The Energy Essentials Podcast

90) Iran Conflict: Impact on GB Energy Prices

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight Principal Consultant Dr. Craig Lowrey is joined by Principal Modeller Tom Edwards to discuss the potential impacts of the current conflict in Iran on energy prices.

They discuss short-term and long-term implications across domestic and business energy bills, as well as for investors.

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89) Smart Microgrids: Benefits, Challenges & Barriers to Uptake

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Flexible Generation & Storage Lead Tim Dixon and Energy Users Lead Jacob Briggs are joined by Dan Nicholls, Chief Product Officer at SNRG.

They discuss the role of smart microgrids in addressing challenges within the energy market, including connections to grid, infrastructure, network congestion, and decarbonisation. They also explore the definition of smart microgrids, their potential benefits for users of the energy system, the challenges they address, and the barriers to their wider adoption.

Cornwall Insight customers can listen to this in-depth episode on CATALYST or listen to all episodes of the Energy Essentials podcast here.

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88) Being Smarter With Metering

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this special extra episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Robert Buckley, Head of Strategic Accounts at Cornwall Insight, is joined by Suket Singhal, CEO of Secure Meters Limited.

Suket will be joining us at CI Live 2025! on the 5 November to discuss the future of smart metering data and energy solutions. In this discussion with Robert, Suket shares insights from Secure’s extensive experience in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of data-driven innovation and customer-centric solutions.

You can find out more about the challenges and opportunities in achieving affordable net zero by 2030 at CI Live 2025! Cornwall Insight’s Annual Energy Conference on the 5 November in London. With Gold Sponsor Secure, this event explores how the industry can overcome hurdles and embrace a more efficient, sustainable future.

Cornwall Insight customers can find the full episodes on CATALYST or listen to the Energy Essentials podcast here.

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87) Innovation in CPPAs - The Next Steps

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Energy Essentials Podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Robert Buckley (Head of Strategic Accounts) and Tom Andrews (Senior Consultant) are joined by James Hall, COO at Evolve Energy.

They discuss the innovation in Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in a rapidly evolving energy market, focusing on license exempt supply and its implications for both generators and consumers. They explore the regulatory landscape, opportunities for innovation, and the future of energy supply contracts, emphasising the importance of understanding the complexities of the market.

You can hear more on this plus many other essential industry topics at Cornwall Insight's annual energy conference CI Live 2025! Join us on the 5 November 2025 at Glaziers Hall in London. Get your ticket today.

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86) Balancing Innovation & Stability in Market Infrastructure

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight's Kate Mulvany (Principal Consultant) and Tom Edwards (Principal Modeller) are joined by Peter Stanley (Elexon CEO) to discuss the critical topic of energy flexibility and the government's ambitions for a clean power system by 2030.

They explore the significant market reforms underway, the role of data in the energy transition, and the importance of consumer behaviour in driving demand. The conversation also delves into the impact of half-hourly settlement, the challenges of code governance, and the exciting innovations emerging in the energy sector.

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85) How Can we Make Household Energy Markets Work Better for Customers?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Anna Moss (Principal Consultant) and Robert Buckley (Head of Strategic Accounts) meet with Uswitch CEO Angus McCarey to discuss the future of energy supply markets and the evolving role of consumers in the net zero transition.

Topics covered include:

The balance of innovation and market structure
The data-driven future and what this means for access and engagement
Expectations for 2030

Find out more about our Home Supply and Services analysis subscription, providing strategic insights and analysis on what’s happening in the market and what’s driving those changes.

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84) Contracts for Difference AR7: What We Know and What's Next

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Tim Dixon, Lucy Dolton, and Robin Clarke discuss the recently published indicative timeline for the upcoming Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 auction. Focusing on key dates, implications for developers, and any potential uncertainties or risks surrounding the timeline.

You can also find out more about our Contracts for Difference support service and bespoke CfD consulting capabilities.

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83) Understanding Standing Charges in Energy Bills

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, our experts Tom Edwards and Dr. Craig Lowrey are joined by Peter Smith from National Energy Action. They discuss the complexities of standing charges in energy bills, their implications for consumers, especially vulnerable households, and the potential changes in energy pricing structures. They explore the impact of regional variations, the introduction of zero standing charge tariffs, and the future of energy pricing in a world with smart meters. The conversation also touches on the political dimensions of energy policy and the pursuit of a more equitable approach to energy costs.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

82) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Ireland and Northern Ireland and the Key Challenges

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

As Ireland and Northern Ireland transition to net zero and the volume of variable renewable generation in the electricity generation mix increases, there is a need for more flexibility provision. There is >1GW of operational energy storage on the Island, however the majority of this has been short duration batteries participating in system services. There are a number of market reforms underway that will change the landscape for energy storage projects including incentive mechanisms for longer duration storage assets.

In our latest Energy Essentials podcast we introduce the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) market in Ireland and Northern Ireland, discuss the key challenges facing it and how wider reforms of the SEM energy market might impact BESS assets.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

81) Part 2 - Heat Network Consumer Protection Regulations From a Consumer Body Perspective Part 2

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Part 1 - At present, heat network consumers are not afforded the same levels of consumer protection that gas and electricity consumers receive. While heat networks currently provide around 3% of total heat, they are expected to provide around 20% by 2050. There are many prevalent issues in the sector around poor technical design, variations in customer service and the large number and diversity of heat network entities, which means consumer protection is much needed.

Regulation of the heat network sector will take effect from January 2026. In the meantime, DESNZ and Ofgem have been and continue to consult on various aspects of the regulations to inform the final regulatory regime.

Kate Hill from Cornwall Insight talks to Steven Knight from The Heat Trust, Charlotte Witso from Citizen's Advice and Alistair Hill from Consumer Scotland to get their response on a number of aspects covered in some of the latest consultations.

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81) Part 1 - Heat Network Consumer Protection Regulations From a Consumer Body Perspective Part 1

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

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80) Letting the CATO out the bag

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Lengthy grid connection queues are one of the major challenges to the rollout of renewable energy in the UK, with a series of ongoing reforms from the Government, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to tackle it. Alongside these wider reforms, Ofgem is also exploring the potential role for Competitively Appointed Transmission Owners (CATOs) in supporting the buildout of onshore network infrastructure. In our latest Energy Essentials podcast we introduce CATOs and discuss how they fit into the wider grid connection reform programmes.

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79) Cornwall Insight’s Winter Outlook

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In September, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) published their Winter Outlook discussing their forecasts for supply and demand in the gas and electricity markets this winter.

In our latest Energy Essentials podcast, we present a summary of the key points from the NESO’s Winter Outlook alongside a broader discussion of the critical variables that could impact on security of supply over the next six months.

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78) Contracts for Difference: Do things need to change?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0100

In our latest episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast, we are excited to welcome James Brabben from RWE. Building on our recent discussion about the Allocation Round 6 results of the Contracts for Difference scheme, James shares his expert insights as a renewable power developer.

Learn about the current landscape of renewable energy development in the UK, explore potential changes to the Contracts for Difference scheme, and uncover valuable lessons from international markets.

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77) Charging forward: Navigating the world of energy contracting for EV charge-point operators

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast, our Research Analyst Jamie Maule is joined by our Senior Consultant's Antony Badger and Jacob Briggs, as they discuss energy supply contracting for electric vehicle chargepoint operators in the GB market.

In this podcast, we cover:

The different electricity procurement options available to EV chargepoint operators
Strategies for mitigating price risk
The benefits of onsite generation

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76) AR6: What are the results and what do they mean?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Our latest episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast delves into the Allocation Round 6 results of the Contracts for Difference scheme, how they impact national decarbonisation and net zero targets, and what we can expect from future Allocation Rounds.

Listen to our podcast and find out more about how our Contracts for Difference Support Service can help your business navigate the application and allocation round process.

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75) Recent and Future Trends in Business Energy Costs

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Business energy costs are set to remain significantly above historic levels.

In our latest 'The Energy Essentials Podcast', Dr Matthew Chadwick, Emily Lewis, and Humaira Iqbal discuss the drivers and trends behind these long-term costs as well as the impacts on corporate decarbonisation efforts.

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74) What does the change in government mean for corporates?

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Ahead of the recent General Election the now government committed to a series of changes in the energy sector.

In the latest episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast, Dr Matthew Chadwick, Emily Lewis, and Humaira Iqbal discuss what these changes could mean for corporates.

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73) An Introduction to the German Energy Market

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0100

With the upcoming launch of our new North West European Benchmark Power Curve modelling, we have produced a new podcast “Exploring Europe’s largest energy market: An introduction to Germany.”

In this episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast, our Research Analyst Jamie Maule is joined by Tom Andrews, Senior Consultant at Cornwall Insight, as they introduce and discuss the German energy market and give a flavour of how our modelling can project future developments.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

72) Power Shift: What the Labour Party Win Could Mean for Energy Policy

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0100

The Labour Party has clinched victory in the general election, but what does this mean for UK energy policy?

Listen as Cornwall Insight experts Kate Mulvany and Robert Buckley delve into this question in the first part of our general election podcast. Unpacking the Labour Party's energy promises and exploring the most pressing issues that could impact the energy sector over the next parliamentary term.

If you would like to listen to the full podcast and are a Cornwall Insight subscriber, log in to your account on CATALYST to listen here.

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71) Introduction to the Japanese Energy Market

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Energy Essentials Podcast, our Lead Research Analyst Kate Hill is joined by Meg De Pasquale-Crighton from Shulman Advisory as they discuss an introduction to the Japanese energy market.

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70) Overview of the 2nd REMA Consultation - Episode 1

Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Join Kate Hill and Kate Mulvany as they discuss an overview of the Review of Electricity Markets Arrangements (REMA) and give a synopsis on the second consultation of REMA.

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69) Financing the Green Transition

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Hear from Jamie Maule and Dr Matthew Chadwick as they discuss the opportunities and challenges being faced as we pursue the transition to a green economy in the UK amid macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility and a changing investment environment.

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68) Two years on: Exploring the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on UK Energy

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Two years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our experts discuss how the invasion has shaped the UK energy sector and the ongoing impacts.

Hear from Matthew Smith, as they are joined by our Lead Research Analyst, Dr Matthew Chadwick in this podcast.

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67) Heat Network Zoning - How Will It Deliver For Consumers

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Heating is responsible for around 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions so decarbonising the heat in buildings will be essential to achieve net zero targets in GB. Heat networks go some way to providing a solution to this challenge and could provide up to a fifth of total UK heat by 2050. In particular, heat network zoning is how the government plan to establish and accelerate heat networks across England.

In this podcast our Lead Research Analyst, Kate Hill, is joined by Stephen Knight from Heat Trust and George Munson from Leeds City Council to discuss heat network zoning and the impact this might have on consumers and how this could deliver for consumers.

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66) Transforming the electricity network for net zero with Frank Hodgson (REGEN) and David Cowdrey (MCS Charitable foundation)

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Join us for a podcast episode where we tackle the complicated seeming topic of constructing an electricity network that supports decarbonisation. Despite its complexities, the conversation is accessible and easy to follow. Guests, Frank Hodgson from REGEN and David Cowdrey from MCS Charitable Foundation, share opinions and findings from the research report "Building a GB electricity network ready for net zero".

Hosted by Kate Mulvany, Senior Consultant at Cornwall Insight, don't miss this insightful conversation.

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65) Opportunities from integrated energy solutions

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Anna Moss is joined by Cornwall Insight’s Jacob Briggs and Dan Hamza-Goodacre and Sophie Bordat from Integrate to Zero to talk about our recent research into the carbon and cost reduction opportunities from integrated energy in GB.

In this podcast, we discuss the current market landscape, opportunities, and barriers to offering integrated energy propositions to consumers in Great Britain (GB).

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

64) WACC-A-MOLE: Implications of the rising cost of capital for the fifth round of the Contracts for Difference scheme.

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Soaring inflation and interest rates*, combined with supply chain issues and labour shortages, have pushed up the cost of capital and increased the costs needed to finance renewable projects. With the latest round of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme now ongoing, many in the industry are concerned that administrative strike prices are set too low for projects to be financially viable given the rising capital costs.

In this podcast, Research Analyst Jamie Maule, and Senior Modeller Tom Edwards – co-authors of our insight paper WACC-A-MOLE: Implications of the rising cost of capital for the fifth round of the Contracts for Difference scheme – discuss the impacts of a high cost of capital on the UK’s renewables sector and the success of both prospective and previously commissioned projects under the CfD scheme.

*information accurate at the time of recording

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63) The net zero journey for businesses - in partnership with Weightmans

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In the context of soaring energy prices and challenging macroeconomic conditions, many businesses are struggling to maintain progress towards net zero.

With increasing pressures from both consumers and investors for companies to decarbonise, the desire to progress to net zero remains for many businesses but financial pressures have forced plans to be pushed back.

In this podcast, Matthew Chadwick (Lead Research Analyst at Cornwall Insight) and Nick Fothergill (Corporate Partner at Weightmans) discuss the steps businesses can take to decarbonise and maintain momentum on their net zero journeys.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

62) Liquified Natural Gas To The Rescue?

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Senior Analyst, Sam Peek and Lead Analyst, Joe Camish discuss Liquefied natural gas and its importance over the winter. They discuss:

The significant European and UK uptake in LNG as a replacement for the shortfall of Russian natural gas this winter
The influence of wider geopolitical issues that have prompted a pivot in favour of LNG as a supply side balancer
Expectations for the future of LNG prices into 2023 and how the UK and European gas markets could be preparing to make LNG a long-term proposition to manage our gas demand needs

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61) What is REMA and why is it needed? | Review of Electricity Market Arrangements

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Join our energy experts, Senior Consultant, Kate Mulvany and Research Partner, Dr. Dan Atzori as they discuss the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA), why it is needed, how the energy market is reacting and responding to it and how Cornwall Insight can help businesses navigate REMA.

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60 e) Connecting the dots: REMA and power market design Part 5

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Head of Relationship Development, Robert Buckley, joins us for the last part of our REMA event.
Find out how we can help you navigate REMA here.

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60 d) Connecting the dots: REMA and power market design Part 4

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Part 4 of our REMA event sees Head of Modelling, Sarah Johnston share her thoughts.

Find out how we can help you navigate REMA here.

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60 c) Connecting the dots: REMA and power market design Part 3

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0100

In Part 3 of our REMA event, Senior Consultant, Kate Mulvany, talks about different options available for REMA.

Find out how we can help you navigate REMA here.

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60 b) Connecting the dots: REMA and power market design Part 2

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0100

In Part 2 of our REMA event, Principal Consultant, Adam Boorman introduces REMA.

Find out how we can help you navigate REMA here.

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60 a) Connecting the dots: REMA and power market design Part 1

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0100

In Part 1 of our event on REMA, Dr. Daniel Atzori introduces how the energy market has changed up until now, survey results from the industry on REMA and what our other experts will be speaking on.

Find out how we can help you navigate REMA here.

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59) The Energy Price Guarantee, a Path Through Stormy Seas?

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0100

Upon starting office on 6 September 2022, one of the first challenges for new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was how to tackle the current high energy prices and their knock-on impacts for the cost of living and the cost of doing business. On 8 September 2022, the new Prime Minister announced a series of measures, as part of an Energy Price Guarantee, aimed at confronting this crisis. In this podcast, we discuss the announced Energy Price Guarantee and consider some of the broader implications going forward.

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58) Making the case for Pot Zero, a discussion with Rob Gross from UKERC

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0100

Amidst the proposals to help consumers with rising energy bills is one to incentivise investment in renewables. Earlier this week Rob Gross from UKERC, the originator of this “Pot Zero” proposal, joined Tom Edwards and Robert Buckley to discuss it and wider prospects for the British energy sector.

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57) The early outlook for winter from the ESO

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Joe Camish joins Veronica Truman in our latest podcast. They talk about National Grid ESO’s early outlook for the coming winter season, the assumptions behind the modelling and the steps the ESO are taking to mitigate potential issues to European gas supplies this winter.

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56) Impacts of backwardation on the Default Tariff Cap

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0100

Dr Craig Lowrey joins Veronica Truman to talk about Ofgem’s decision to proceed with a backwardation allowance window of six months in the wholesale methodology when calculating the Default Tariff Cap.

The timing of the decision is discussed, along with implications for suppliers and consumers, and how it impacts forecasts for the upcoming Default Tariff Cap levels.

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55) Can we fix the energy market this winter to lower prices?

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100

Robert Buckley and Tom Edwards discuss the interventions in the retail and wholesale markets that might help alleviate some of the concerns around the cost of living crisis and rising wholesale prices this winter. There have been many different theories and policies suggested and Robert and Tom talk about some of these, their implications, and how they could be implemented.

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54) The launch of REMA

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0100

REMA promises the biggest changes in the power market for a generation. It includes options for changing the locational stricture, the means of dispatch, and the price setting basis of the wholesale market, and then also considers related changes to existing support schemes, flexibility incentives and operational delivery. The potential span of change and the breadth of possible consequences emphasises the need for businesses and investors to carefully weigh decisions and plans. Listen to Veronica Truman, Tom Faulkner, and Kate Mulvany in our latest podcast on REMA.

Interested in Locational Marginal Pricing but not sure about it is? Watch our YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/CdNlsNMDStI

Join our free webinar, Understanding REMA here: https://www2.cornwall-insight.com/l/707633/2022-07-19/3526cr

Another video on REMA and investor momentum: https://youtu.be/n020ZcbYpdE

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53) Faithless: social tariffs a better option to protect consumers?

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0100

The merits and pitfalls of the current Default Tariff Cap on domestic energy bills have been debated at length. Whether the cap is seen as a blunt tool in need of replacement, or a vital intervention to protect large numbers of energy consumers, it is clear that further support for vulnerable customers, in the context of a developing cost-of-living crisis, will be essential. While the energy sector cannot solve all of the issues that feed into the ongoing cost-of-living crisis across Europe, it can help. While this could be done in several different ways (refocusing on energy efficiency, bolstering existing support), we focus in this Podcast on reducing bills for a subset of customers through the provision of social tariffs.

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52) The Energy Security Bill - What you need to know

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0100

It certainly has been a busy time for energy policy. Hot on the heels of the Energy Security Strategy has come the Queen’s Speech, which outlines the Energy Security Bill, Transport Bill and UK Infrastructure Bank Bill. These build on the government’s efforts to drive further investment into the energy industry to achieve the country’s net zero ambitions through the Net Zero Strategy and the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. In this podcast, we evaluate the new announcements in the Energy Security Bill and consider how they relate to the Energy Security Strategy.

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51) BEIS pushes ahead with low-carbon hydrogen and CCUS business models

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0100

Join James Shaw and Naomi Potter as talk through the ES perspective, 'BEIS pushes ahead with low-carbon hydrogen and CCUS business models'

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50) Ofgem's new quarterly price cap review with Dr. Craig Lowrey

Fri, 27 May 2022 12:00:00 +0100

The announcement by Ofgem of its minded-to decision in respect of a move from seasonal Default Tariff Cap periods to quarterly caps had been largely anticipated following communication from the regulator in February 2022. However, the move comes as part of a wide-ranging set of potential further changes to the cap that are set to rebalance some of the tariff risk from suppliers to consumers at a time when the cost of living crisis is set to escalate further.

In this podcast, our Head of content and communications, Veronica Truman interviews our Principal Consultant Dr. Craig Lowrey about the new default tariff cap. Today’s podcast also features a bonus clip at the end, delving into the topic further.

The first interview was taken from our weekly webinars which are a part of our Energy Spectrum and Daily Bulletin service. if you would like to find out more about our Energy Spectrum service, please visit our website www.cornwall-insight.com

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49) Ofgem’s Microbusiness Review and Business Energy TPIs

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Senior Writer, James Shaw and Lead Research Analyst, Naomi Potter discuss Ofgem’s Microbusiness Review. They look at how it will transform the way TPIs work with business energy suppliers and consumers.

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48) Rising energy prices: What businesses can do to reduce risk and what’s next in terms of net zero.

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Dr. Craig Lowrey and Anna Moss discuss the challenges for businesses in times of unprecedented energy prices.

They explore questions such as why energy prices are rising so much and what steps businesses taken to reduce their risk? They also discuss what’s next for businesses in prices and their net zero goals.

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47) Planning for an unknown future in the energy market

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Veronica Truman Robert Buckley discuss our Energy Perspective from this week. They cover why we decided to cover this topic, what changes are we seeing in the Default Tariff Cap and what is coming up this week.

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46) The future of energy for smaller businesses

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Cornwall Insight is joined by Fflur Lawton from Smart Energy GB and Dr Jeff Hardy of Imperial College London to discuss the potential opportunities and impacts for smaller businesses and their customers from the uptake of smart meters and smarter and innovative energy business models.

The smaller business community plays a critical role in the UK economy. In 2020 there were 5.7mn UK microbusinesses alone in this community, comprising 96% of all businesses, 33% of employment and 21% of turnover. This covers a range of organisations and sectors, including pubs and restaurants, shops and retail businesses, schools, and local authority buildings. These companies are also an important part of the energy market, using around 85TWh of electricity a year and a combined expenditure of £3.4bn in 2020. In the future, they could form an important part of a zero-carbon and smart energy system.

This discussion follows the publication of a joint report by Cornwall Insight and Dr Jeff Hardy for Smart Energy GB, The Future of Energy for Smaller Businesses, which examines new interactions and collaborations between smaller business customers and parties within the energy market through three case studies that characterise new opportunities:

Zeerah Collection; a high street speciality clothes and homeware shop using innovative intermediary services to minimise costs and hassle
Hobson House Bakery; a café and bakery using the energy-as-a-service offering from its landlord-owned shopping centre premises to access smart, bespoke services
Holly’s Heating & Plumbing; a home-based company benefiting from an integrated e-mobility offering

Each of these three examples imagined archetypes, presented to show the opportunities that could emerge for smaller businesses to benefit from an improved interface with the energy market, deeper granularity of data available, and the range of potential services that can bring forward a wide variety of innovative propositions to help address the challenges faced by small and microbusinesses in the energy market.

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45) Highlights from our Net zero business forum

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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44) Cornwall Insight's reaction to the government's Energy Bills Rebate and Ofgem's proposed Default Tariff Cap changes

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Here is Cornwall Insight's quick reaction to the government's Energy Bills Rebate and Ofgem's proposed Default Tariff Cap changes from Veronica Truman and Robert Buckley.

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43) Difficult choices: Will government help really manage the energy crisis?

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Veronica Truman, Dr Craig Lowrey and Robert Buckley discuss the growing pressure for government intervention to limit the feared 50% rise in the Default Tariff Cap from 1 April. They review the options and the risks of unintended consequences as set out by Gareth Miller in Cornwall Insight’s weekly Energy Spectrum.

This is an extract from our weekly Energy Spectrum webinar, which subscribers can join to hear our thoughts on the latest news in the energy market. Find out more about a subscription to Energy Spectrum here.

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42) Electric vehicle charging: unlocking the business models – with Punch Pubs

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

This podcast is part of the TLT & Cornwall Insight podcast series. Here we focus on the important topic of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In this podcast, Lead Research Analyst Emma is joined by report contributors Maria Connolly, Head of Clean Energy & Real Estate at TLT and Stephen Allen, Property Director at Punch Pubs.

Stephen and Maria discuss the destination charging model in particular, with a focus on the considerations surrounding the collaboration between charge point operators and land owners.

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41) Unlocking net zero strategies for businesses: An interview with Shoosmiths

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Cornwall Insight and the UK law firm Shoosmiths have published a report on net zero strategies for businesses. With an increasing number of businesses looking to align themselves with the UK government’s net zero by 2050 ambition, companies are looking to reduce their emissions and become sustainable organisations. Pressures from consumers and investors are leading many companies to set more aggressive targets for net zero implementation before 2050, with some targeting this decade. For many businesses, setting a target is the easy part while achieving net zero creates complexity across sectors, technologies and various business structures. There is no one-size fits all approach for businesses to reach net zero as companies need to look at their own specific circumstances—their energy use and requirements and how that might be reduced, how they source that energy and what options they may have for clean energy generation or enabling such generation.

In this podcast, Cornwall Insight’s Lead Research Analyst, Kate Hill, came together with James Wood-Robertson, Partner at the UK law firm Shoosmiths LLP to consider the key messages of the report. This includes potential routes to decarbonisation that businesses have at their disposal.

Download our report on Unlocking net zero strategies for businesses here.

If you have any queries, or would like to discuss the report’s findings, please get in touch with k.hill@cornwall-insight.com and james.wood-robertson@shoosmiths.co.uk.

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40) Electric vehicle charging: unlocking the business models – with Paua Tech

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This podcast is part of the TLT & Cornwall Insight podcast series. Here we focus on the important topic of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In this podcast, Lead Research Analyst Emma is joined by report contributor Niall Riddell, Co-Founder and CEO of public charging specialist, Paua Tech.

Niall shares his views on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including the costs of charging for different market segments and business models, as EV uptake continues to accelerate

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39) Electric vehicle charging: unlocking the business models – an interview with Pod Point

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Our latest podcast is part of the TLT & Cornwall Insight podcast series, in which we focus on the important topic of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Alongside this series, we have prepared a report ‘Electric vehicle charging: unlocking the business models’ based on interviews with leading experts in this space.

In this podcast, Cornwall Insight is joined by report contributor James McKemey, Head of Insights at Pod Point. As our expert guest, James talks to us about the trends he has observed during his 10 years’ at Pod Point and some of its key partners and partnerships. He also discusses the opportunities and considerations facing charge point operators as the development and funding of charging infrastructure accelerates.

For more information on the report, please see here.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

38) Electric vehicle charging: unlocking the business models – with TLT and NatWest

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

This podcast is part of the TLT & Cornwall Insight podcast series. Here we focus on the important topic of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In this podcast, Lead Research Analyst Emma is joined by report contributors Maria Connolly, Head of Clean Energy & Real Estate at TLT and Jacob Lloyd, Director, Energy Asset Finance at NatWest.

Maria and Jacob talk to us about electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including the market drivers and business models for channelling funding into their development. Additionally, they touch on how crucial this funding is to ensure the electrification of transport meets our decarbonisation goals.

For more information on the report, please see here.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

37) How green finance can decarbonise our homes and buildings

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0100

Green mortgages have become the poster child of green retail banking products in the UK, but despite their significant growth in the last 12-18 months, significant barriers remain.

However, there are various solutions being designed in the UK and overseas that could shake up the mortgages market and help increase supply and demand.

In this podcast episode hosted by Cornwall Insight, Robin Penfold, partner at TLT, and Emma Harvey, director at the Green Finance Institute, discuss:

The need to demonstrate the value held in energy efficient properties
Barriers for consumers, including a lack of awareness and perceived cost
Carrot and stick solutions for lenders, including the GFI’s Green Home Finance Principles
The potential impact of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) finance in the UK
How to enable intermediaries to heed the green motivations of borrowers
How better communications with customers can reduce the risk of greenwashing
The potential to connect mortgage lending with other ancillary services

This is the second in a series of podcast episodes by Cornwall Insight and TLT on green finance. Our first episode looks at the impact of ESG investing on pensions.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

36) Consolidation in the domestic energy market: An interview with Shoosmiths

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0100

Cornwall Insight and the UK law firm Shoosmiths have published a report on consolidation in the domestic energy market. Over the last five years or so, the market has undergone a period of intense competition. Lower barriers to entry saw a rise in licensed competitors, diversifying propositions, service and added value options for consumers. Today, that number has fallen dramatically as the market has moved into a phase of consolidation.

We’ve seen multiple Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) events and market exits, HUB energy being the latest one in the past month. With these exits come cost implications for the whole industry due to the socialisation of failed supplier debt, and mergers and acquisitions are also on the rise.

In this podcast, Cornwall Insight’s Lead Research Analysts, Emma Bill and Kate Hill, come together with Tim Jackson-Smith, Partner at UK law firm Shoosmiths LLP to consider the key messages from the report. This includes insights as to what business models are underpinning success among today’s market leaders and how the market might fare for suppliers more generally, be that present suppliers or new entrants.

Download our report on consolidation in the domestic energy market here.

If you have any queries, or would like to discuss the report’s findings, please get in touch with e.bill@cornwall.insight.com, k.hill@cornwall-insight.com and tim.jackson-smith@shoosmiths.co.uk

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

35) The impact of ESG investing on pensions

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0100

Cornwall Insight’s Research Partner, Dan Atzori, discusses the impact of ESG investing on pensions with Sasha Butterworth, Head of Pensions at UK law firm TLT, and Tegolin Harding, Director at Independent Trustee Services (ITS).

The UK is determined to secure leadership in everything related to ESG investment and green finance, ahead of the much anticipated 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which is set to take place in Glasgow later this year.

In particular, investors are increasingly assessing the opportunities unleashed by the issuance of the country’s first green bonds, by the roadmap towards mandatory disclosures and the publication of a UK taxonomy.

But what will be the impact of ESG-compliant investing on returns? How is the pension sector going to be impacted by mandatory disclosures and taxonomies, and how will the investment strategies of pension schemes be affected? How can the industry tackle greenwashing? And what will be the future role of pension funds in mobilising capital for infrastructure and renewable energy projects as we move towards net zero? Join us as our experts will answer these and other questions.

Read our upcoming report on green finance

Cornwall Insight and UK law firm TLT will be soon publishing a report to assess how the UK can secure its role as a global hub for green finance. Please get in touch with us for further details.

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34) Is our energy market design fit for net zero?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, our Research Partner, Dan Atzori, and our Senior Modeler, Tom Edwards, discuss energy governance challenges and how to overcome them. A number of key stakeholders in the energy transition are raising the issue of whether the governance status quo is adequate for achieving net zero. While there appears a growing consensus on the fact that reforms are needed, different solutions are being proposed. Common is the perception that the government needs to intervene in case of market failures, but answers differ in terms of which interventions could lead to optimal and efficient outcomes and which interventions could end up stifling market forces and innovation. In particular, following the UK Government’s announcement of the latest climate targets, our experts reflect on whether these objectives are achievable, and on the upcoming challenges of decarbonizing mobility and heat. What is more, they consider whether the current market design, introduced with the Energy Act 2013, is in need of a rethink, while sharing their thoughts on the respective roles of the state and market in the energy transition.

Keep up to date with net zero governance and financing issues

The “financing net zero” forum is aimed at all types of investors, providing the community with a platform to exchange information and views, and to discuss common issues and concerns affecting energy policy, regulation and financing, and informed by our independent and objective analysis and insight. The independent third-party mediation and contextual analysis provided by Cornwall Insight will act as a sound basis for informed, empirically-based discussions on these and other key issues.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

33) Bite-size podcast: EVs in the Capacity Market

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0100

In our first bite-size podcast, our experts take on the topic of EVs in the Capacity Market, asking: what is the Government proposing, and is it a good idea? Oliver is joined by Cornwall Insight consultants, James and Jacob, who give their views on the topic in under 10 minutes.

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32) Energy policy and regulation - looking back to look forward

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0100

Our Head of Training, Ed Reed and Head of Relationship Development, Robert Buckley, mark 750 Energy Spectrum weekly bulletins with our latest podcast.

Our experts discuss policy and regulatory changes that have been covered over 15 years of analysis and commentary from the Cornwall Insight team. From this, they look at which issues have become less critical over time, which have become more pressing, and those that have morphed into other elements of focus as the sector continues to transition towards net zero.
Fairness, consumer consent, policy consistency, unintended consequences and clarity of purpose in policy and regulatory design all come up for discussion and how these characteristics may feature as the markets and policy landscape continue to coalesce and evolve.

A free trial to our flagship publication, Energy Spectrum

We are currently offering a free trial for those interested in subscribing to the reference daily and intelligence service for the GB energy sector. Did you know we also have Energy Spectrum Europe, Australia and Ireland, please get in touch with Bertie Bagge at b.bagge@cornwall-insight.com to discuss your company’s needs

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31) International Women's Day 2021: What it means to us as women in the energy industry

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Catherine Edwards, Emma Bill, Naomi Potter, Ruth Young and Vicky Merrison virtually came together to record a special podcast in celebration of International Women’s Day 2021. We openly discuss our experiences as women in energy and the working world, from school and university to progressing in our careers.

We talk about how important confidence is to us and how creating a culture within a company that promotes inclusivity and equality is incredibly important for lasting change. We acknowledge the importance of having female role models in the energy industry and leadership roles, so we know that those career paths are available and achievable.

We also look at what needs to happen in the future to encourage more girls to consider a career in energy and how we change implicit biases.

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30) REC-ing your brain over faster switching?

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, Associate Director for Training Ed Reed, Analysts Kate Morley and Emma Bill, come together from different locations to discuss Ofgem’s Faster Switching Programme and the underlying Retail Energy Code (REC).

With the new faster switching arrangements set to go-live in summer 2022, the trio revisit the programme’s aims and discuss some of the more recent developments during 2020 including a Full Plan Review. The podcast follows the spring edition of our Faster Switching Service (FSS) which sets out the latest programme-related developments – consultations, decisions, announcements, and programme meetings. Our FSS also provides a walk-through of the entire Switching Programme from the outset and details the REC and the associated schedules to the new code.

We discuss what lies ahead for the programme in 2021, with the programme gearing up for User Entry Process Testing, End-to-End Testing, and retail code consolidation. As we head towards these and other) key programme milestones, we consider the compliance implications of the new switching arrangements for suppliers and also third party intermediaries (TPIs) such as Price Comparison Websites (PCWs). In doing so, we look at related announcements from BEIS and Ofgem around the reform of retail market arrangements and the regulation of TPIs. We note recently announced plans to progress discissions between PCWs and suppliers to consider the implications of programme implementation, which we consider a positive move.

Our experts touch on several questions including:

What is the faster switching programme and where are we at now?

What are the compliance implications of the incoming arrangements?

How will non-supplier parties be impacted, in particular, TPIs?

What are the some of the challenges/risks for implementation?

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

29) Nodes, flows and zones: transmission network charges for generators

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

The upcoming 'Capacity Market' and 'Contracts for Difference auctions' have put transmission network charges back under the spotlight, with generators needing to take a long-term view of 'Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS)' charges their projects will face.

In this podcast, James Brabben and Andrew Enzor discuss the latest developments in TNUoS charging for generators and the uncertainties on the horizon. We discuss recent and upcoming regulatory uncertainties, as well as the impact of the ongoing fundamental transformation being seen in the location and mix of generation technologies and demand on the system. The challenges prospective generators face in estimating the charges they will face are stark, so we also discuss the work Cornwall Insight is doing to support generators looking at future projects.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

28) Talking to Ofgem about the Future of System Operation

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Tom Corcut, Deputy Director for wholesale markets in Ofgem joins Emma Burns, Senior Consultant Cornwall Insight to discuss the recommendations that Ofgem made in its publication on the future of system operation in January 2021.

Tom and Emma talk about Ofgem’s findings and why it has made recommendations to government that the System Operator’s should have greater independence. They discuss implications for how roles may change in future in system balancing and system planning, and why this is important to meet net zero

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

27) O come all ye flexible – the challenges of getting into the Capacity Market

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:00:00 +0000

The festive period is often a time of reflection, and given the recent publication of the Capacity Market prequalification, we thought it was a good chance to look back at what participants have had to go through to get to this point.

In our latest podcast, two members of our Consultancy team, James Cunningham and Alex McGregor, reflect on the many (many) requirements that potential participants have had to meet in order to just enter the upcoming auctions. They also discuss how the scheme has changed, for the better and worse, over recent years and suggest some potential ideas for how the scheme could be improved. Finally, they look ahead to the future of the scheme, including how the Capacity Market fits into a net zero world.

If you would like further information on the subjects discussed, or anything else to do with the Capacity Market, get in touch with James or Alex. Cornwall Insight offers a range of services in relation to the Capacity Market in addition to prequalification support, including a forecast of clearing prices for the upcoming auctions. If you'd like any more information about our Capacity Market offerings ahead of the auctions in 2021, please get in touch or check out our website.

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26) Decarbonising mobility after COVID-19, in collaboration with TLT LLP.

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, Cornwall Insight’s Research Partner, Dan Atzori, speaks with Maria Connolly, partner and head of Clean Energy & Real Estate at TLT, about electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. The decarbonisation of mobility is now increasingly seen as a priority by policy makers and market players on a global level, and the number of both electric vehicles and EV charging points is steadily increasing.

As we all know, in the UK and elsewhere, the electrification of transport is going to be crucial to reach our net zero targets. In today’s podcast, we will be looking at the main areas of growth in EV charging, upcoming investment opportunities, barriers and bottlenecks, but also policy and regulation, as well as new charging patterns emerging out of the current crisis.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

25) How smart energy data is shaping the consumer relationship, and what does the future hold?

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, Senior Consulting Analyst Jacob Briggs and Senior Retail Analyst Oliver Archer get carried away discussing what new data-driven service suppliers and energy service companies are offering customers, and what innovative offerings are in the pipeline.

From decarbonising household supply, to helping the elderly age well at home, to the nitty gritty of improving customer service, listen in to find out what’s already being done by innovators today, what the future might look like, and when it’ll be arriving.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

24) Using good practice to improve consumer outcomes with Emma Bill and Tom Faulkner

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, Associate Director for Training Ed Reed, Analysts Tom Faulkner and Emma Bill come together from different locations to discuss the importance of energy supplier good practice in ensuring compliance and delivering good consumer outcomes.

With Ofgem having moved towards more principles-based regulation, the trio discuss best practice examples from the regulator’s vulnerability reports as well as lessons learned from Ofgem’s compliance and enforcement work. The podcast follows the latest update to the Energy Supplier Compliance Portal which covers proposed and incoming supplier obligations and, from November, also includes new sections on good practice as indicated by the regulator and recommendations from Citizens Advice and others.

Looking at recent compliance engagement by Ofgem, they consider how suppliers can draw on lessons learned to meet the regulator’s expectations in areas such as customer communications, an area of compliance that comes up often.

With winter fast approaching, they also consider new protections for customers self-disconnecting and self-rationing their energy use. They also discuss how COVID-19 has prompted suppliers to offer support above and beyond what is deemed ‘normal’. Examples include identifying and proactively contacting customers facing, or are likely to face, difficulties paying for the energy they need in the coming months.

Our experts focus on three themes:

Good practice doesn’t necessarily require great resource.
Principles-based regulation enables suppliers an opportunity to differentiate themselves .
How, over time, good practice can sometimes become the norm.

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23) Crystal balling - Seeing into the future with forward power curves with Emma Burns and Tom Edwards

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0100

Following on from our previous podcast two months ago, 'Crystal Balling - Future power prices and the impacts of net zero'. Emma Burns, Senior Consultant, and Tom Edwards, Senior Modeller, reunited to discuss the thinking behind our 'Benchmark Power curve service' and our view of the market and prices out to 2050.

They discuss how we can expect prices to evolve, and the role of interconnection, hydrogen, cabon capture use and storage (CCUS) in driving market outcomes and setting prices in future.

They also ask what kind of market design would be needed to deliver net zero and manage the 'net zero paradox', the subject of Tom's recent insight paper.

Insight paper | 'The net zero paradox'

Service | 'Benchmark power curve service'

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22) Electric vehicles: Reaching net zero with Anna Moss, Katie Hickford and Jacob Brigg

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, Retail Manager Anna Moss, came together from different locations with Analyst Katie Hickford and Senior Consulting Analyst Jacob Briggs, to take a step back and ask some big questions around decarbonising road transport. What do we need to do to achieve net zero? Where are we now, and how do we make it to 2050?

On the way our experts pick over the latest data and projections from industry, ask whether range (and experience) anxiety is still a challenge, check in on progress towards smart and vehicle-to-grid charging, and consider some of the policy and regulatory changes that could help get us to net zero.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

21) Crystal balling - Future power prices and the impacts of net zero

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, Wholesale Manager James Brabben, Head of Modelling Tom Musker and Senior Modeller Tom Edwards come together from different locations to discuss our latest views long-term power prices.

Part of a series covering our assessments of the future wholesale power market, the trio discuss the latest results from our ‘Benchmark power curve' service and highlight the some of the opportunities and challenges for new build assets arising in an environment of dynamic change and no little uncertainty.

Bringing out the short-term drivers of COVID-19 and the long-term impacts of net zero, they explore what a typical day in the power market may look like by 2030 and some of the challenges this creates for managing generation, flexibility and power price levels.

Our experts focus on three themes:

1. How net zero is likely to impact the power market
2. Where wholesale prices could be in 2030 as a result of this and what the generation mix may look like
3. The challenges of price cannabilisation for renewables assets

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

20) The impact of COVID-19 on System Balancing with Tom Edwards and Emma Burns

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, Senior Modeller Tom Edwards and Senior Consultant Emma Burns, discuss the impact that changing system conditions are driven by the COVID-19 pandemic has had on how the system is balanced.

They discuss the new tools that National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has developed, how the market might respond to these and what this might mean for the future of balancing the system.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

19) COVID-19 lessons on the path to net zero 2050

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, Senior Consultant Craig Lowrey and Senior Writer Nick Palmer discuss Craig’s Energy Spectrum piece on the lessons from the current lockdown for the path to net zero. They look at the current low demand-high renewables situation and what we can learn for the future of the GB energy mix.

Craig analyses the generation mix changes we’ve seen during the lockdown, looking at the volatility of wind and gas generation levels. As of mid-May, there had been 23 hours of negative day-ahead hourly wholesale prices – 16 of which occurred in April – Craig considers this increased prevalence of negative pricing and what this could mean for GB’s future energy system. Additionally, Craig talks about what was left out of the Energy Spectrum piece, a section on the potential role for green investment in the post-COVID economic recovery.

Articles mention

Energy Spectrum: www.cornwall-insight.com/uploads/COVI…o%202050.pdf

Additional blog: www.cornwall-insight.com/newsroom/all…-post-covid-

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18) The impact of COVID-19 on financing low-carbon infrastructure with Daniel Atzori and Bertie Bagge

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, Cornwall Insight’s Research Partner, Daniel Atzori, and Key Account Leader, Bertie Bagge, talk with Dan Wells, partner at Foresight, and Gareth Baker, partner at Gowling WLG , about the likely impact of the COVID-19 crisis on financing low-carbon infrastructure.

Our experts look at whether the current economic slowdown will lead to delays to projects and government auctions, as well as to higher costs of capital and lower availability of debt. They also analyse the nexus between low energy prices and the attractiveness of corporate PPAs, and discuss the outlook for EV charging infrastructure, hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Last but not least, they highlight the centrality of decarbonisation for future economic stimulus packages.

This podcast is part of our “Financing net zero” initiative, aimed at providing the investor community with a platform to exchange information and views, and to discuss common issues and concerns affecting energy policy, regulation and financing. The independent third-party mediation and contextual analysis provided by Cornwall Insight acts as a sound basis for informed, empirically based discussions on these and other key issues.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

17) Challenges in the domestic propositions market with Anna Moss and Kate Hill

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0100

In this podcast our Retail Manager, Anna Moss and Senior Analyst, Kate Hill defy the challenges of being in lockdown under Covid-19 with multi-locations and persistent cats, to discuss the domestic tariff landscape.

We’re currently in a time of great change and as a result we’ve seen some significant changes to the wholesale market and the oil price in response to Covid-19. We look at the effects this is having on tariff prices, but we also look more broadly across the market.

Our experts focus on three themes:
1. Supplier tariff offerings
2. Impact of wholesale prices
3. Regulatory intervention

Anna and Kate look at data from 28 February 2020 and highlight the ongoing trends in domestic propositions, including the tariff choice for different consumer types, regional variation, tariff types and pricing. Drawing on our Domestic Tariff Report service, they also explore how the wholesale prices are impacting the Default and Prepayment price caps and savings that can be made under the cap, and highlight potential impacts to prices if a price cap were to be removed. Stay tuned in to hear about the many different types of tariffs that go beyond the traditional tariff model.

Want to keep informed of the domestic tariff landscape? We provide a tariff overview each week highlighting the cheapest tariffs offered by suppliers, together with week-on-week tariff and wholesale price changes. On a monthly basis we delve more into the trends of the tariff landscape and issues affecting the market. For subscribers, the data is accessible too.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

16) Considerations for RESS qualification

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

With the RESS qualifications fast approaching, we take a look at the some of the keys parts of the qualification process, what to look out for when creating your bid and some of the price drivers for bids in the auction.

The scheme is vital in achieving 70% renewables by 2030, delivering up to 3TWh in the first auction, and given the high level of competition anticipated in the first RESS auction, an understanding of the auction process is essential.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

15) Virtual Lead Party: Opening up opportunities for flexibility providers to access BM & Project TERRE

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this podcast our expert Tom Edwards, senior modeller and BSC Panel member, introduces new arrangements that allow for many more asset owners and operators to provide balancing services to National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO). We discuss what a Virtual Lead Party (VLP) is, what this may mean for the market in terms of who may provide VLP services, and the services that can be accessed.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

14) Home is where the smart is

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, Anna Moss and Oliver Archer discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the connected homes market with Tom Faulkner. They discuss the latest Cornwall Insight research into the market players offering connected technologies and where the services in this market could go next.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

13) Capacity Market: Guess who's back, back again!

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast, experts Emma Burns and Tom Edwards discuss the recent developments in the Capacity Market since its reinstatement announcement on 24 October. They discuss what led to the suspension Capacity Market, the outcome and implications of the suspension, what changes the Government have now committed to and where do we go from here?

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

12) The future of UK heat networks

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast, experts Duncan Southgate, Ed Reed, Tom Lusher and Stuart Leaver discuss developments in the UK Heat Network Space. They set out the pathway the UK has taken up to the present day and the vision for heat in the future, comment on opportunities for investment and risk management, and explore the key role of Local Authorities in this nascent market.

Our experts highlight the opportunities and challenges facing heat networks sector, and draw on peer analysis from comparable European markets who have made positive strides towards decarbonising heat.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

11) Sustainable energy procurement and the “micro-utility"

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast James Goldsmith and James Brabben discuss businesses procuring their energy sustainably, in both GB and Ireland. They discuss how the landscape for procurement is changing, the imperatives for businesses to better manage their consumption through efficiency or behind the meter generation and the increasing popularity of direct procurement through Corporate PPAs.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

10) Smart Charging – The future of EV Charging

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast Tom Lusher, Tom Edwards and Jacob Briggs discuss recent developments in the EV smart charging space by unpacking two significant consultations from the government. The first lays out proposals for the future of smart charging, while the second seeks views on installing charge points in buildings. Our experts comment on the opportunities and challenges that face the electricity market as EVs and smart charging become increasingly integral to the energy system.

Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

Special edition: The codes they are a changing | Code Governance Reform

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast Ed Reed talks to our Code experts Adam Boorman and Tom Edwards discuss the Code reform programme. We discuss the ongoing Code governance reform work, our thoughts on potential beneficial consolidation changes that could be made based upon the outputs from a report commission by Elexon and other wider opportunities to improve Code governance.

To see more of our thinking the Elexon report can be found on Elexon’s website.
www.elexon.co.uk/about/elexon-ins…or-code-reforms/

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9) Fully charged: Storage in the GB electricity sector

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our ninth podcast, the modelling and consulting teams at Cornwall Insight discuss Electricity Storage in the UK, what is it, what role does it play, what are the available revenue streams and where next for Electricity Storage in the GB power market?

Our experts, Paul Anderson, Tom Edwards and Tom Palmer discuss where electricity storage can meet the requirements of a changing system, what challenges face these nascent technologies and how future markets can evolve to encourage deployment of electricity storage technologies.

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8) GB wholesale power market trends and views on future developments

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest Podcast, our two Senior Modellers, Tom Edwards and Tom Musker, provide their views on a range of wholesale market issues, including recent trends and future developments.

The questions are posed by Ben Hall, our Head of New Business, and focus on key topics including:
• Drivers of recent spikes in carbon prices and Cornwall Insight’s views on longer-term carbon pricing
• The evolving generation mix in 2030 and beyond
• Dispatch signals, volatility and the Capacity Market
• Cornwall Insight’s views on subsidy free and wholesale price cannibalisation effects
• EV growth and opportunities for using EVs for system flexibility

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7) The Retail Energy Code: The future of switching and the future of code governance

Wed, 01 May 2019 10:00:00 +0100

Ofgem’s Switching Programme is working towards facilitating faster, more reliable switching for all customers in mid 2021. It is underpinned by a new industry code – the Retail Energy Code (REC) – which sets out the new requirements for suppliers and other industry participants and went live in February to help them prepare for the new arrangements.

In this podcast, Cornwall Insight’s Steven Britton, Ken McRae and Robert Buckley discuss both what the programme means for the future of switching, and how the REC represents the next step in the development of code governance.

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6) Shifting sands: what’s really going on in the business energy market

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0100

In our latest podcast we explore the business energy retail market in GB. We discuss innovation in supplier propositions and shifting strategies, as well as the primary route to market for suppliers – Third Party Intermediaries.

Anna Moss is joined by Molly Lloyd and Tom Goswell to look at the evolution of competition over time, and consider where things may go next.

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5) Corporate PPAs: Adequate substitute for subsidy?

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In our latest podcast we explore Corporate PPAs and how the market for them is developing in GB. We look at the structures being used to overcome complex contracting arrangements, the numbers signed so far in GB and case studies from the US and Europe that can be learned from.

We also discuss the potential barriers and enablers for subsidy free Corporate PPAs and our thoughts on developments over the next year.

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4) Enter the Dragon: balancing risk and the PPA market

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In our fourth podcast, Conall Bolger and Evie Doherty, discuss the emergent shape of the PPA market three months into SEM. They consider how SEM, by making players financially responsible for their traded position, profoundly alters the commercial underpinnings of PPAs in the market.

These dynamics affect all players. The discussion reviews just how far participants have come in a short period of time and looks ahead to future changes such as corporate PPAs and new trading services.

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3) Reflections on GB’s smart meter roll-out

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000

In our first podcast for 2019 our metering experts, Tom Goswell and Rowan Hazell, discuss the smart metering programme. We provide thoughts on the progress of the roll-out and the wider infrastructure necessary to deliver the market-wide benefits.

This includes points on the nationwide communication system and the role of metering providers and agents.

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2) The ups and downs of energy retail

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000

In this, the second of a new monthly series of podcasts, Cornwall Insight’s retail energy market experts Anna Moss and Robert Buckley chat to Head of Research, Ed Reed. They mull over a busy autumn 2018 of increasing competition, several supplier exits and the looming default price cap. They conclude by discussing the ongoing work by the regulator and government to possibly introduce further market rule changes in 2019, and give their opinions on what else the year may have in store.

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1) Into the unknown: A discussion on subsidy free renewables

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000

This is the first in a regular series of podcasts from Cornwall Insight on the major contemporary issues confronting the energy sector. In this initial installment, recorded before Greg Clark’s speech on the 15th November 2018 and the recent trials and tribulation facing the Capacity Market, Tom Crisp, Editor of Energy Spectrum, discusses with Cornwall Insight Chief Executive Gareth Miller his reflections on the topic of subsidy free renewables against a backdrop of long-term targets for low-carbon generation, and investor attitudes towards new development in an environment where support has all but dried up.

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