Energy: fifth of customers would take financial services from energy supplier

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AWG: set for separation

AWG plans to separate its regulated and non-regulated businesses. It hopes this will cut the regulated business' cost of capital, while allowing the non-regulated business to grow. If the restructuring is a success, AWG should be left in a good position to fund the expansion of its infrastructure management services for utilities and government.

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UK water: give Ofwat a break

The report praised industry regulators such as Ofwat, causing a spat between the NAO and Water UK. But Water UK's argument is not justified. The Ofwat price restrictions may have hurt companies' profits, but they have ushered in a new era of efficiency for the UK water industry.

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EPR/Kelda: poultry power

The GBP25 million deal is a major acquisition for EPR, which operates a 10MW chicken litter plant in Scotland. The deal leaves Kelda free to focus on its US water operations and grows EPR's standing in the renewable energy market. It looks set to benefit further from the UK's Renewables Obligation.

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Suez: water company to be floated

Northumbrian Water has been sold by Suez to a consortium for GBP2.2 billion. The deal, which includes an unusually high proportion of equity, marks a change in the water industry. It could lead to further investment by Deutsche Bank and its partners in the water sector should opportunities arise.<BR />

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ScottishPower: carbon capture and storage renews EU target hopes

Energy provider ScottishPower has unveiled what is purportedly the UK's first carbon capture and storage unit. Providing the technology can be scaled up to work on an industrial scale, it offers the greatest hope of achieving the ambitious EU carbon reduction targets by eliminating carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning power stations.

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Service stations are under pressure from hand car wash chains

Nearly 33% of car washes in the UK are performed at service stations, contributing key income for fuel retailers. However, a Datamonitor survey shows that independent hand wash operations continue to gain ground. While fuel retailers are fighting back, more has to be done if they are to change motorists' perceptions that hand washing is superior and dampen their enthusiasm for the personal touch.

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BT: taking steps to sustainability but consumers remain unaware

In its 2010 sustainability report, BT reports impressive achievements in terms of the reduction of both carbon intensity and waste. However, Datamonitor research shows that awareness of these efforts among consumers is limited. BT must raise the profile of its sustainability programs if it is to influence consumer purchasing decisions based on green credentials.

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UK Waste Policy Review: a surprising lifeline for utilities

The disposal of industrial, commercial, and residential waste in the UK has too long been a question of waste management. Rising energy prices, scarce landfill space, and improved pollution control are slowly changing the energy landscape too. Energy from waste should serve the dual purpose of increasing energy security and freeing up landfill space. Utilities must take notice and act now.

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