Tuesday, January 14, 2014
JANET Extends With SSE Telecoms
Can SSE PLC’s Share Price Return To 1,676p?
Scottish Power launches power cut awareness drive
UK GAS-Prompt prices mixed on weather outlook
£10,000 prize for grabs as npower launches developer competition for energy-saving app
EDF, GDF Suez to invest in Belgian nuclear reactor: Report
Monday, January 13, 2014
EDF acquires 194 MW Texas wind power project
British Gas to abandon house insulation scheme as funding is pulled
FOI release: Expenditure on clothing
Request for information on DECC's expenditure on clothing for each year between 2007-08 and 2012-13.
France's Total to invest in British shale gas
French giant Total dips a toe in UK shale but BP and Shell unlikely to follow
EDF Acquires New Mexico Wind Project
UPDATE 3-Total deal speeds up UK shale gas race
EDF pulls in $14bn book for dollar senior/hybrid, adds century bond
MMSD finally gets gas pipeline project from Muskego working
Peter Pan star proposes to co-star live on stage at SSE Hydro Arena
Gazprom Says Europe Gas Exports Up 16% in 2013
EDF Should Cut Factory Rates by Fifth, French Industry Says (1)
EDF Renewable Energy acquires wind project in New Mexico
Big Oil joins U.K. shale gas hunt
Shell And Gazprom Start Fracking Key Russian Site
Once upon a time, EDF Energy turned out to be actually really nice…
Kalzip roof looks good and sounds perfect
Will There Be a British Shale Revolution?
Total first major to buy into British shale gas
UK shale plans 'substantial' drilling expansion
SSE Stock Rating Lowered by BNP Paribas (SSE)
Total deal speeds up shale gas race in Britain
India: gas price hike official
UK GAS-Prompt prices fall on healthy supply
EDF Should Cut Rates to Factories by Fifth, French Industry Says
Total speeds up UK shale gas race as first oil major to enter market
eCORP UK and partners joined by Total UK in British shale exploration effort
News story: Local councils to receive millions in business rates from shale gas developments
Shale gas: today's announcement
The Prime Minister will announce that councils can keep 100 per cent of business rates they collect from shale gas sites – double the current 50 per cent figure.
This commitment could be worth up to £1.7 million a year for a typical site. It will be directly funded by central government.
Community benefits for local people will also be strengthened. Last year, the industry announced that local communities would receive £100,000 when a test well is fracked – and a further 1 per cent of revenues if shale gas is discovered. This could be worth £5 to £10 million a year for the typical site.
The industry has today confirmed it will further consult on how this money can best be shared with the local community, with options including direct cash payments to people living near the site, plus the setting up of local funds directly managed by local communities.
Read Facts about Fracking for answers to frequently asked questions about shale oil and gas and fracking.
Shale gas: building a stronger economy
The decision to back the shale gas industry is part of our long-term economic plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy, create more jobs and secure a better future for Britain.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
A key part of our long-term economic plan to secure Britain's future is to back businesses with better infrastructure. That's why we're going all out for shale. It will mean more jobs and opportunities for people, and economic security for our country.
Shale gas represents a huge economic opportunity for the UK with research from the Institute of Directors showing investment could reach £3.7 billion a year and support 74,000 jobs in the oil, gas, construction, engineering and chemicals sectors. The industry will today set out proposals on how best to secure a role for UK companies as part of its supply chain as shale gas production develops in the UK.
Shale gas: investment already unlocked
Today's action builds on the action the government has already taken to back our shale gas production sector, which has already unlocked investment.
In the Autumn Statement 2013, we introduced the most competitive tax regime in Europe for shale gas; new operators in this emerging industry will now have an effective tax rate that is lower than in the US.
We have streamlined and simplified the regulation of exploration activity through the Environment Agency, including developing a single application form for permits and we will go further in 2014 - the Environment Agency aims to reduce permitting times for low-risk activity from 13 weeks to approximately 2 weeks during 2014.
Centrica last year announced an investment of up to £160 million in shale gas projects in the Bowland shale. GDF Suez recently announced a £25 million investment for several shale gas and coal-bed methane projects in Cheshire and the East Midlands. The 14th onshore licensing round, planned for later this year, is expected to bring more new entrants to the market, helping ensure the UK is able to get the most value from its onshore oil and gas.
EDF issues $4.7bn of dollar senior, adds century bond
Open consultation: Implementing the Energy Efficiency Directive provisions on gas and electricity billing
This consultation document seeks views on the government's approach to the implementation of Articles 10 and 11 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, as they apply to the billing of gas and electricity.
Articles 10 and 11 set out requirements on regular billing and billing based on actual consumption, the provision of information to energy service providers, the availability of electronic billing information and bills and the provision of information to customers with the bill.
The consultation will run for six weeks.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Gas customer slams Npower over billing
France's Total to Invest in UK Shale Gas Industry
Piped gas, CNG likely to cost more from April
UK goes 'all out for shale'
David Cameron promises tax breaks as UK goes 'all out for shale gas'
Oil and gas — a new frontier
Natural Gas Futures Rise on Cold Weather, Record Supply Drop
UK offers local councils incentive to accept shale gas drilling
Tax breaks for fracking firms as UK goes "all out for shale"
SSE retail arm loses £115m amid ‘difficult’ energy market
Qatar considers more UK energy investment
Why This European Is Bullish on America
150,000 families desert 'big six' power firms: Families 'switch in droves' to get cheaper deals
Gazprom says natural gas supply to Europe up 16%
Natural gas futures - weekly outlook: January 13 - 17
France’s Total to invest $50m in UK shale gas exploration
Total ready to drill $55m into British shale-oil venture
India to get new gas price in March; could range $7-8/unit
France’s oil & gas firm Total to invest in Britain’s shale gas industry
Saturday, January 11, 2014
‘Power station has a future’
Npower seems to be charging us too much for our energy
France Oil Giant Is Expected to Seek Shale Gas in Britain
Rip off energy firms take a hit as nearly 150,000 families abandon the Big Six
Network with an array of utilities already registered to attend Social Media in the Utilities Sector
Directors’ Deals: Head of SSE grabs cheap energy deal
Npower homes still hardest hit
British wholesale gas price hits £1.50 as import pipe breaks down
France's Total to invest in Britain's shale gas quest
Total to invest in British shale gas industry
Total of France Is Expected to Seek Shale Gas in Britain
Total set to be the first major oil firm to invest in British shale gas exploration with £30m outlay
French oil giant Total to invest in UK shale gas
Total joins UK's pursuit of shale boom
Friday, January 10, 2014
Bahra Cables inks deals with AREVA, EDF for KACARE nuclear program
France's Total to explore for shale in Britain
Total to invest £30m in Britain’s shale hunt
Total to invest £30m in Britain’s shale gas hunt
Lawsuits and lasting solutions for the Gulf’s red snapper fishery
Total joins UK’s pursuit of shale boom
Open consultation: Implementing the Energy Efficiency Directive: metering and billing of heating and cooling
This consultation document seeks views on the government's approach to the implementation of Articles 9, 10, 11 and 13 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, as they apply to district heating, district cooling and communal heating and/or hot water.
The Directive contains some mandatory requirements for metering and billing. Other requirements will be subject to tests of cost-efficiency and technical feasibility.
The consultation proposes a number of ways to implement these requirements. The responsibility for implementation and therefore the impacts will rest primarily with the owners of such schemes.
The consultation will run for six weeks.
A number of workshops are planned where DECC's Heat team will set out the Directive's requirements and the proposed options for implementation.
Please email heatstrategy@decc.gsi.gov.uk if you would like to attend a workshop or if you have any queries or questions about the consultation.
Press release: New Director General for Consumers and Households appointed
Clive Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading, is to join the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to lead the department's drive on improving consumer service and choice.
Mr. Maxwell has been appointed Director General of DECC's Consumers and Households Group, which is responsible for the Government's key projects in improving energy efficiency and helping business and domestic energy users obtain the lowest possible bills.
The appointment comes as DECC engages in a major programme of improvements for consumers under energy efficiency schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal, as well as working closely with the energy industry to maximise choice for customers.
Stephen Lovegrove, Permanent Secretary at DECC, said:
I am very pleased that Clive is joining us at such an important time at DECC, when we will be focusing constantly on bringing improvements for consumers. Clive's wide experience in competition and consumer matters will be an incredibly valuable addition as we drive even greater competition in the energy industry to ensure consumers receive the best value in their services.
Mr Maxwell, who will take up his role on 24 February, has been Chief Executive at the OFT since July 2012, after being on the board of the OFT as an Executive Director and previously worked as OFT Senior Director, Services Sector.
Mr. Maxwell said:
I'm really excited about my new role at DECC, working on what I think are some of the biggest issues facing the country. Tackling big issues where I can make a difference is why I joined the Civil Service, one of the many reasons why I've enjoyed working at the OFT, and why I've chosen to stay working in Government.
Prior to joining the OFT, Clive worked in a wide range of roles for HM Treasury from 1992-2009. He led work responding to the financial crisis in 2007-2009, and worked on financial markets and regulation there from 2002.
Clive has represented the UK in numerous international and EU fora, including the European Competition Network and the EU's Financial Services Committee, of which he was Vice-Chairman from 2008-2009.
He worked in Brussels on secondment to the European Commission in 1994-1995, dealing with economic and monetary issues, and on secondment in local government in 1999-2000.
Energy companies to cut bills
RWE npower plans closure of seven UK fossil-fueled power plants
EDF consumer champion rebrand is 'laughable', says fuel poverty group
Primary school pupils learn about saving energy through an interactive ‘play in a day’
By taking part in a variety of activities and games, the pupils have learnt how to write and act out their very own play based on the energy-saving theme and featuring a team of energy-saving superheroes whose mission is to help save energy, money and ultimately the planet.
Some of the pupils also had the opportunity to take part in E.ON's interactive energy-themed play, ‘Town of Total Darkness', featuring Sherlock Holmes, his sidekick Dr Watts-On and their four-legged companion, Gizmo, who are all transported to the present day by a time traveller to find out why the town has no electricity.
Both of the activities are part of E.ON's Energy Experience programme, which is supported with an interactive website and classroom packs. Energy Experience helps young people understand different sources of energy, including sustainable and renewable energy sources and the merits of each.
Elizabeth Brewington, teacher at Pyworthy CE Primary School, Holsworthy said "The ‘play in a day' activity was great and really helped the children to develop confidence and an increased awareness of energy. All the children were engaged and learnt a great deal about saving energy in an interactive, fun way!"
Billie-Jean Poole, Senior Community Relations Officer at E.ON said "This is the first time we've taken our play in a day activity to Devon schools and it's proved popular with both pupils and teachers alike, encouraging the next generation to become responsible energy users and learn how to use no more energy than they need to.
"The way the children have engaged in the activity and created a play about the importance of saving energy in the short amount of time is just brilliant!"
Schools which took part in the activity included Yeo Valley Primary in Barnstable, Kingsacre Primary School in Braunton and Pyworthy CE Primary School in Holsworthy.
To find out more about E.ON's Energy Experience or to download classroom packs, please visit eon-uk.com/energyexperience.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating electricity, retailing power and gas, developing gas storage and undertaking gas and oil exploration and production. It is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies. E.ON employs around 12,000 people in the UK and more than 72,000 worldwide;
- In the UK, E.ON supplies power and gas to around five million domestic, small and medium-sized enterprise and industrial customers. E.ON also offers innovative energy services and technologies tailored to meet its customers' needs, and is helping customers become energy efficient by encouraging them to insulate their homes, moderate their energy usage and even generate their own power;
For more information contact:
Naomi Troy on 02476 180523 or naomi.troy@eon-uk.com
Which energy firms pocketed £50 green tax rebates?
Natural Gas Heads for Third Weekly Drop as Eastern U.S. Thaws
RWE npower confirms plan to close UK coal power plants
Npower announce price rise reduction of 2.6%
Energy price rises and cuts in full
UK GAS-Revised outlook for milder weather weighs on prices
New deal fits the bill for OAP
Ndew deal fits the bill for OAP
CHP plants to close in UK as RWE opts not to invest
EDF kicks off pan-Euro advertising contest
RWE announces UK power plant closures
Thursday, January 09, 2014
EDF Renewable acquires 300MW wind project
EDF Renewable Energy Acquires Roosevelt Wind Project
Lord Smith ups stake in SSE
Natural Gas Sinks 5%
Gazprom OAO : Russian Federation,Ukraine : NAFTOGAZ UKRAINY and GAZPROM sign supplement to gas contract
RWE npower plans to shut 7 UK power plants by end 2023
Natural gas plunges as warmer weather trumps supply concern
Correspondence: Response to Christian Aid campaign about Typhoon Haiyan
I am writing regarding the emails my Department has received as a result of a campaign launched by Christian Aid, supporting Yeb Sano and the victims of the typhoon in Haiyan, and I would be grateful if you could publish this response on your website.
The UK is providing urgent humanitarian support for up to 800,000 people in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Thousands of people in remote communities
have lost their homes and everything they own. The UK will provide over £50 million in humanitarian support to help aid get through to hard to reach areas. This support will include providing a team of 12 NHS staff trained to operate under emergency conditions; and vital supplies including water purification kits, temporary shelters, bedding, blankets and solar lanterns.
Turning to the issues of climate change, this is arguably the greatest challenge facing the world today. It is a global issue that affects everyone on the planet. The findings in the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group One Report (http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/) were clear: warming of the climate system over the last century is unequivocal. Along with temperature increases, we will likely see an increase in extreme weather events which will impact disproportionately on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.
So we must act. To tackle climate change all the countries in the world must work together. This can only happen through a global frameworik: the Untted Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Your campaign also refers to ending financial support to coal power internationally, and needing to commit to more ambitious reductions in carbon emissions by 2020. The UK continued its strong record of leading on climate change action at the COP in Warsaw: joining the US in agreeing to end support for public financing of new coal-fired power plants overseas, except in rare circumstances in which the poorest countries have no feasible alternative. The two countries will work together to secure the support of other countries and multilateral development banks to adopt similar policies.
The UK is also continuing to push for action to reduce global emissions between now and 2020. Warsaw saw a positive outcome on work to increase pre-2020 mitigation, with all Parties expected to consider how they can increase mitigation ambition next year, through a focus on the sectors where the mitigation potential is high, and which have significant co-benefits, such as energy efficiency. renewables and reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD+).
Domestically, the UK is taking action to ensure that the right energy infrastructure is in place to achieve reductions in carbon emissions. Electricity Market Reform (EMR) is a package of measures which are being implemented to help incentivise the investment needed over the coming decade to replace the UK's ageing energy infrastructure wijh a more diverse and low-carbon energy mix. EMR will help ensure that by 2020 the UK will have met its 34 per cent carbon reduction target, and at least 15 per cent of energy will be supplied by renewable sources, in line with EU targets.
Your campaign also refers to the loss and damage mechanism, which countries agreed to set up at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP) in Doha. The best way to minimise future loss and damage is to agree an ambitious global deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees.
In Warsaw, countries agreed to establish the Warsaw International Mechanism, with a remit to enhance and promote knowledge of loss and damage, and approaches to
addressing it. The mechanism will help to ensure the institutions under the UNFCCC are better informed and coordinated, particularly in relation to slow onset impacts of climate change like sea level rise or ocean acidification, and to promote the efficient and effective delivery of support to developing countries as they seek to manage these risks. The UK and other developed countries remain committed to supporting countries to manage the risks brought by the impacts of climate change. The UK is already implementing over £800 million of programmes focused on adapting to these impacts through our International Climate Fund.
Kind regards,
Edward Davey