Associate Martin Hurst makes the case for a fundamental shift in how spending on maintenance is decided, based on a strategic assessment of the pressures that water assets face and how technology may shake things up. This article first appeared in The Water Report
Ofgem is consulting on its methodology for the next network price control RIIO3. We welcome the focus on the investment needed to meet Net Zero but urge Ofgem to emphasise the companies' own environmental impacts in areas like SF6 emissions, energy losses and methane leakage. We also highlight the need for wider engagement on the difficult inter-generational questions around the future of the gas networks.
In response to Ofgem’s Forward Work Programme we agree with the broad priorities but we are very concerned at the omission of two crucial topics – the treatment of Economy 7 customers and Ofgem’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Economic regulation is taking place in a changing enviroment. The need for utilities to deliver reliance against weather and other shocks, in the face of climate change both have an impact. In this consultation response, we ask how regulators can move to a far wider question about the role of data and we urge for greater engagement with current and future consumers.
This presentation was given by Sustainability First during our webinar on tackling greenhouse gas emissions SF6 on Great Britain's electricity network. It was based on a paper by Associates Maxine Frerk and Judith Ward, and energy specialist Janet Wood
Sustainability First has been working with National Grid to think about how to make the shift to clean energy fair, inclusive and affordable. We delivered six online engagement events in 2023, including three roundtables with stakeholders from the energy sector and wider community, and three workshops with citizens from across England and Wales. This engagement was aimed at fostering discussion, empowering citizens, and developing recommendations for National Grid and other decision makers in response to the opportunities and challenges in the clean energy transition.
Our position in this consultation is that 'volumetric charging', whereby you pay based on usage, rather than a flat rate, is fairer but targeted support would be needed for the minority of households who would lose out. And better data is needed to understand the issue better
Associate Martin Hurst makes the case for more, and meaningful, flexibility in the Price Review (PR24) process in the water sector, and considers what options might exist. This feature first appeared in The Water Report. We would welcome views on this feature for future engagement - please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The industrial gas SF6 is a potent, long lived gas with a global warming potential far greater than carbon dioxide. Widely used for decades in electrical switchgear, it has been favoured as an insulator. On climate grounds, a wide-scale reappraisal is under way looking at the use of SF6 in electrical equipment. Since this report was first published, EU legislation has changed, which makes finding alternatives a priority. This report is by Sustainability First Associates Maxine Frerk and Judith Ward (along with Janet Wood)
To provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies.
Registered Charity no. 1078994 | Company no. 03897720 | Privacy and Data Policy
Site content: Sustainability First 2022 | Site Build: David Sheales