David Blair's Blog, page 132

UK safety chief urges N-plant review

The companies proposing to build Britain's new nuclear power stations should review their layout and emergency procedures in the aftermath of Japan's disaster, according to the chief safety inspector.

Cameron backs Huhne over lie allegations

Chris Huhne won the backing of David Cameron on Monday as police considered whether to launch a criminal investigation into claims he lied over a speeding offence.

Electricity market plans under fire from MPs

The most radical reform of the UK's electricity market for 20 years will fail to deliver the investment needed to renew the country's energy infrastructure, a committee of MPs says.

Iraq set to miss oil output goals

Iraq will miss its target to quadruple its oil production by 2017, say senior industry executives and western officials, dealing a blow to hopes that surging output from the country would lower global oil prices by the middle of the decade.

Price rises wipe out efforts to cut fuel subsidies

The rise in global oil prices has "more than offset" the strenuous efforts of developing countries to reduce the cost of fuel subsidies, according to the International Energy Agency.

High prices dent global oil demand

Global oil demand was flat in March for the first time since 2009 as high prices began to "dent" consumption, particularly in North America, according to the International Energy Agency.

Low-carbon quest looks to market

The sight of a British minister opening a new power station crammed with fossil fuel should become a rarity in future – at least if government policy succeeds.

MP talks tough over SSE mis-selling

The UK's big gas and electricity suppliers should be forced to repay any profits made by mis-selling their products on the doorstep, the chairman of an influential House of Commons committee has suggested.

SSE found guilty of misleading on sales

Scottish and Southern Energy has been found guilty of unfair trading by signing up customers across the country using a "misleading" sales script.

Climate panel calls for two more reactors

Two more nuclear reactors than envisaged initially might be needed within 20 years if carbon reduction targets are to be met in a cost-effective way, the government's climate change watchdog has found.