interests of energy consumers • Green Economy, green jobs and skills • Green Investment Bank • Green ISAs • Decentralised energy and small scale renewables (inc cooperative/local ownership and business rates) • Energy innovation, including marine energy (wave and tidal) • Heat • Environment Council • National Carbon Markets & EU ETS • CERT and CESP ________________________________________ Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for Energy Supports the Secretary of State on: • Security of supply • Resilience and emergency preparedness • Renewable energy • CCS and coal policy • New nuclear • Grid policy including smart grids and network of recharging points • Smart meters • Gas policy • Oil and Gas exploration, licensing and revenues • Offshore environment and decommissioning • Planning reform and consents • Levies policy • Regulation and competition in the energy sector • Nuclear waste, decommissioning, NDA • Plutonium • Nuclear safety and security • Nuclear non-proliferation • International energy • International oil markets • Energy Council • Coal Authority ________________________________________ Lord Marland of Odstock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Supports the Secretary of State on: • Departmental performance and delivery • Efficiency • Lean regulation • Departmental Carbon Budgets • Managing liabilities, including coal health and the Concessionary Fuel Scheme • Departmental business in the Lords 2.
21.05.2010
Huhne backs Aberdeens energy industries
Huhne backs Aberdeen’s energy industries • North Sea is at the heart of our energy security • Renewables will come of age under this Government Aberdeen today received a vote of confidence from new UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne.
20.05.2010
DECC's Ministerial team is now as follows: - Hugh Conway reports
DECC's Ministerial team is now as follows: •Secretary of State, Chris Huhne •Minister of State, Gregory Barker •Minister of State, Charles Hendry •Parliamentary Under of State, Lord Marland For details go to links shown at http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/about.
16.05.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 15/5/10
News update from Eddie Proffitt 15/5/10 1. "The new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne has now started work, joined by Charles Hendry and Greg Barker as Ministers of State. Chris Huhne outlined his priorities in his new role: “Climate change is the greatest threat to our common future.
05.05.2010
Europeans now happier with nuclear plant safety - Hugh Conway
Most Europeans believe that nuclear power plants can be operated safely but still think they are a 'risk', according to an extensive Eurobarometer survey. The results of the survey of 26,470 European citizens across all 27 European Union member states, carried out in September and October 2009, have now been published by the European Commission in a 168-page document, Europeans and Nuclear Safety.
28.04.2010
Doubts over carbon capture - Hugh Conway
A new paper by Christine Ehlig-Economides and Michael J. Economides of Houston University is getting more than a little attention because it claims that CCS (carbon capture and storage) is a deeply flawed concept and that it is impractical as a solution in significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
21.04.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 21/4/10
The natural gas producing Nations have formed an organisation known as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum that some believe is an attempt to form a Gas ‘OPEC’. The group met this week in the Algerian coastal city of Oran. Prior to the meeting Algeria had called for production cuts to reduce the overproduction in the Global gas market however this failed to find support at the GECF meeting.
08.04.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 8/4/10
France is to propose C02 market supervision. A government-appointed French commission will propose European-wide regulation of CO2 spot markets by the end of April in a bid to tackle fraud, the economy ministry said this week. “With the experience we already have of financial instruments we should find solutions to regulate carbon markets,” a ministry adviser said.
05.04.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 5/4/10
1. Another Gas Power Plant Approved by Government Today the Government gave the green light for a 1,520 Megawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Carrington, Greater Manchester. The consent accompanied publication of a number of papers setting out the Government’s strategy for ensuring secure UK gas supplies to 2020 and beyond.
05.04.2010
"Nuclear Build: A vote of no confidence?"
Engineers will be interested to study a report published by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers on the nuclear build programme. It has given it the title, "Nuclear Build: A vote of no confidence?" The report's main recommendation is that more leadership and commitment to the proposed nuclear build programme from both Government and industry is needed if it is to succeed.
31.03.2010
OFGEM ANNOUNCES MEASURES TO SPEED UP ENERGY INDUSTRY REFORMS
Proposals will cut red tape, speed up the reform process and allow consumer representatives to participate more actively Ofgem publishes today (Wednesday) final proposals resulting from the Code Governance Review to introduce a wide range of changes to the industry codes (the set of rules that underpin the gas and electricity industry in GB) that will: make the existing arrangements more transparent and accessible, increasing the scope for smaller players and consumer groups to participate; speed up and simplify code reform processes so that large scale and complex changes can be made more quickly; and reduce the regulator’s role in code modifications that have little or no customer impact, allowing the industry more self-governance in line with better regulation principles.
18.03.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 18/3/10
1. "The coldest winter for 30 years has led to Storage levels at Rough, the U.K.’s biggest gas storage site, being at their lowest level at this point in the winter than at any time in the last five years. National Grid data show’s that there is now less than 5 days of gas left in the offshore facility.
15.03.2010
Delivery Timetable for Feed-in Tariff administrative systems
The Feed in Tariff Order was laid before Parliament on 9th March by DECC. The order and the FIT licence modification should therefore be become effective on 1st April, as planned. For more information log in to members section.Click here.
08.03.2010
More imported gas capacity
"BBL, the pipeline carrying gas between Holland and the UK, have announced that they intend to increase the capacity by 20% by 1st December. The existing capacity is 42 million cubic meters per day, which will be increased to 50.6 mcm/day by improvements to a compressor station.
08.03.2010
Electricity Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Charges for England and Wales
Click here for information on Electricity Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Charges for England and Wales, download each Distribution Network company’s charges from April 2010:
27.02.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt 25/2/10
1 - Natural Gas Production 2009 The output from UK natural gas fields in the North and Irish Seas dropped to 64.5 billion cubic meters in 2009. This is a 14% reduction compared with 2008. The figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change web site also show that for the fourth quarter of 2009 the reduction was even greater at –18%.
25.02.2010
GOVERNMENT AND OFGEM NEED TO DO MORE ON DELIVERY OF A SMART GRID SAY MPS
The House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee published its report on the future of Britain’s electricity networks on 23rd February. The Committee calls on government to provide strategic leadership to ensure the timely delivery of a smart grid.
24.02.2010
OFGEM TO DELIVER AN IMPROVED DEAL FOR SMALL AND INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SUPPLIERS IN WHOLESALE MARKETS
Hugh Conway - An informative series of documents from Ofgem Please click here to view the documents
24.02.2010
Eddie Proffitt - A follow up to yesterday's news item - a statement from Milford Haven Port Authority
"The following is a statement from Milford Haven Port Authority. 22nd February 2010 (23.30) MEDIA STATEMENT Last minute talks today between MHPA and the Unite trade Union, with the involvement of ACAS have resulted in a suspension of planned strike action.
22.02.2010
Threat to LNG Supplies - news update from Eddie Proffitt
"Talks are continuing tonight (Monday 22 Feb. 10) in an attempt to prevent a strike of pilots and crew at the port of Milford Haven in southwest Wales. The Unite union plans to hold a 12-hour strike from 6 a.m. tomorrow over a pensions dispute. Talks between Unite and the Milford Haven Port Authority began at 1 pm today.
18.02.2010
News update from Eddie Proffitt
1. Delegates from QatarGas have held discussions with Suez Canal officials over the company’s shipments of LNG through the canal. This follows a report that Qatar intends to almost double its annual shipment of LNG to the U.K. from 9 million tonnes to 17 million.
16.02.2010
Renewable Heat Incentive Consultation - Responses Invited
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has issued a consultation document setting out its proposals for the design and operation of the Renewable Heat Incentive. The aim of the proposal is to provide financial support to encourage business and domestic users switching to renewables from fossil fuels for heating.
16.02.2010
Two news updates from Eddie Proffitt
1. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has issued a licence to Gateway Storage to built an offshore storage site under the Irish Sea off the Lancashire Coast. The facility will hold 1.5 billion cubic meters (compared with Rough's 3.5 bcm) and Gateway are aiming for 2014 to begin commercial operation.
14.01.2010
MEUC Underlines Gas Worries
MEUC Gas Chairman Eddie Proffitt is quoted in The Guardian Click here to read the full article
11.01.2010
Andrew Bainbridge quoted in the Metro Newspaper regarding Gas Supply
Click here to read the article.
29.11.2009
Energy Minister launches MEUCs national Carbon and Credit Roadshow
The MEUC's Credit and Carbon Roadshow visited Central London, Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester, York and Birmingham during November. Afternoon Executive Briefings brought delegates up to date with the MEUC's Energy Credit Action Group and the Government's Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.
27.11.2009
Roland Gribben joins MEUC team
We are pleased to announce to new key appointments to maintain the momentum of the MEUC's expansion. Roland Gribben, the former Business Editor of the Daily Telegraph, has joined the team as Newsletter Editor. Roland's vast experience and seasoned eye is proving a great asset in reporting on and interpreting developments in the utilities markets for Members.