David Blair's Blog, page 131

Power chief hits out at nuclear boost

Measures to support the UK's nuclear power operators would risk "damaging" the electricity market, according to the head of Britain's second-biggest energy supplier.

Rising fuel bills to hit poor and industry

Companies and officials may differ over the direction of energy policy but they agree on one forecast: gas and electricity bills are set for a steep rise.

Shell accused over Syrian oil exports

Royal Dutch Shell has been accused of working "hand in glove" with Syria's regime after the energy company chartered a tanker to export almost 600,000 barrels of the country's oil.

SSE appeals unfair trading conviction

Scottish and Southern Energy has appealed against its conviction for unfair trading, but the utility also faces a "confiscation" action under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Eurotunnel to link France and UK electricity

Eurotunnel has decided to use its link between France and the UK for a new electricity interconnector capable of carrying 500MW between the two countries.

Iran says Opec will try to fill crude supply gap

A senior Iranian oil official has acknowledged there is a "shortage" in the global supply of crude and promised that Opec , the producers' group, will keep the market in balance.

US and EU step up Iran nuclear sanctions drive

The US and the European Union have stepped up their sanctions drive against Iran's nuclear programme, with Washington imposing measures against PDVSA, Venezuela's state-owned oil company.

SSE beats profit expectations

Scottish and Southern Energy has beaten the city's expectations by announcing pre-tax profits for the full year of £1.31bn ($2.13bn), a rise of 1.6 per cent.

IEA urges producers to release more oil

The world's biggest oil producers should "urgently" release more crude on to the market to prevent high prices from "derailing" global economic recovery, according to the International Energy Agency.

Iran sets stage for tense Opec meeting

Iran's president, who has declared himself "acting" oil minister, might chair next month's meeting of Opec , according to a senior aide, setting the stage for a highly politicised gathering of the cartel.