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UtILItY WeeK | 26th september - 2nd october 2014 | 15 Policy & Regulation ministerial and cabinet colleagues) has led many Tory critics to say they have failed to meet, or even lied about, their environmen- tal credentials. As for the junior coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats had a quiet conference in Glasgow last year. A general air of dissat- isfaction with Nick Clegg for partnering with the Tories permeated the event. The conference did, however, drop the Lib Dems' historical blanket opposition to new nuclear power in a vote that went energy secretary Ed Davey's way by 230 votes to 183. It was significant because it meant all three main parties supported new nuclear for the first time, and the deal for the Hinkley Point C strike price was announced the fol- lowing month. But the Lib Dems have, for many, been tainted by association with the Tories, so expect Clegg, Davey, and the other big hit- ters to shout about what the Lib Dems have achieved in government to curb Conserva- tive excess. Expect a "fairer society" to be on the agenda, including fair energy bills. The Lib Dems have condemned Miliband's price freeze "con", but will the prospect of a Lib- Lab coalition moderate that judgement? And then, for all of the big three, there is the small matter of the fallout from the Scottish No vote and that pledge to devolve more powers away from Westminster. What does that really mean? And will utilities be affected by the constitutional tinkering? Aer last week's historic events, it will be harder for the 2014 party conferences to grab the headlines, but that won't stop them trying. Where were you? "I was dashing for a train at Paddington aer a long Ofgem meeting when I saw the headline in The Evening Standard. I missed my train." Chris Welby, policy and regulatory affairs officer, Good Energy "I think panic was the overwhelming feeling." Mat Hope, writer, @Carbonbrief "Our gut reaction to the freeze was negative. Government intervention in energy prices does not promote the competition, transparency and accountability that we advocate." Charlie Lass, co-founder, Open Energy Market "When the pledge flashed up it seemed odd to me. Firstly because it guarantees higher prices now (risk premium and all that) and secondly because he was energy secretary for two years when retail prices went through the roof…" Andrew Hallet, Citizens Advice Bureau "The next Labour government will freeze gas and electricity prices until the start of 2017… that's what I mean by a government that fights for you." – Ed Miliband, 2013 The Miliband moment 33% 35% 10% 9% 13% Current voting intentions, polled 14 september source: ICM Research/ Guardian Conservatives Liberal Democrats Ukip Other Labour