COVID-19

  • Energy storage and flexibility

    Turn it up – responding rapidly to manage the system

    In balancing the system, we used to talk mostly about narrowing capacity margins and the need to ensure ‘headroom’. But suddenly there’s a greater need for greater consumption and the provision of ‘footroom’ during COVID-19, and potentially and also in the future. The ESO will need to procure more and...

  • Commercial and market outlook

    A new playbook for the GB wholesale markets

    With the effects of COVID-19 permeating all parts of the energy value chain, in this week’s Energy Perspective our Wholesale Manager, James Brabben, takes a look at how it is impacting wholesale pricing and the electricity generation fleet, both now and, potentially, in the long term. Order of play We...

  • Low carbon generation

    The Pain: SEM prices get low

    It is easy to forget that this weekend is Easter where a large part of the country will have a 4-day weekend.  This year the demand levels are still trending down as restrictions due to COVID-19 become ever tighter. So what will this mean for the electricity generators? This week’s...

  • Regulation and policy

    Building foundations: Improving outcomes for vulnerable customers now and in the future

    The standards of conduct in the electricity and gas supply licences set out that suppliers must ensure that “each Domestic Customer, including each Domestic Customer in a Vulnerable Situation, is treated Fairly”. This licence condition is principles-based and so exactly how each supplier interprets it is up to them. Although,...

  • Home supply and services

    From “what if?” to “what now?”

    As the UK begins its third week of lockdown, the nation’s energy sector continues to wait to see whether there will be any economic or financial support targeted specifically at end users, suppliers, network operators and fellow participants alike. Immediate issues for end users include their ability to pay their...

  • Announcement

    How we’re helping our local community during COVID-19

    Cornwall Insight recognises the importance of playing our part in supporting the wider effort to address COVID-19. That is why, aside from continuing our insights on COVID-19 to the energy market, we will be donating 5% of all revenues made from our webinar series over the coming three months to 'Norfolk Community...

  • Low carbon generation

    Lessons from a lock down

    We are all facing a new, simpler existence. For my part, I have been self-isolated for three weeks. My little flat in central London has become almost my entire existence, my days have settled into a simple routine, and I've had plenty of time to reflect. Although COVID-19 presents an...

  • Regulation and policy

    How are domestic suppliers expected to serve their customers during COVID-19?

    With the COVID-19 pandemic taking centre stage of late, here we consider how domestic suppliers are responding to the outbreak and how this could affect their day-to-day compliance. Amid the ever-mounting pressure on suppliers due to COVID-19, licensees have been promised pragmatism by the regulator in its approach to compliance....

  • Regulation and policy

    Editor’s Pick | BEIS announces new measures to protect PPM customers

    New measures are being introduced to protect prepayment meter (PPM) customers during the Covid-19 outbreak, BEIS announced on 19 March. PPM customers, who may not be able to add credit can speak to their supplier about options to keep them supplied. This could include nominating a third party for credit top...

  • Commercial and market outlook

    COVID-19 virus and the GB energy sector webinar

    This webinar explores our take on the emerging disruptions to the electricity and gas markets as COVID-19 tightens its grip on the UK. We highlight how the struggles of consumers in managing the virus has already caused unintended consequences for suppliers. Also, how these consequences could develop in the coming weeks...

  • Low carbon generation

    Power demand in Lockdown – Initial COVID-19 impact on the power market

    The power and gas systems are mirror images of the wider economy, entering practically every aspect of work and leisure. They naturally face challenges as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the way we work, travel and live. Electricity demand has reported to have fallen in...

  • Energy storage and flexibility

    Changes: Demand falling in SEM

    With the unexpected arrival of coronavirus there has been significant a shift in human behaviour. We are now two weeks removed from the Irish Government’s instruction to close schools and message advising businesses to allow employees work from home where possible, we wonder what has the impact been on energy...

  • Low carbon generation

    Impacts of COVID-19 on the renewable energy support scheme

    With a lot of uncertainty around the impacts of Covid-19 on global supply chains and renewable project delivery we are starting to see the effects in the Irish Energy market, notably the announcement that prequalification for the Renewable Energy Support Scheme in Ireland will be extended. The global energy sector...

  • Commercial and market outlook

    The 2020 oil price crash: How does it compare to previous events?

    This feature is part of our new Energy Market Watch coverage where each week we will provide insights and analysis on the latest trends in commodity markets, grid balancing and market fundamentals as the impacts of COVID-19 continue to emerge. You can sign up for the regular free update here. Brent crude oil...

  • Commercial and market outlook

    A message from our CEO

    Dear customers and partners, Covid-19 is understandably occupying widespread attention. We felt it was important to reassure you that we have a robust plan to maintain continuity of service, whilst looking after the welfare of our employees, their families and of course our customers, and to let you know how...

  • Low carbon generation

    Oil prices slump as OPEC-Russia output deal collapses, prospect of price war emerges

    The price of crude oil has fallen by just over a third since last Thursday ($50/bl) after the production sharing deal between OPEC and Russia (OPEC+) seemingly collapsed following an inability by the group to agree a concerted response to the coronavirus outbreak. Having fallen by approximately 10% on Friday,...