David Blair's Blog, page 122

Doubt cast on effort to cut energy bills

The PM's decision to open the meeting, though it was originally called by Chris Huhne, showed how far the burden of fuel costs had risen up the agenda

Total warns France over shale gas permit

Energy group says French authorities risk undermining the country's energy security if they continue to prevent Total from exploring for shale gas

Total charts risky path in hunt for oil

Chief says the French oil company will increase its net capital expenditure to an average of $23bn a year over the next four years

Electricity suppliers sceptical of SSE move

As pressure mounts on big suppliers to follow SSE's move, independent providers say the manoeuvre will not crack the market

IEA cuts oil demand forecasts

The global oil watchdog reduces forecasts for global oil demand this year and next in line with lower outlook for growth

Scottish and Southern adopts Labour policy after stinging attack

Energy group fights to regain public trust following allegations of a 'rigged market' by Ed Miliband

SSE to shake up power market

Utility will auction 100% of its power on day-ahead wholesale market as soon as possible. It will buy all electricity for its customers from same source

Petrobras tackles deepwater rig delays

Plans to develop Brazil's hydrocarbon-rich 'pre-salt' fields remain on track

Report set to give go-ahead for nuclear reactors

Dr Weightman's final report on lessons from Fukushima do not impose any significant additional constraints on a programme to build 12 new reactors

Average household faces fuel poverty by 2015

A steady increase in electricity and gas charges could force the government to reconsider its energy policy, including on wind power