Expert views
Commentary submitted by Simon Francis in their own words.
Back to profileRecord 125,000 heat pumps sold in 2025, industry figures show
The reality is that 125,000 sales a year is still a long way from what we need to see.
BP halts share buybacks and ramps up cost-cutting as profits slump
Ministers must ensure the energy system is on the side of consumers.
Record amount of solar power approved after auction for clean energy projects
A comparison with fossil fuel generated electricity puts into perspective the deal households get from renewables.
£1bn investment aims to boost community clean energy schemes
Community-owned renewables can start to change that, cutting costs, strengthening energy security and generating income for vital local services.
Shell profits slump by more than a fifth amid oil price rout
With Shell reporting another substantial profits haul, it’s worth remembering that these corporate windfalls do not occur by accident.
Warm Home Discount to be extended for rest of decade
If Ministers intend the Warm Home Discount to be the backbone of energy bill support to 2030, they cannot freeze it in its current form.
Two thirds of household power bill rises due to wholesale gas costs – analysis
We can’t forget that until energy prices fall and homes are upgraded, there will need to be targeted financial support for households.
Half a million heat network customers to receive Ofgem protection from this week
Regulation alone won’t fix everything.
Households left financially exposed by botched insulation scheme, MPs say
Done properly, home upgrades and insulation are among the safest ways to bring down energy bills.
Ovo to pay £2.77m in compensation after warm home discount payment delays
No one should be forced to go through winter without support because a supplier failed to meet its obligations.
Offshore wind auction to attract £3.4bn of private investment, Government says
Households cannot be asked to underwrite infrastructure while the energy industry walks away with huge profits.
Record amounts of offshore wind secured in latest Government auction
Wind power is already cutting prices by pushing expensive electricity generated by gas-fired power stations off the system.