Carbon & Energy Efficiency Comment & Analysis

Analysis

Fewer firms may get more money under electricity compensation proposal

Steelmaking (credit: Dreamstime.com)

A compensation package for intensive electricity users aims to restrict payments to those with greatest exposure, but it says their costs are higher

Feature

Conservative Party: Trimming the greenery

David Cameron. Credit: Getty Images

Will the Tories swing to the right in 2015, and what could it mean for environmental policy? Alex Marshall reports in the second of a series of features looking at parties' early election preparations

Feature

District heating: Slow growth for vital networks

After 20 years, the South East London Combined Heat and Power plant is finally getting CHP and a district heating network (credit: London Borough of Southwark)

District heating networks when combined with low-carbon heat sources make fundamental sense in decarbonising UK cities. Philip Lightowlers investigates whether networks are developing or if new growth incentives are needed

Analysis

Exclusive: Industry divided over electricity demand reduction proposals

The government is proposing to introduce new electricity demand-reduction consultation measures through the Energy Bill (photograph: Alan Walker, CC by SA 2.0)

Industry is nervous about additional electricity demand reduction proposals, while the energy efficiency industry sees them as lacking in ambition

Analysis

Exclusive: Levy exemptions leave climate change agreements in confusion

A move by the chancellor to abolish the climate change levy in sectors hard-hit by energy costs and foreign competition could have unintended consequences for CCAs

Analysis

New build energy efficiency still in the doldrums

Figure: New home energy efficiency ratings for England and Wales

Ratings up until December 2012 showed little improvement, but Wales has fared better than England. Voluntary certification under the Code for Sustainable Homes has also slumped again