Utility Week

"We need more volume if we're to maximise the benefi ts of the UK's cheapest power source and reach net zero emissions at the lowest cost." RenewableUK's head of policy and regulation, Rebecca Williams, says more onshore wind farms are needed. UTILITY WEEK | 6TH - 12TH SEPTEMBER 2019 | 5 A "pan-regional voice" for stakeholders in the North of England water sector has been called for in a new study that predicts resources will become scarcer across the region. Pressures on water supply and demand in the north are expected to become more acute than previously thought in the next 25 years, according to the study by IPPR called Natural Assets North: Water in the Northern Powerhouse. ELECTRICITY Green transport gets £300m funds The government has announced up to £300 million for investment in greener transport, including electric passenger planes and "flying urban taxis". Researchers developing electric planes and cleaner jet fuels mean- while will receive an additional £5 million boost, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The government said it would provide £125 million, which will be supported by industry co- investment of up to £175 million to support new technologies. Five new transport research net- works will be led by the University of Birmingham, the University of Leeds, the University of Durham, CardiŒ University and University College London. Business secretary Andrea Leadsom commented: "This invest- ment will help make the most of the exceptional talent and expertise we have in these industries, and ensure the UK leads the way." ENERGY EDF shown in 'credit default' with Elexon Big six supplier EDF was shown as being in credit default with code administrators Elexon in the early hours of 31 August. EDF has since said the default was caused by an "administrative issue". The company said that on 31"August it had been shown to have entered credit default. Both EDF and Elexon con" rmed that the matter had been resolved. Responding to the news, Ian Barker, managing partner at BFY Consulting, said: "It's highly unusual for this to happen to one of"the larger suppliers." EDF was shown to be in level 2 default, indicating the supplier's outstanding charges amounted to more than 90 per cent of its credit cover. SPEN appoints former Ofgem director as chair of CEG Former Ofgem director John Howard has been appointed as the chair of SP Energy Networks' RIIO2 customer engagement group (CEG). Howard has had a 19-year career in regulated industries and consumer affairs and spent 20 years as a consumer journalist with the BBC. Majewicz confi rmed as Bristol Energy MD Marek Majewicz, who has served as Bristol Energy's interim managing director since the departure of Peter Haigh at the end of last year, has had his role confi rmed. Majewicz has also served as the company's interim fi nance director. APPOINTMENTS Photo: Yorkshire Water OFGEM INVESTIGATES… More than £229 million At August 2019, we have Amount paid by energy companies in compensation and penalties since 2010. Amount paid by energy companies in compensation and penalties since 2010. At August 2019, closed investigations open investigations 5 70 since 2010. Source: Ofgem

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