British energy group, energy generator and supplier with a tech bent
RIBA argues for city architects to lead local development, citing housing, green spaces and public realm as key to sustainable, community-backed growth. The push follows evidence from Nottingham and Kings Cross that design quality can boost housing and green space without delaying delivery.
Octopus Energy has urged households to avoid using certain plug-in appliances during Wednesday’s solar eclipse, as up to 1.3 GW of solar power could be lost. The move aims to curb peak demand by encouraging flexible energy use, with two hours of free electricity for participants later in the weekend. The industry notes renewables now supply around 40% of the UK mix amid a heatwave.
Octopus Energy and CATL will build a European battery-swapping hub network for trucks, launching in the UK next year and expanding to 30+ sites across Europe by 2035. The system enables quick battery swaps rather than long charges, aiming to accelerate electrification of freight with potential early adoption by Chinese OEMs.
Thames Water is on the brink of a government-led rescue, with creditors pressing for a workable plan to avert a special administration regime. Reports indicate ministers may push for increased public control or even partial nationalisation, while creditors warn funding could run out by year-end without a deal.
The BBC, The Scotsman and Independent report mounting energy costs amid price volatility. The government has announced VAT reductions on electricity, while CMA recommendations push regulators toward heating-oil protections and a broader shift to heat pumps and solar to shield households from price spikes.
Independent sources report Octopus Energy is pressing the incoming UK prime minister to reform the electricity market. The company says reform could save households up to £114 a year and cut billions in costs by 2050, with further savings if levies are moved to general taxation. Reform also faces a two-year timeline and potential gains for wind, batteries and interconnectors.
A UK-backed package aims to cut electricity VAT and redesign gas charges to lower bills and boost heat pumps. Nesta-backed proposals would shift some levies to general taxation, potentially cutting bills by about £130 annually; government policy remains uncertain as of today.