Monday 31 January 2011

British Gas Customers to Collect Nectar Points as New Partnership Announced

From today, British Gas customers will be able to collect Nectar points as the UK's leading energy supplier joins forces with the country's biggest loyalty programme.

The new partnership means that over 12 million British Gas customers can now benefit from the full range of Nectar rewards ranging from money off at Sainsbury's and Homebase to Eurostar and Vue cinema tickets.


British Gas customers will be able to collect Nectar points for their Energy or Maintenance and Repair accounts (for example; gas, electricity, Kitchen Appliance Cover, HomeCare 100™ or Plumbing and Drains Cover) as well as collect bonus points for taking out additional products and services. British Gas will continue to add new ways to collect bonus points and run special promotions throughout the year.


Phil Bentley, Managing Director, British Gas comments, "More than 12 million customers count on British Gas to look after their world every day and we don't take that loyalty for granted. As a way of saying thank you and rewarding that loyalty we've joined Nectar. Nectar's reach will help our customers to benefit from the points they can collect using our services and those of the other great partners in the programme."


http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/British-Gas-Customers-to-Collect-Nectar-Points-as-New-Partnership-Announced-1387718.htm

UK energy bills could be reduced following Ofgem proposal

Britons worried about their increasing energy bills may be reassured to hear that a uniform basic tariff could be introduced, following proposals by Ofgem in March.

The Guardian reports that energy providers will have to offer a standardised rate for their gas and electricity.

This could cost more than current deals being offered by energy providers but it will protect customers against unexpected price hikes.

A basic uniform tariff will mean that energy bills can only be increased by a certain amount each year if at all.

This follows an investigation by Ofgem, which was launched in November last year, into the price hikes in energy prices from several companies.

http://news.moneyexpert.com/financial-news/none/800370929/ukenergybillscouldbereducedfollowingofgemproposal/article.aspx

Carbon Reduction Commitment - scrapped?

Newspaper reports over the weekend suggest that the government could scrap the £1bn-a-year green stealth tax, formally known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment.


Don’t celebrate just yet, though – rather than seeing the tax disappear totally, it’s likely it would just be merged with other existing taxes.


“One of the options proposed is effectively abolishing the Carbon Reduction Commitment and saying should we merge its provisions with the Climate Change Levy (an existing tax on business energy usage) and mandatory carbon reporting,” Dave Symons, a director at WSP Environment and Energy told the Sunday Telegraph.


“We can see the logic for that. But it’s quite a substantial change – merging the scheme with another tax could even create additional revenue for the Treasury because it could extend the scope.”


Under the plans that the Coalition government inherited from the previous government, the Carbon Reduction Commitment will apply to mid-sized businesses with annual energy bills of more than £500,000, of which there are about 5,000 across Britain.


http://realbusiness.co.uk/management/carbon_reduction_commitment__scrapped

Alarm as Russian energy giant Gazprom grabs big business

Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom has built up a dominant 20 per cent share in some sectors of Britain's business gas market in just over a year of frantic trading.


British rivals say they have not been able to compete because the prices being offered by the Russian group are so low.

One source at a leading energy company said: 'In any competition we lose every time to them. It is one of the reasons we are exiting some of the business markets.

E.ON waives retirement age to keep chief

Paul Golby, the long-serving chief executive and chairman of E.ON UK, has been asked to stay beyond the company's retirement age to complete a major restructuring of the £9bn-turnover business.


Business Energy industry insiders said that Dr Golby had said late last year that he would retire on his 60th birthday this year. However, Dusseldorf-based E.ON has waived its retirement cut-off and asked Dr Golby to continue to lead the 15,000-employee British division.


The major part of the restructuring is the sell-off of UK power distribution networks in a move expected to raise £3.5bn. Hong Kong businessman Li Ka-shing is trying to buy the assets through his Cheung Kong Infrastructure vehicle, although there is at least one more bidder. JP Morgan is handling the sale and Deutsche is acting for Mr Li.


The slimmed-down company would remain a big player in the UK through its power generation, which includes 21 wind farms, and £6.6bn-turnover retail divisions.


Coventry-based E.ON UK was bought by the German giant in July 2002 when it was known as Powergen. Dr Golby became its chief executive that year and is well-respected in the industry.


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eon-waives-retirement-age-to-keep-chief-2198263.html

18k payout for cafe owner slandered by British Gas

A Former cafe owner has been awarded more than £18,000 damages after he was slandered by a British Gas worker.


Can Say, who ran the Corby Cafe, in George Street, in the town, took British Gas Services to the High Court in London after his electricity was mistakenly cut off in 2008. Mr Say claimed the bailiff who went to cut the power slandered him in front of his customers by falsely saying he had not paid his bill.

The company admitted the disconnection was a blunder on their part, but denied their employee had said anything defamatory.


But now a top judge has awarded Mr Say £18,747 total damages for the slander and the losses incurred during the 10-day power cut.


Speaking outside court, Mr Say, the son of a former Cypriot MP, said he was pleased that the judge had found in his favour, but the money would not compensate him for the three years of stress he had lived through while fighting the case.


Judge Bernard Livesey QC told the court Mr Say’s son, Hildi, ran the cafe using a business name of Kingdom Catering Ltd, from 2005 to 2008. However, “for whatever reason”, a £2,000 debt was run up to British Gas before, after a brief closure, his father took over. Despite Mr Say writing to British Gas and telling them the business had changed hands, it sent round a bailiff and an engineer on August 28, 2008, to disconnect the supply.


http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/local/18_000_payout_for_cafe_owner_slandered_by_british_gas_1_2354291

Saturday 29 January 2011

Energy incumbents given customer service lesson by upstarts

The efforts by new entrants into the UK energy market to improve customer service standards are helping improve call centre support throughout the sector, according to research from Datamonitor.

Smartestenergy and Haven Power have the best customer satisfaction scores in the industry, while Shell Gas Direct recorded the highest score for a gas-only supplier.

http://www.callcentre.co.uk/ccf-news-content/full/energy-incumbents-given-customer-service-lesson-by-upstarts;jsessionid=E91092AFEEDDEF578223926AEFFC3833

Friday 28 January 2011

Working With Facebook for Renewable Energy

I am at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where political, academic, and business leaders from around the world are convening to reflect upon our global development, identify positive progress, and meditate on new global risks and realities. At the top of the agenda is climate change.


Facebook is one of the many businesses here to address key global challenges -- an appropriate player given the company's unprecedented growth and global membership of over 500 million people. Valued at over $50 billion and representing a new era of technology and social interaction, Facebook is just the kind of highly visible, innovative company that can best demonstrate the bold and transformative leadership required to face the global realities being discussed this week in Davos.


I was interviewed at the forum today by Randi Zuckerberg, Facebook's director of marketing. I brought a gift to Randi, who is expecting a child -- a maternity shirt with the message "Facebook: Unfriend Coal" -- offered as a reminder that we need unprecedented cooperation and leadership from corporations, like Facebook, which have the political power, capital, and innovative drive help to stop climate change.

Her response? "We will love having you as a partner for that."


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kumi-naidoo/working-with-facebook-for_b_814854.html

UK government to fund marine renewable-energy projects

Three research and development projects that will help to develop wave- and tidal-energy technologies are set to receive investment of more than £2.5m


Made by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the investment will help to finance research and development focusing on supporting and underpinning the deployment of pre-commercial devices installed and operating in the sea.


The companies leading the three projects are Bauer Renewables, Pelamis Wave Power and Marine Current Turbines.

Thursday 27 January 2011

UK energy policy 'could delay renewable energy investment'

A new "dash for gas" could be created by the UK's energy policy, delaying investment in renewable technology, a government committee has warned.


UK energy policy 'could delay renewable energy investment'
UK energy policy 'could delay renewable energy investment'

Some £200 billion will be needed to upgrade the country's energy infrastructure in the next decade to meet renewable energy and carbon reduction targets, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.


This investment will be accompanied by six draft National Policy Statements (NSPs) intended to improve planning for energy projects, however it has been argued these do not place enough emphasis on low-carbon developments.


The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee warn in a new report if too large capacity for gas generation is allowed to develop this could "crowd out opportunities for renewables to form a substantial component of the UK's energy mix".


http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20110127/energy-policy-039-could-delay-renewable-energy-investment-039.htm

Statoil to reduce capacity at giant Troll field

Norway's Statoil said it was planning on Thursday to curb production capacity to conduct repairs at its giant Troll field, the biggest gas reservoir off Norway, and that the work would last less than a week.
 

The news on Troll, which produces 31 billion cubic metres of gas per year and 113,000 barrels of oil per day, comes amid a 70 percent drop in the flows of Norwegian gas via the Langeled pipeline that helped push UK gas prices to a three-week high.


http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE70Q1GC20110127

'Energy House' to reveal scale of UK retrofit challenge

A unique study, involving a full-scale terraced house built inside a chamber, hopes to find ways the UK housing sector can cut its energy use.


The University of Salford project will assess how energy efficiency technology performs in a range of conditions.


Researchers say homes account for 25% of emissions, which needs to be tackled if the UK is to meet its target of cutting emissions by 80% by 2050.


The Energy House was officially opened by Climate Change Minister Greg Barker.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12297538

MPs warn that UK rules could hamper renewables investment

Investment in renewable energy technology could suffer as a result of new government rules that favour gas-powered generation, MPs are warning.


Plans to speed up the planning process for major energy projects do not prioritise low-carbon generation over conventional capacity, according to a report from the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee.


This could encourage a ‘dash for gas’ from investors, and the development of too much gas capacity could crowd out opportunities for renewable sources of energy, the report warns.

Energy Security, Why Europe Should Pay Attention to Algeria

Marin Katusa, Chief Energy Strategist, Casey Research writes: Tunisia's uprising has democracy watchers wondering if the instability will spill over into neighboring North African countries, but really that instability is already there. In the first week of the year, Algeria experienced violent protests after the government hiked prices for staple foods like milk, sugar, oil, and flour.

Some 800 people were injured in several days of rioting, prompting President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to cut costs on some foods and lower import duties on others. The rioters went home, but odds are they will return to the streets when prices rise again.

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article25881.html

UK Feed-In Tariff Enjoys Early Success

A recent report has revealed that, since its introduction in April 2010, the United Kingdom's renewable energy feed-in tariff has enjoyed record levels of success.

Wednesday 26 January 2011

Doubts over UK offshore wind targets

Expected UK offshore wind deployment by 2020 may be far below levels the country needs to meet European Union renewable energy goals, a director at the government-funded Carbon Trust said on Tuesday.

Industry expectations are for 19-24 gigawatts of offshore wind power by the end of the decade, said Benj Sykes, director of innovations at the Carbon Trust, based on informal soundings of leading players.


That contrasted with the 29 GW the organisation says is needed to meet a legally binding EU target for Britain to get 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the end of the decade.


"We're looking to close that gap," Sykes told Reuters. The Carbon Trust is meant to drive carbon cuts across the British economy.

"We agree that 19-24 GW is definitely achievable. We may need more, depending on what happens around heat and transport."


http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/Doubts-UK-offshore-wind-targetukfocus-331748279.html?x=0


New Government energy rules could undermine climate strategy

A new report by a committee of MPs today [Wednesday, 26 January 2010] warning that new UK planning rules could lead to a new 'dash for gas' and stall low-carbon energy investment, has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.


The green campaigning charity is calling on the Government to amend its energy planning rules - or National Policy Statements - to ensure that they play their part in ensuring UK climate targets are met.


Friends of the Earth's Senior Economics campaigner Simon Bullock said:

"MPs are right to be concerned about a new dash-for-gas - this would damage our energy security, increase carbon emissions and obstruct green energy investment.


"The National Policy Statement must set a cap on the amount of carbon-belching energy generation allowed in the UK - which must be linked to the Government's climate change goals to give markets certainty about investing in green power.


"Developing our huge renewable energy potential could help get us out of the economic doldrums, wean us off fossil fuels and create new green industries and jobs - but reforming the Government's energy policy is essential to make this a reality."


http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/new_government_energy_rules_could_undermine_climate_strategy_26012011.html

MPs 'sceptical' that nuclear power stations will be built on time

The Energy Committee said it was "sceptical" that Britain's target of switching on two nuclear power stations a year between 2020 and 2025 would be reached.

The UK needs a huge number of new nuclear power stations to make up for the coal-fired stations being switched off over the next decade.


However, the committee warned that the Coalition's new planning system did not appear to be capable of making sure the 12 new stations are located in the right places to be linked up to the electricity grid.


"Hooking up this amount of nuclear and other generation to the national grid poses an unprecedented challenge," said Tim Yeo, its chairman. "Two plants a year is a very high target to reach. The [system] lacks any real framework for coordinating the process of siting and linking up the new power stations."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/8281681/MPs-sceptical-that-nuclear-power-stations-will-be-built-on-time.html


Understanding the Fluctuation of UK Business Gas Prices

With the decline of North Sea gas production the UK went from being self sufficient and an exporter of natural gas to being a net importer. This has caused many changes to the UK gas market, mainly in business and commercial gas prices volatility. 

Back in the days when the UK was self sufficient for natural gas few factors influenced gas prices. They were weather and demand, nowadays, the UK gas market has become more complex and several factors have a direct effect on prices.

Since 1998 when the first pipeline between the UK and Europe was opened UK gas prices were automatically hooked to European oil indexed prices. Since then, UK gas prices were determined by marginal transactions. Basically if oil prices raise so does UK gas prices.

Read More: http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/compare-gas-prices/

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Huhne backs nuclear sites following energy consultation

A wave of new nuclear power stations moved a step closer today with the ending of a Government consultation into the UK's energy future.

The National Policy Statements on Energy consultation, which closed yesterday (January 24), in part aims to encourage more nuclear power station investment.

As the consultation closed energy and climate change minister, Chris Huhne, toured and gave his full backing to two potential nuclear power station.

Mr Huhne toured the Hinkley B nuclear site in Somerset and viewed the location for another nuclear fuelled power plant.

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=19290

UK gas prices off early highs as Norway supply rises

British gas contract prices began Monday firmer than Friday's close, after
very erratic supplies of Norwegian gas over the weekend, but eased later as
Norway's biggest gas export facility increased output.

Data from National Grid showed big swings in Norwegian gas supplies to
Britain over the weekend, but flows of fuel through the Langeled pipeline
from Kollsnes into eastern England had bounced back to 60 mcm/day early on
Monday. Norwegian North Sea gas infrastructure operator Gassco said on
Monday it expected Kollsnes, which can export up to 143 million cubic metres
of gas a day, to return to full capacity on Monday after the plant shut last
Thursday, helping ease concerns about supplies. "The market was a bit
bullish early in the morning but then we have retraced," said one trader,
adding that below average demand because of mild weather for the time of
year should take the strain off Britain's gas storage sites and weigh on
prices.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE70N0ZP20110124

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Monday 24 January 2011

Reducing Business Energy Consumption Tips

Reducing Business Energy Consumption Tips

Tip 1. Reducing electric consumption is as simple as using it only when
needed. Turning off lights that aren't in use can work wonders on your
electric bill. If you just need a soft light, candles can also be a useful
tool, instead of clicking on a light switch.

Tip 2. Using lower wattage bulbs in areas that don't need as much lighting
is another way of reducing your electric bill. Using bulbs labeled "energy
saver" will also cut costs as well.

Tip 3. Unplugging appliances that are not in use for extended periods of
time will also lend a "hand" at saving on your electric bill

Read more:
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/reducing-energy-consumpti
on-tips-4030232.html#ixzz1BuEWdBZ2

Can Europe benefit from shale gas?

In a field near Kirkham, between Preston and Blackpool, they are preparing
to drill a well that many say could change our energy outlook.

Up until recently, most economists had forecast
business gas prices rising sharply
as supplies become scarce. Production in the North Sea is already falling
fast.

But the recession saw prices fall and now the process of getting gas out of
rocks , shale gas as it's known, could bring huge new supplies.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that "unconventional"
resources such as shale could double our gas supply worldwide.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/business-12242840

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Friday 21 January 2011

Bloom Energy to offer 10 year electricity contracts

Silicon Valley fuel cell maker Bloom Energy is beginning to sell 10-year
electricity contracts in addition to straight out sales of its machines, the
start-up said on Thursday.

Credit Suisse will provide financing for the service by Bloom, one of the
best-known new companies focusing on alternative energy and clean
technology. Its machines use electrochemical chemical processes to turn
natural gas and biogas into energy.

Chief Financial Officer Bill Kurtz said by telephone that the new offering
would essentially double demand, since many customers preferred to avoid the
capital costs of buying machines and that Bloom's profit margins were equal
for both transactions.

He declined to comment on Bloom profitability.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN2029402120110120

Thursday 20 January 2011

Commercial LED Street Lights and Architectural Security Lighting

Commercial LED lighting creates a number of competitive advantages for to
the contractor developing a proposal for a school, municipality, church,
non-profit organization, corporate headquarters, or resort location. Regardless of fixture type, all commercial LED lights use less electricity
than comparatively priced fluorescent fixtures. Because they are the most
energy efficient lights in the world, commercial led lights are an excellent
investment for any organization strapped with high power bills that needs to
immediately begin reducing overhead. As the sophistication of led white
light continues to evolve, commercial led lights have now worked their way
into every major outdoor lighting application. New developments in diode
technology allow light and color levels to be customized to the environment
and directed with greater precision than metal halide and high-pressure
sodium equivalents. This offers the added benefit of not only lower lighting
costs, but also less light pollution.
RLLD Commercial Lighting works with lighting designers and commercial
contractors from Coast to Coast as a multi-manufacturer distributor of
commercial led lighting fixtures available for major outdoor lighting
applications.
http://deiknuo.com/lighting/commercial-led-street-lights-and-architectural-s
ecurity-lighting/

Britain leads as EU offshore wind power has record year, study says

Britain emerged as world leader in generating electricity from offshore wind
turbines last year as the European Union showed a record jump in output, a
study said Thursday. The EU has pledged to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 20 per
cent before 2020 and sees offshore wind power as one of the main ways of
doing so. But the technology is still in its infancy and is far from
challenging traditional forms of generation. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1613191.php/Bri
tain-leads-as-EU-offshore-wind-power-has-record-year-study-says

The effectiveness of smart metering will depend on key decisions

There is widespread anticipation about the benefits of smart metering
. Consumers will get timely and
accurate bills and have the tools to manage, understand and reduce their
energy consumption; utilities will have reduced billing costs and can
benefit from enhanced customer engagement. But, there are many decisions
along the way that could impact these outcomes.

Here is a dystopian picture of the future in which a catalogue of wrong
turns and missed opportunities have rendered the smart meter roll out
ineffective. It is 2020 and Smart Metering hasn't been rolled out across the UK. It all
went wrong. Why?

The energy select committee reviewed the government's plans for a mandated
smart metering roll-out. They were very critical of the mandating of energy
displays as the sole means of providing information to the customer, noting
that a piece of paper was a much cheaper universal requirement, and that the
competitive market should be left to fight over web services, displays, and
information through smart phones, etc.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/smart-meters-effectiveness-de
pendent-key-decisions

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Wednesday 19 January 2011

UK gas firms as colder weather returns

British gas prices rose early on Wednesday as colder weather returned and
lifted demand levels, but liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply flexibility and
rising long-range gas stocks eased concerns about further price hikes.

Temperatures in Britain dropped on Wednesday, with weather turning chilly
and frost spreading, the Met Office said.

The return of cold weather conditions prompted gas demand to rise above
seasonal averages, after at least one week of below-normal consumption.

National Grid forecast Wednesday gas demand to rise 1.5 percent above
seasonal norms.

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE70I0ZT20110119

UK Business Gas Prices are on the rise

Colder Weather, Oil and Nuclear Reactor Outages influencing gas prices

The colder weather forecasted for this week and the rise of oil prices, are
forcing UK gas prices to go up. But strong supply from the continent and
steady LNG gas imports kept a cap on gains. Surprisingly on Monday, gas
demand forecasts were 6 percent lower than seasonal levels. Last week demand
had been 10 percent lower year on year, according to National Grid data.

According to forecasts from the Met Office temperatures will plunge this
week which will lift the demand for gas used for heating.

"We've seen a move to colder weather but it's nothing serious. There is
plenty of gas around but still plenty of buyers out there," one business gas
trader said.

Read More: -
http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/rising-business-gas-pr
ices/

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Rationals cut energy consumption by 25%

The Grand Hotel Tynemouth is a busy seafront hotel and banqueting venue,
hosting 100 wedding receptions a year, as well as conferences and events,
with room for up to 450 diners. It also has a popular 80-cover fine dining
restaurant, two public bars serving meals and 45 guest bedrooms.

At the heart of its demanding foodservice operation the hotel had three
large (20 grid) thirteen-year-old combi steamers which were coming to the
end of their service life. In order to maximise flexibility for both
banqueting and à la carte cooking, owners Nigel and Eddie Hastie decided to
replace them with two large 20 grid and two smaller 6 grid combi steamers.
However, the cost of the total investment was a major stumbling block -
until they talked to Rational. Lee Wilmot, development chef at Rational UK, explains: "Working with Heaton
Catering Equipment (HCE) we carried out extensive tests on the old
equipment. The tests showed that, by investing in new Rational SelfCooking
Centers, The Grand would cut power consumption by over 25%, saving £7,000
per year in energy costs alone. If they keep them for as long as the old
ones, they'll save £90,000 over the lifetime of the machines." Impressive though they were, the energy savings weren't the only financial
benefit. Armed with the statistics, The Grand applied to the Carbon Trust
and, as a result of the replacement units' potential impact on power
consumption, was granted an interest free loan to finance the £60,000
project. http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1979696/rationals_cut_energy_consumpti
on_by_25_carbon_trust_grant_helps/index.html?source=r_general

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Have you got the cheapest Business Gas Prices for your business

The best way to find out if you have the best business gas prices
is to simply check out the various options
available on the market. For any business to stay profitable in the current
economic conditions, it is very important that the expenses remain minimal
and all resources are optimized. This also means getting the best business
gas prices or energy prices, as energy is one of the major expense areas for
all businesses.
Even though energy costs are increasing, due to the immense demand on the
market for affordable commercial gas, there are a number of suppliers who
offer really attractive rates on different subscription packages. In order
to determine if you are paying the right price for your business gas supply
it is mandatory that you have a thorough understanding of your current usage
and the amount that you pay monthly for your usage. These details are
readily available on your monthly statement, and you can use this to compare
and find out if you have the best deal on your gas prices.
http://www.mybusinessgas.com/latest-news/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-got-the
-best-business-gas-prices

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More Smart Meter News

Opus Energy has announced new partnerships with smart
meter providers UPL and National Grid owned
OnStream. Opus Energy, which had previously worked with IMServe, claims to
be the first energy company to make smart meters available to all of its
customers, free of charge.

The agreements with the new providers cover the delivery and operation of
meters and the collection of their data. Expanding its portfolio enables
Opus Energy to increase its customer roll-out. After installing over 12,000
meters in 2010, the company expects to deploy an additional 3,000 by spring
2011, which represents nearly 20 percent of its client base. Opus reports
that the planned installations include all of its Profile Class 5-8 users,
who will have their meters fitted in advance of the Government's 2014
mandate

http://www.smartmeters.com/the-news/1502-opus-energy-expanding-smart-meter-p
roviders.html

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UK's wind farms deliver massive profits but insufficient energy

Some media groups like to refer to themselves as 'no spin zones'. But among
business energy insiders the phrase
has been applied to wind farms, given that turbines mostly operate at well
below 30 percent of installed capacity. Recently, serious cold weather has
badly affected Britain and its much-vaunted 'wind power experience' and it
turns out that wind farms are, quite literally in deepest winter, no spin
zones.

Such is the grip the Big Freeze has had on Britain (as in northern Europe
and the eastern U.S.) since early November that leading industrialists have
forcibly reiterated last years' warning about growing over-reliance on wind
power. As the latest figures show, just when Britain was in the greatest
need from its burgeoning wind farm industry to perform from November through
January with temperatures plunging to as much as minus 20 celsius, wind
power failed miserably.

http://tohatchacrow.blogspot.com/2011/01/uks-wind-farms-deliver-massive-prof
its.html

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GE moves into UK market with acquisition of smart metering specialist

Giant GE has acquired smart metering specialist Remote Energy Monitoring for
an undisclosed amount in a bid to stake a foothold in the UK market.

Hertfordshire-based Remote Energy Monitoring supplies software and hardware
technologies to help consumers and utilities in the UK and Australia monitor
and manage their energy use.

Crucial to GE is that Remote Energy Monitoring's smart meter technology has
been approved by UK regulator Ofgem.

"Combining Remote Energy Monitoring's UK smart metering
expertise with GE's worldwide
metering, manufacturing and smart grid leadership will expedite the rollout
of this important technology, enabling the UK to lead in this area of energy
management and efficiency," says Bob Gilligan, vice president of digital
energy at GE Energy Services.

GE's hardware, software and communications technologies offerings support
smart meters in remote activation and disconnection, two-way communications
between customers and utilities, account management and demand response.

The technology allows customers to access information and control energy use
through a variety of mediums such as computer, TVs and smartphones.

http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/building-and-design/i/3711/

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Monday 17 January 2011

Electricity Prompt unchanged on good supply availability

UK prompt power prices were unchanged Friday, close to a seven-week low,
following the restart of two nuclear reactors on Thursday, said traders.

UK OTC power for Monday delivery was last heard at GBP47.40/MWh in base and
GBP53/MWh in peak, up a mere 15 pence and 35 pence, respectively.

"Margins are very comfortable, there's no pressure on the system," a trader
a large UK utility said. "It doesn't get cold until the back end of next
week," he added.

The 220 MW Oldbury-2 nuclear reactor in southwest England restarted early
Thursday morning, and the 480 MW Hinkley B8 reactor restarted in the
afternoon, boosting supply margins.

Output from the UK's nuclear reactors increased above 8 GW for the first
time in a week on Friday as a result, data from National Grid showed.

Wind output will remain high on Friday and Saturday, according to National
Grid. It was unclear whether this would be sustained into next week.
http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/8410260

Three Powerful Utility Bill Analysis Methods for the Energy Manager

Three Powerful Utility Bill Analysis Methods for the Energy Manager

ABSTRACT
Utility Bill Tracking systems are at the center of an effective energy
management program. However, some organizations spend time and money
putting together a utility bill tracking system and never reap any value.
This paper presents three utility bill analysis techniques which energy
managers can use to arrive at sound energy management
decisions and achieve cost savings.

INTRODUCTION
Utility bill tracking and analysis is at the center of rigorous energy
management practice. Reliable energy management decisions can be made based
upon analysis from an effective utility bill tracking system. From your
utility bills you can determine:

- whether you are saving energy or increasing your consumption, - which buildings are using too much energy,
- whether your energy management efforts are succeeding, - whether there are utility billing or metering errors, and - when usage or metering anomalies occur (ie. when usage patterns change)


Any energy management program is incomplete if it does not track utility
bills. Equally, any energy management program is rendered less effective
when its utility tracking system is difficult to use or does not yield
valuable information. In either case, fruitful energy savings opportunities
are lost.

http://cheapreviewstore.com/three-powerful-utility-bill-analysis-methods-for
-the-energy-manager.html

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Opus Energy passes 12,000 smart meter milestone

UK electricity supplier Opus Energy has installed 12,000 smart meters
as of the end of 2010, the company
says. It plans to install a further 3,000 within the first few months of
2011.

'In today's uncertain economic climate, there is clearly more pressure on
businesses than ever before to reduce their costs,' said Mike Dwyer of Dulux
Decorating Centres, which uses the technology.

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/ene
rgy-efficiency/opus-passes-12000-smart-meter-milestone.html

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Energy costs 'damaging UK's economic recovery'

High energy costs are damaging the UK's economic recovery, business groups
have claimed, placing pressure on the government to address the issue. The Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) and the Federation of Small Businesses
have both told the government that the increase in business energy
bills, along with the VAT rise, is
harming companies and the UK's potential to recover from the economic
downfall.

Andrew Bainbridge, MEUC chairman, said that it was concerned with the "lack
of sensitivity" involving extra costs at a time when businesses are
struggling to recover from the recession.

Recently the MEUC has created the Carbon Action Group to tackle the rise in
fuel prices.

"The jump in petrol prices is part of the government's long-term aspirations
to create a low-carbon future," he added.
http://www.uswitch.com/news/utilities/energy-costs-damaging-uks-economic-rec
overy-800342544/

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January Sees Business Gas Supplies at a 5-Year Low

According to the National Grid, gas supplies have fallen dramatically after
the coldest December since 1890. The amount of gas kept in storage in the UK
is at the lowest level it has been in nearly five years. The problem here is
that these low levels have happened so early in winter.

Just last month, the UK's gas storage facilities reported that they are
already more than half empty. This is due to the storage companies trying to
keep up with record demand. Domestic supplies of gas have also been exported
to the continent via the Interconnector undersea pipeline, because prices
are higher there than in the UK.

As of last Friday, the UK had enough
commercial gas in storage to meet a
total of about five-and-a-half days' consumption. Of course, that is based
on the average winter temperatures. Storage facilities only release about a
fraction of this amount each day. These facilities, which are mostly old gas
fields, have in the past, run down gradually during the winter and restocked
over the spring and summer. However, analysts said that suppliers have
withdrawn stocks much earlier this year. The problem here is that there is
still at least two months of winter left to get through.


http://www.electric.co.uk/news/january-sees-gas-supplies-at-a-5-year-low-123
41916.html

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This BP deal is, finally, the death of the British Empire

They were smiling but the picture was of a funeral ceremony.

Looking on from the shadows as the American CEO of BP and the representative
of the Russian state oil company, Rosneft, shook hands on their dramatic
link-up was our Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne.
His role was as undertaker at the wake of an independent British energy
policy.

Once, the half-hidden face of a British Minister at the making of such a
deal would have signalled who was the real power-broker. Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1347598/MARK-ALMOND-This-BP-deal-f
inally-death-British-Empire.html#ixzz1BFHclZlW

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Sunday 16 January 2011

'Shelve Plan To Extract Gas Off Blackpool'

'Shelve Plan To Extract Gas Off Blackpool'

story picture
Tom Parmenter, Sky News correspondent

Campaigners say plans to extract gas from the seabed off Blackpool should be shelved while the dangers are properly assessed.


Read on Sky News

Reduce Energy Costs By 80% With Commercial Led Lighting

Friday 14 January 2011

BP Ties Up 'Historic' £10bn Deal With Russia

BP Ties Up 'Historic' £10bn Deal With Russia

story picture
Pete Norman, Sky News Online

A company controlled by the Russian government has agreed an "historic" multi-billion-pound deal with BP that will open up massive Arctic oil fields to exploration by the London-based oil giant.


Read on Sky News

Russian Govt Oil Firm To Take Stake In BP

Russian Govt Oil Firm To Take Stake In BP

story picture
Pete Norman, Sky News Online

A Russian oil company is to undertake a significant stake in BP, it has been confirmed.


Read on Sky News

Energy companies accused of 'profiteering'

Politicians and watchdogs called on the Government to force energy companies
to open their books and explain what price they were paying for their gas
and electricity and what price they were charging customers. The figures were published just a day after the fifth of the big six energy
companies, E.on, announced it was increasing its customers' bills, adding
£63 to average annual bill. It became the latest bill increase to hit families after the rise in VAT to
20 per cent at the start of the year, along with petrol climbing towards £6
a gallon and stubbornly high food prices. In total, 24.6 million customers across the five companies have been hit by
price rises. E.on, along with its rivals, blamed rising wholesale energy prices, which
have climbed by 35 per cent since last Spring. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/8255259/Ener
gy-companies-accused-of-profiteering.html

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Thursday 13 January 2011

MSPs to debate renewables market

Holyrood is to seek to ensure that Scotland will not suffer from plans to
reform the UK's energy market.

Finance secretary John Swinney has warned that any unnecessary changes to
Scotland's established energy framework, particularly its focus on boosting
the renewables sector, could "damage investor confidence" in the nation.

In a motion to go before Holyrood, Energy Secretary Jim Mather will call on
the Parliament to recognise the importance of the UK Government's energy
market reforms to Scotland's climate change and low-carbon energy
objectives.

The UK Government has proposed a raft of measures to meet Britain's
increasing demand for energy, while maintaining its commitment to lower
carbon emissions.

http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/msps_to_debate_renewables_market_1_292
3603

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Gas Prices Up as Belgian Pipe, LNG Flows Drop (UK)

Does your current business gas broker find you the best deal?

Getting the right price for your business gas supply is one of the important
factors that impacts profitability of your business. To make sure you have
the best supply at the cheapest rates possible you have to find the right
business gas broker - you obviously can't be expected to do all the research
by yourself, which is where a good gas broker steps in.

What makes it even more important to find the right business gas broker is
the rising energy prices, and if you study the commercial gas market
carefully enough you will be astonished to see that the cost of commercial
gas can vary as much as 50 percent from supplier to supplier due to the
amount of competition. Thus, it is very important that you partner with the
commercial gas broker who can bring you the best value for your money.

Take some time out to approach a few gas brokers to understand if you are
getting the right deal from each of them; or you could compare each of their
opinions to see which one gives you the best advice. For a better idea, you
might also want to do a cursory search on the Internet to find out the
current ongoing
wholesale market prices.

http://www.mybusinessgas.com/latest-news/does-your-current-business-gas-brok
er-find-you-the-best-deal

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Wednesday 12 January 2011

Call to release green energy cash

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is facing fresh calls for the immediate release
of money to invest in "green" jobs for Scotland.

The comments were made as the Liberal Democrat MP prepares to visit
Holyrood's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee to discuss UK energy
policy.

Mr Huhne will also tour two sites, including Longannet power station, to see
developments in energy technology, such as carbon capture and wave power.

Speaking before the Holyrood visit, SNP committee member Rob Gibson repeated
calls for access to the Fossil Fuel Levy - a fund paid by suppliers of
non-renewable energy sources and held in London.

Mr Gibson said: "We want to see the Fossil Fuel Levy transferred to Scotland
so it can boost investment in Scotland now rather than wait and risk
Scotland's great opportunity.

http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/call_to_release_green_energy_cash_1_228912
1

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Business and Commercial Gas Prices Drop with Mild Weather

UK gas prices plunged to seven week lows to levels last seen before the cold
snap. Milder weather and strong supply from LNG terminals kept the market
well supplied pushing business
and commercial gas prices down.

UK Business Energy Prices Drop
On Monday gas for day ahead and February delivery fell to prices similar to
November, before we were hit by the coldest spell on record. Spot prices
fell 1.55 pence and were traded at 54.75 pence per therm, while gas for
delivery in February was traded at 55.00 per therm, 1.20 pence lower than
previous sessions.

"Weather and LNG supply are weighing on prices. Some may be going short
here with the idea that it has room for downside in the week," said a
business gas broker.

http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/latest-business-gas-pr
ices/

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Tuesday 11 January 2011

EDF Energy to sponsor London Eye

British tourist landmark the London Eye is to have a French-owned sponsor,
EDF Energy.

Owner Merlin Entertainments announced it has awarded EDF naming rights to
the famous wheel for the next three years, in a deal estimated by media to
be worth about 8 million pounds.

The Eye proved so popular it was made a permanent installation and it is
visited by around 3.5 million people every year.

As part of the deal, the London Eye has agreed to take its electricity from
EDF, which will link the contract with its sponsorship of the 2012 Olympic
Games, Merlin said.

"The London Eye is one of Merlin?s premier attraction brands and recognised
internationally as a 21st century symbol for modern Britain," the company
said.

The Eye is scheduled to reopen later this month after its annual two-week
maintenance period.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iPL08-oWJ1HuZj_C2lTD3aGY_
U-Q?docId=CNG.98df315adf15c59cc1300a82a92c181f.451

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CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

We are now well on the road to the end of the very first year of the CRC.

We've had the scare stories, the organisations failing to register, or less
organisations registering than were very first thought. Early estimates from
the Government suggested 5000 plus organisations would be full participants
with a further 20,000 as data disclosures. We've had just over 3,700 full
participants register, what does this tell us?

For me, based on my research, it tells me that a lot of organisations didn't
comprehend what they were required to do. For instance, a vehicle
dealership, an example Defra employed in their literature, if that
dealership was a single franchise, SEAT for instance, then if a single SEAT
dealer anywhere else inside the UK had a half hour meter then ALL SEAT
dealerships and SEAT firms were in under the banner of SEAT, who had the
responsibility of collating this data. That's nice and simple, until you
then take a look at if that same dealership had say SEAT and VW at the same
premises, they're out? Add to that the ability to register independently so
the SEAT brand did not have to account for every thing that traded under its
name . . . confused . . . therein lies the difficulty!

At least the Con/Dem co-alition government has pushed back the full
implementation of phase 1 of the CRC by 12 months, the same for Phase
2.They're also looking at making the scheme simpler, firstly by making it a
Tax, no payments from the pot for those that reduce emissions the most,
Excellent or Poor?

For me it's a bit of great and bad, organisations no longer being rewarded
for reducing emissions will need to discover some other motivation to reduce
emissions! The great side is that it's giving these organisation more time
to get to grips with the scheme, even so, as experience has shown, a lot of
organisations left it to the last minute before registering for the CRC,
will they do the same once more?

Initially Phase 1 reporting is primarily about Scope 1 & 2 emissions, Scope
1 being based on energy you produce, for instance if you had a wind turbine
and selling electricity back to the grid, Scope 2 is for energy you
purchase.

Nonetheless Phase 2 of the CRC is interesting, as it suggests that Scope
three emissions will be included in a company's declaration, a great way of
introducing mandatory emissions reporting for all via the back door. Scope
three covers every thing from Travel to Suppliers.

http://www.beseengogreen.eu/news/london-glasgow-edinburgh-uk-crc-energy-effi
ciency-scheme/

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Energy firm E.On to raise electricity and gas prices

Businesses turn on to PC turn off

The global market for PC power management technologies will continue to
expand "at a pretty rapid rate", according to a major new report confirming
that the energy savings delivered by automated PC turn-off technologies can
deliver a return on investment in less than six months for many
organisations.

The study from IT industry analysts The 451 Group, entitled
PC
Power Management - Measuring, Monitoring and Managing Client Energy
Consumption, concluded that despite the rapid expansion of the PC power
management market in recent years the technology has still achieved market
penetration of just 20 per cent, leaving plenty of room for expansion.


http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1935659/corporations-pc

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Monday 10 January 2011

UK's Rough gas storage loses clout as LNG flows in

Britain's largest gas storage site has lost some influence in supplying the
market this winter as more flexible sources such as liquefied natural gas
LNG) terminals have gained a bigger role covering peak-time demand. Centrica's Rough storage site off the east coast of Yorkshire can hold
around 70 percent of Britain's gas stocks and has been a key source of
heating gas on cold winter days. But since last winter, gas supply capacity at two of Britain's LNG terminals
has increased by 50 percent each, lifting the potential for more cooled gas
to enter the UK. 'Rough is still critical to the UK market but the increase in extra flexible
capacity has taken some pressure off,' said Andrew Horstead, head of
research at energy consultancy Utilyx. Key LNG supplier Qatar has also recently expanded production capacity by 7.8
million tonnes per year and is set to open another facility within one
month's time. 'Given the extra capacity coming on stream in Qatar, following delays from
last year, there's more supply available to the market and the UK is one of
the few markets that has the capacity to absorb it,' Horstead said.

Gas supplies at five-year low for early January

The amount of gas kept in storage in the UK is at its lowest level in five
years for so early in the winter, according to National Grid.

Last month, was the coldest December since 1890, and the UK's gas storage
facilities, which are among the smallest in Europe, are already more than
half empty as they cope with record demand. Domestic supplies of gas have
also been exported to the continent via the Interconnector under-sea
pipeline, because prices are higher there than in the UK.

As of Friday, the UK had enough gas in storage to meet in total about five
and a half days' consumption, given average winter temperatures, although
storage facilities can release only a fraction of this each day. These
facilities - mostly old gas fields such as Centrica's Rough reservoir off
the coast of Yorkshire - have in the past run down gradually during the
winter and restocked over the spring and summer. But analysts said that
suppliers have withdrawn stocks much earlier this year, with almost two
months of the winter left to run.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/09/gas-supplies-five-year-low

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Friday 7 January 2011

How Energy Use Dwarfs the Power Facebook and Twitter

Very few topics generate more buzz these days than news about social
networks. Just how big is Facebook, and what, exactly are our kids doing on
it every day? How will Apple create a network around music, and what's
Google doing about it?

It's easy to forget that the world's largest business energy
also represents the world's largest
network, a nexus of wires and pipelines, consumers and "content providers"
(a.k.a. energy producers) all tightly connected in a $7 trillion a year
enterprise.

It's a network that's always on, whether you're talking about the clock
radios and refrigerators that populate our homes, or the tankers and oil
wells that feed our morning commutes. Most importantly, it's a network that
can host surprising, even world-changing innovation that make our lives more
interesting, more productive, and more secure.

Companies around the world are starting to exploit the network
characteristics of energy. They're beginning to understand that their
organizations have an energy nervous system and an energy metabolism.
Businesses are innovating by mapping these networks, from the lights they
use in offices and stores to the wires and generators that power them.
They're using new software and new machines that help them deliver more
goods and services for less and less energy at even better prices.

Corporations are also hedging against the risks inherent in this vast
network. Up and down their energy and material supply chains, they're
mapping their vulnerability to price shocks and environmental impacts.
Companies like Walmart are collaborating, not just on their local grids, but
across the globe to drive new levels of energy efficiency and therefore
reduce risks to their bottom line.

http://in.reuters.com/article/idIN237855419720101221

Thursday 6 January 2011

Spot unchanged despite higher UK gas prices

UK spot power prices were unchanged Thursday despite higher UK
business gas prices and as demand
was forecast to drop Friday, sources said.

UK OTC power for next-day delivery was assessed at GBP49.60/MWh in base and
GBP55.50/MWh in peak, respectively up just 10 pence and unchanged from
Wednesday.

On the N2EX wholesale power exchange, the day-ahead power auction cleared 50
pence higher than Wednesday at GBP49.50/MWh.

"The price has not moved very much...there's a bank holiday on the Continent
but it's not smashed the [UK] price down," a trader at a large UK utility
said.

"The market is so over-supplied," a trader at a second utility said.
"There's very little to be made...it's just about closing positions." UK gas prices increased Thursday as colder temperatures were forecast to set
in Friday.
http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/8376438

Improving the Energy Efficiency of a Business

With the constant rise in energy prices it is becoming more important for
businesses to focus on improving their energy efficiency. There are many
ways to improve your business energy efficiency, some of which I'll explain
in this article. Before digging any deeper it is important to have a clear
understanding of what electricity efficiency is.

With the connected acceleration in activity prices it is acceptable added
important for businesses to focus on convalescent their activity efficiency.
There are abounding means to advance your business activity efficiency, some
of which I'll explain in this article.Before digging any added it is
important to accept a bright compassionate of what electricity ability is.
Activity ability in apparent English is the able use of activity by business
or households. Convalescent business activity ability is the ambition to
abate the activity burning aural all areas of a business, be it in the
assembly band or in the offices.

Simple examples of activity ability improvements are if you abate by one
bulk the baptize temperature of your boiler or insulate the bounds so the
architecture uses beneath heating and cooling. But convalescent business
activity ability goes far above that.First of all any bartering architecture
with over 50m2 accept to accept an Activity Performance Certificate to
actuate its electricity ability grade. The EPC allocate barrio in two
audible categories: Simple Architecture and Complex Building, this will
affect the blazon of EPC adjudicator you will need.

(For abundant admonition see assets box hotlink Activity Performance
Certificate).Install acute meters to accretion added ascendancy over your
ability burning and expenditures. This next bearing of electricity meters
were developed to put an end to estimated account bills and beat readings,
and accommodate barter and, business, activity suppliers with authentic
admonition on the bulk of electricity and gas getting used.According to a
analysis conducted by the Carbon Trust, businesses that installed acute
activity meters appear accumulation of 12% a year if accumulated with
burning abstracts and energy-saving advice.

http://business.blueable.com/business/improving-the-energy-efficiency-of-a-b
usiness/

UK gas rises on cold, power down on high supply

UK gas prices reversed
losses on Thursday as contracts edged higher after three days of losses on
the return of colder weather, traders said.

Gas for delivery on Friday rose 0.80 pence to 58.00 pence per therm at 1005
GMT, while the month-ahead price traded at
57.80 pence ($8.97 per mmBtu), up 1.10 pence.

"People might have gone short yesterday and are now taking some profit," one
gas trader said.

"Also, winter isn't over yet. I think people might have realised that we
could still get some cold weather and could
struggle with storage running low."

http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE7050QW20110106

Ofgem to fine National Grid Gas

LNG mixed blessing for U.K.

Liquefied natural gas may help Great Britain deal with energy security but
it exposes the market to global pressures, energy analysts said.

The International Energy Agency predicted a growth in the natural gas market
with energy companies like Royal Dutch Shell expected to eventually produce
more gas than oil.

London estimates that, as reserves in the North Sea start to run dry, the
United Kingdom will rely on imports to meet 70 percent of its gas demand by
2020. As much as 60 percent of that is expected to come from LNG.

Simon Fairman, who manages a LNG terminal on the Isle of Grain, said that
LNG is a mixed blessing for the region, noting shippers tend to go where the
prices are most attractive, London's Guardian newspaper reports.

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/12/29/LNG-mixed-blessing-
for-UK/UPI-28411293625705/

M&C Energy Group acquires Utility Masters

Oldham energy broker company
Utility Masters has been bought for an undisclosed sum by Scottish
procurement and compliance specialists M&C Energy Group. The deal for Royton-based Utility Masters will see the M&C Energy Group's
turnover increase to £40m and "further cements its position as one of the
world's leading energy consultancies". Utility Masters was founded in April 2000 by a team of senior utilities
sector managers and helps clients to optimise energy costs and use. UM's founding partners, Jim McGhie, Shaun McClarnon and Kevin Whaites will
join the M&C team. Jim McGhie, Managing Director, Utility Masters Limited, said: " M&C is
unquestionably one of the world's leading energy consultancies with a strong
reputation for excellence in customer services and product innovation. " M&C's global reach will bring significant benefits to our clients, many of
whom require an integrated energy service across many sites worldwide. My
partners and I are looking forward to working with M&C to drive forward this
strong business." http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1404167_mc_energ
y_group_acquires_utility_masters

Wednesday 5 January 2011

UK Business Energy Prices Drop

Energy Prices Drop Despite The Cold Weather

Despite going through one of the coldest winters in history, UK energy
prices dropped. Strong gas supply from Norway, imported LNG and the restart
of a nuclear reactor helped bring household and business energy prices down.

UK Business Energy Prices Drop
Normally when temperatures drop gas prices go up. This winter temperatures
are several degrees below seasonal average which should have rocketed gas
prices. Energy prices are highly influenced by gas prices, so every time gas
prices go up energy prices soon follow.

"Everything has traded lower on gas," said an energy broker.

Back in December we reported that UK Business Gas Prices Drop despite
Forecasted Cold Spell, at the time a strong supply from Norway and
Netherlands plus strong imports of LNG forced gas traders to lower their
prices. Read More:
http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/blog/latest-news/uk-business-energy-pri
ces-drop/

M&C Energy Group acquires Utility Masters, primes for global growth

Lyceum Capital-backed energy
procurement and compliance specialist M&C Energy Group has acquired
outsourced energy management company Utility Masters as it eyes further
acquisitions to boost its global presence.

Scotland-headquartered M&C expects that this latest acquisition - its fourth
in a year - will see its turnover increase to £40m and cement its position
as a global energy consultancy.

With a focus on energy procurement and carbon reduction, UK company Utility
Masters will add further depth and expertise to M&C's existing services and
energy management solutions ;
increasing its stature as a global energy services player. Following the
acquisition, Utility Master's founding partners Jim McGhie, Shaun McClarnon
and Kevin Whaites, will join M&C.

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/ene
rgy-efficiency/mc-energy-group-acquires-utility-masters-primes-for-global-gr
owth.html

UK spot power prices fell on Tuesday

UK spot power prices fell Tuesday due to lower UK gas prices and the restart
of a nuclear reactor, said traders.

UK OTC power for next-day delivery was last heard at GBP49.85/MWh in base
and GBP55/MWh in peak, down GBP1.65 and up GBP1 from Friday's assessment for
Tuesday.

On the N2EX wholesale power exchange, the day-ahead power auction cleared
GBP3.51 lower than the previous day at GBP48.65/MWh.

"Everything has traded lower on gas," said a trader at a large UK utility.

UK gas for next-day delivery was trading at 58.15 pence/therm by midday,
down 3.20 p/therm from Friday's assessment for Tuesday, due to higher flows
on the Langeled pipeline to the UK.

The 220 MW Oldbury-2 nuclear reactor in South Gloucestershire was restarted
early Tuesday morning, data from National Grid showed, adding cheap supply
to the UK power system.

The reactor had been offline since November 11, 2010, due to a fault on a
gas circulator.
http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/8362238

Tuesday 4 January 2011

UK Business Gas Prices How to get the best business gas prices in the UK

UK Wind Turbines Consume More Enerygy Than They Produce

The future lies in renewables, which is a Chris Huhne euphemism for wind
power.

The holy grail of Dave and the Wind God, wind power is a big, expensive and
very dangerous joke for the energy security of this country.

As the country emerges from a very cold snap, it is a comforting thought for
us all that our wind turbines have actually consumed more energy, than they
produced.

With wind speeds across Western Europe having fallen in the last 30 years,
and Britain suffering a 12% Fall In UK Renewable Energy Production the
future is far from bright.

http://toryardvaark.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/uk-wind-turbines-consume-more-e
nerygy-than-they-produce/