http://www.growsave.co.uk The Latest News From GrowSave en-us http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/power-and-gas-are-down-this-week-with-good-supply-and-limited-demand Mon, 14 May 12 00:00:00 +0000 A good supply of gas, a short term lift in temperatures and a gloomy longer term economic outlook helped to sustain the recent downward trend in gas and power prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/power-and-gas-are-down-this-week-with-good-supply-and-limited-demand http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-update-horticulture-leads-the-way Tue, 08 May 12 00:00:00 +0000 The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) really is in full swing, with application accreditation well underway. And it’s the horticulture industry leading the way! http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-update-horticulture-leads-the-way http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-stay-stable-despite-some-gas-supply-worries Tue, 08 May 12 00:00:00 +0000 The gas market was uncertain at the start of the week, which initially drove up prices across the board. As the week went on gas supplies eased, which had the effect of bringing back all but day-ahead gas. Falling oil prices also helped to keep markets stable. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-stay-stable-despite-some-gas-supply-worries http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/carbon-dioxide-enrichment-from-biomass-boilers-at-last Fri, 04 May 12 00:00:00 +0000 Exciting times could be ahead for edible crop production following the unveiling of the world’s first Carbon Capture System for the greenhouse industry. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/carbon-dioxide-enrichment-from-biomass-boilers-at-last http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-have-fallen-slightly-in-most-energy-markets-although-oil-is-still-buoyant Tue, 01 May 12 00:00:00 +0000 The downward trend in electricity and gas has continued, tempered only by some nervousness from the oil market and the unseasonable chilly weather. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-have-fallen-slightly-in-most-energy-markets-although-oil-is-still-buoyant http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/wind-farms-safe-for-most-birds Wed, 25 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 Many species of birds are unaffected by onshore wind farms, according to a new study carried out by researchers working for UK bird charities. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/wind-farms-safe-for-most-birds http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/all-prices-down-this-week-with-oil-leading-early-falls Mon, 23 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 Markets were generally down over the week, with an early significant fall in oil pulling all prices down with it. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/all-prices-down-this-week-with-oil-leading-early-falls http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-drives-up-short-term-contract-prices Tue, 17 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 Falling oil prices are holding long term gas and electricity contracts steady right now. As for short term contracts, the cold weather and some gas supply issues forced prices up at the end of the week. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-drives-up-short-term-contract-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-proposes-cost-control-measures-for-the-rhi Thu, 12 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has released a consultation document which outlines new cost control measures for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will ensure that the scheme doesn’t go over budget. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-proposes-cost-control-measures-for-the-rhi http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-fairly-quiet-trading-week-with-prices-drifting-down Tue, 10 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 Not much happening in the market this week with prices moving down across the board. (The jump in season-ahead gas was due to a step change as we move from summer season-ahead to winter season-ahead pricing.) http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-fairly-quiet-trading-week-with-prices-drifting-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-supply-shortfalls-drive-prices-up Tue, 03 Apr 12 00:00:00 +0000 Only oil prices remained stable last week as gas volumes fell short due to problems with supplies from the North Sea. This had the inevitable effect of driving up both gas and electricity prices across the board. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-supply-shortfalls-drive-prices-up http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-brings-prices-down Mon, 26 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 The mild spell has led to lower power and gas demands and prices have fallen as a result. General market conditions have been quiet with the forward supply position looking comfortable. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-brings-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-carbon-reduction-commitment-to-be-reformed-or-abandoned Mon, 26 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 At the launch of the 2012 Budget last week, Chancellor George Osborne promised to simplify the Carbon Reduction Commitment by autumn 2012 – or replace it with an alternative, simpler environmental tax. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-carbon-reduction-commitment-to-be-reformed-or-abandoned http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-government-loses-its-solar-feed-in-tariff-appeal Mon, 26 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 The government has lost its bid to appeal to the Supreme Court over the High Court’s ruling that the way in which it halved the solar Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) before the consultation period had officially ended was illegal. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-government-loses-its-solar-feed-in-tariff-appeal http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-tariffs-to-increase-on-1st-april-2012 Thu, 22 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 If you’re submitting an application to receive payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme for the heat you generate, you can now look forward to receiving a higher tariff as of 1st April 2012. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-tariffs-to-increase-on-1st-april-2012 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-are-stable-but-there-is-lots-of-activity-behind-the-scenes Mon, 19 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 Prices of all of the major energy commodities remained relatively stable last week, but there were lots of developments behind the scenes that helped to keep things on an even keel. The joint US/British government announcement about releasing strategic oil reserves kept oil prices under control, whereas, in the gas markets, mild weather counteracted the low level of LNG deliveries into the UK. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-are-stable-but-there-is-lots-of-activity-behind-the-scenes http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/reduction-in-standing-charges-for-some-gas-supplies-expected-in-april-2012 Thu, 15 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 If you have a daily metered gas supply and were forced to convert from an interruptible supply to a non-interruptible supply last October, the good news is that it’s looking as if your standing charge rate will be significantly reduced next month. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/reduction-in-standing-charges-for-some-gas-supplies-expected-in-april-2012 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/farm-energy-centres-chris-plackett-gives-led-insight-on-the-bbcs-farming-today-programme Wed, 14 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 If you’re interested in LED lighting, make sure you have a listen to Farm Energy Centre’s Commercial Director, Chris Plackett, being interviewed for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Farming Today’ programme. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/farm-energy-centres-chris-plackett-gives-led-insight-on-the-bbcs-farming-today-programme http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-for-all-fuels-drift-higher-driven-by-lower-confidence-in-supply Mon, 12 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 Gas and electricity prices played catch-up with the recent increases in oil. Supplies were reasonably stable with slight concern in the short-term availability of gas and the ongoing worries about oil. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-for-all-fuels-drift-higher-driven-by-lower-confidence-in-supply http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-and-plentiful-supplies-keep-prices-down Wed, 07 Mar 12 00:00:00 +0000 Forecasts of continuing mild weather coupled with plentiful supplies drove gas and electricity prices down last week. The price falls were kept in check at the end of the week, when oil took an upward turn. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-and-plentiful-supplies-keep-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rising-oil-prices-are-beginning-to-affect-long-term-gas-and-electricity-prices Mon, 27 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 Cold weather in continental Europe affected the day-ahead prices for both gas and electricity, which were later kept more stable by a warm UK and good wind generation. Longer-term prices for both rose in response to the continued rise in oil prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rising-oil-prices-are-beginning-to-affect-long-term-gas-and-electricity-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-prices-stabilise-this-week-but-oil-prices-continue-to-climb Mon, 20 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 The day-ahead gas price fell back with the forecast of warmer weather and arrival of LNG shipments. Oil prices continued to rise due to the tension over Iranian nuclear developments. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-prices-stabilise-this-week-but-oil-prices-continue-to-climb http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/first-rhi-approval-for-horticulture Fri, 17 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 A greenhouse project in East Yorkshire has become the first horticultural project to be accredited under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/first-rhi-approval-for-horticulture http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-announces-improvements-to-the-feed-in-tariff-scheme-and-proposals-for-the-schemes-future Tue, 14 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 As we await the government’s appeal to the Supreme Court, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced a set of changes to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, along with the release of two new consultation documents laying out proposals for the scheme’s future. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-announces-improvements-to-the-feed-in-tariff-scheme-and-proposals-for-the-schemes-future http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-and-carbon-prices-dictate-price-movements Mon, 13 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 The cold weather was the talk of the energy markets last week and, as a result, the recent trend of increasing day-ahead prices continued. Warmer weather for this coming week is now taking off the pressure here. Longer-term contracts remained fairly stable, and falling carbon prices even drove electricity down a little. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-and-carbon-prices-dictate-price-movements http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-drives-up-day-ahead-prices Mon, 06 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 Winter temperatures and gas exports through the European interconnector drove up day-ahead prices last week. On the other hand, the longer term market activity stagnated, meaning that season-ahead and year-ahead prices showed small decreases. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-drives-up-day-ahead-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/growers-get-lowdown-on-new-energy-saving-technologies-thanks-to-growsave Fri, 03 Feb 12 00:00:00 +0000 Energy savings, higher yields and best practice were all on the agenda last month, as a group of 30 growers took advantage of a GrowSave study tour to Holland. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/growers-get-lowdown-on-new-energy-saving-technologies-thanks-to-growsave http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/record-breaking-renewable-wind-energy-in-december-2011 Mon, 30 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 December 2011 saw a record amount of renewable wind energy generated, as the UK experienced wind levels that were, on average, 16% higher than the previous year’s. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/record-breaking-renewable-wind-energy-in-december-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-prices-take-quite-a-hike-this-week-with-fuel-supply-worries-dominating Mon, 30 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 We've seen the biggest weekly hike in gas and electricity prices for some time, bucking the long-term downward trend. The market is very nervous about long-term availability of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with US and EU sanctions aggravating the Iranian regime. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-prices-take-quite-a-hike-this-week-with-fuel-supply-worries-dominating http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/hmrc-announces-change-to-enhanced-capital-allowances Fri, 27 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 HMRC has announced an upcoming change to how Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) can be received alongside other subsidies. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/hmrc-announces-change-to-enhanced-capital-allowances http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-is-denied-grounds-for-appeal-over-fits-ruling---but-its-not-giving-up Thu, 26 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 It was announced yesterday (25th January 2012) that the government has lost its appeal against the High Court’s ruling that the way in which Feed-in Tariff (FiT) cuts were introduced in December 2011 was “legally flawed”. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-is-denied-grounds-for-appeal-over-fits-ruling---but-its-not-giving-up http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-hold-despite-cold-weather-forecasts-and-economic-optimism Mon, 23 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 The threat of cold weather in February and March, combined with an optimistic economic outlook, could not turn the recent trend of falling gas and electricity prices; and in the end it was over-supplied gas and electricity systems that won the day. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-hold-despite-cold-weather-forecasts-and-economic-optimism http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-announces-proposal-for-feed-in-tariff-reduction-date-compromise Fri, 20 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 As the solar industry awaits the outcome of the Government’s appeal against the High Court’s ruling that their Feed-in Tariff (FiT) reductions were “unlawful”, the Government has revealed its ‘Plan B’. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/decc-announces-proposal-for-feed-in-tariff-reduction-date-compromise http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-radar-means-go-ahead-for-4-gw-of-wind-turbine-projects Thu, 19 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 A long-term obstacle that has been preventing many proposed wind farms from going ahead has now been removed, thanks to a new ‘wind turbine-friendly’ radar. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-radar-means-go-ahead-for-4-gw-of-wind-turbine-projects http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/colder-weather-forecasts-drive-prices-up Mon, 16 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 Winter temperatures came to the UK at last, and the result was increasing gas and electricity prices. Day ahead prices came off worst, as demands were predicted to increase significantly. The possibility of political tensions in Iran also impacted, but this eased towards the end of the week. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/colder-weather-forecasts-drive-prices-up http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/it-might-be-a-new-year-but-prices-are-still-falling Mon, 09 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 Mild weather and plentiful supplies are still driving prices down; and there is nothing on the horizon to suggest that the trend is set to end. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/it-might-be-a-new-year-but-prices-are-still-falling http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/government-appeals-against-high-courts-ruling-that-fits-cuts-were-legally-flawed Thu, 05 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000  The future of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) cuts remains uncertain, following the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)’s decision to lodge an appeal against the High Court’s ruling that their proposed reductions to the tariff rates were “legally flawed”. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/government-appeals-against-high-courts-ruling-that-fits-cuts-were-legally-flawed http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-continue-to-fall-for-long-term-contracts Wed, 04 Jan 12 00:00:00 +0000 Day ahead prices showed some increase over the Christmas and New Year period because they were affected by short-term supply and demand issues. On the other hand, prices for season ahead and year ahead contracts continued to fall. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-continue-to-fall-for-long-term-contracts http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/feed-in-tariff-reductions-ruled-legally-flawed-by-high-court Fri, 23 Dec 11 00:00:00 +0000 It’s looking as if the Government’s decision to suddenly cut Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments has come across major obstacles following challenges and concerns from both MPs and interested parties from the solar industry. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/feed-in-tariff-reductions-ruled-legally-flawed-by-high-court http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/plentiful-supplies-keep-prices-down Mon, 19 Dec 11 00:00:00 +0000 Even the snap of cold weather at the end of the week could not halt the current trend of falling prices. Well-supplied energy systems and no prospect of an economic upturn are making it a buyer's market right now. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/plentiful-supplies-keep-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-and-supply-issues-give-prices-an-upward-lift Mon, 12 Dec 11 00:00:00 +0000 The prospect of colder weather coupled with gas supply issues from Norwegian fields forced both gas and electricity prices up last week. The underlying trend is still for prices to hold firm as the threat of economic recession still looms. This is illustrated by oil prices which continue to hold firm. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-and-supply-issues-give-prices-an-upward-lift http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-suppliers-demanding-unaffordable-up-front-payments Wed, 07 Dec 11 00:00:00 +0000 A recent article published by the Guardian has highlighted the huge barriers that the policies of the ‘big six’ energy companies are causing for their customers. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-suppliers-demanding-unaffordable-up-front-payments http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/downward-energy-price-trends-continue-with-a-plentiful-supply-of-gas Mon, 05 Dec 11 00:00:00 +0000 In the face of stable demand and lower projected gas flows to mainland Europe, gas and electricity prices have continued to fall. Support for oil came from a rally in financial markets. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/downward-energy-price-trends-continue-with-a-plentiful-supply-of-gas http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/ccl-discount-for-cca-holders-to-increase-from-2013 Wed, 30 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Yesterday’s 2011 Autumn Statement announced that the Government intends to increase the Climate Change Levy (CCL) discount on electricity to 90% from 1st April 2013. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/ccl-discount-for-cca-holders-to-increase-from-2013 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/poor-economic-sentiment-continues-to-suppress-energy-markets Mon, 28 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Most global markets were weak this week on the back of poor economic sentiment. December gas prices however made gains with the UK looking colder. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/poor-economic-sentiment-continues-to-suppress-energy-markets http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/defra-launches-new-funding-scheme Mon, 28 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Defra has launched a £20m ‘Farm and Forestry Improvement’ fund as part of its revisions to the Rural Development Programme for England.  http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/defra-launches-new-funding-scheme http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-launches Mon, 28 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 The long-awaited Renewable Heat Incentive has finally gone live today  http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-launches http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-update---final-version-of-rhi-guidance-released-by-ofgem Mon, 21 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 OFGEM have just released the final version of the RHI guidance notes, which include a significant new 'tweak'...  http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-update---final-version-of-rhi-guidance-released-by-ofgem http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-downward-trend-continues-but-with-a-blip-in-gas-as-a-result-of-high-european-demand Mon, 21 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Plenty of gas in storage, mild temperatures and a glum economic outlook all served to push prices down over the week. However, day ahead gas gets pushed by a large export flow to Europe. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/the-downward-trend-continues-but-with-a-blip-in-gas-as-a-result-of-high-european-demand http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-and-economic-concerns-keep-prices-down Mon, 14 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Mild weather and plentiful supplies of gas and power kept short term prices under control last week. Longer term contract prices also remained stable as economic concerns continue to control the energy markets. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/mild-weather-and-economic-concerns-keep-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-technical-update-on-led-lighting Fri, 11 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 LED lighting technology, and the knowledge about how to use it in horticulture, is developing rapidly. To keep you up-to-date with the latest progress, we have produced a new GrowSave technical note that summarise the latest thinking and technical developments. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-technical-update-on-led-lighting http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/glum-eurozone-news-sees-most-energy-curves-fall Mon, 07 Nov 11 00:00:00 +0000 Underlying commodities reacted to debt worries within the Eurozone keeping energy prices depressed. The day ahead prices were suppressed due to a healthy availibility of gas, good renewables contribution and mild conditions. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/glum-eurozone-news-sees-most-energy-curves-fall http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-hold-steady-through-an-up-and-down-week Mon, 31 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 Positive sentiments of an upturn in the economy stimulated price rises early last week, but as the week went on they steadily fell back to where they started. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-hold-steady-through-an-up-and-down-week http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/dramatic-feed-in-tariff-cuts-announced-by-the-government Mon, 31 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 The government has announced a proposal to make large cuts to the subsidies available for those installing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations up to 250kW. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/dramatic-feed-in-tariff-cuts-announced-by-the-government http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/big-changes-to-fits-for-domestic-solar-pv-installations-are-widely-anticipated-following-green-deal-announcement Fri, 28 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 Climate change minister Greg Barker has revealed plans to encourage domestic energy efficiency by linking Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations to the Green Deal. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/big-changes-to-fits-for-domestic-solar-pv-installations-are-widely-anticipated-following-green-deal-announcement http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-update Wed, 26 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 DECC has just announced the revised tariff for large biomass boilers (>1 MW), taking us a step closer to the launch of the RHI. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-update http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-prices-continue-to-fall--short-term-gas-shows-a-seasonal-climb Tue, 25 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 Confidence in the security of supplies and no prospect of economic growth is holding long-term season prices down. Short-term gas is showing an autumn lift due to higher demand from colder weather. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-prices-continue-to-fall--short-term-gas-shows-a-seasonal-climb http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-dictates-an-overall-upwards-trend-in-prices Mon, 17 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 Increasing oil prices have halted the recent falls in long term gas and electricity, while day ahead gas prices remain erratic due to varying demand. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-dictates-an-overall-upwards-trend-in-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-prices-continue-a-downward-trend-but-short-term-is-volatile Mon, 10 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 A mixed bag this week, with long term gas and electricity prices coming down based on comfortable winter supply forecasts, but short term gas climbing due to a downturn in temperatures on Friday. Oil recovers slightly. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-prices-continue-a-downward-trend-but-short-term-is-volatile http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/price-falls-across-the-whole-market-this-week-with-day-ahead-gas-tumbling Mon, 03 Oct 11 00:00:00 +0000 Mild weather and continuing concerns about the EU economy has suppressed prices for all fuels. Day ahead gas is down mainly on healthy supply conditions and the weather. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/price-falls-across-the-whole-market-this-week-with-day-ahead-gas-tumbling http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-launch-delayed Fri, 30 Sep 11 00:00:00 +0000 DECC have announced that the launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), due to take place today, has now been delayed. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-launch-delayed http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gloomy-economic-forceasts-drop-long-term-prices Mon, 26 Sep 11 00:00:00 +0000 Fears about global growth and the Eurozone debt crisis caused a downward trend in long term prices while short term prices remain volatile. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gloomy-economic-forceasts-drop-long-term-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-fairly-stable-market-this-week-except-for-a-sudden-drop-for-day-ahead-gas Mon, 19 Sep 11 00:00:00 +0000 Prices have remained stable for longer term electricity and gas contracts. The reinstatement of a major gas supply caused a large price fall on Friday. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-fairly-stable-market-this-week-except-for-a-sudden-drop-for-day-ahead-gas http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/conflicting-pressures-leave-prices-largely-unchanged Mon, 12 Sep 11 00:00:00 +0000 Conflicting pressures have left long term gas and electricity prices largely unchanged, though continental demand has increased the short-term price of gas. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/conflicting-pressures-leave-prices-largely-unchanged http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/downward-price-trend-for-gas-and-electricity-continues Mon, 05 Sep 11 00:00:00 +0000 Plentiful supplies of gas and continuing concerns over the global economy are still keeping any prospect of price rises under control. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/downward-price-trend-for-gas-and-electricity-continues http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-and-electricity-prices-push-upwards Tue, 30 Aug 11 00:00:00 +0000 With uncertainty in the equity market, season ahead gas and power have taken a step up. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-and-electricity-prices-push-upwards http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-markets-close-virtually-unchanged-on-the-week Mon, 22 Aug 11 00:00:00 +0000 Despite volatility in the markets longer term gas and electricity prices have undergone only fractional change over the week. Short term gas prices are up, mainly due to energy system outage problems and doubts about supply. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/long-term-markets-close-virtually-unchanged-on-the-week http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-up-slightly-for-gas-and-electricity-after-a-volatile-weeks-trading Mon, 15 Aug 11 00:00:00 +0000 Much of this week's trading has been driven by the big swings in the equity market resulting in an upward movement in all areas, except oil which has held steady. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-up-slightly-for-gas-and-electricity-after-a-volatile-weeks-trading http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/economic-concerns-drive-prices-down Mon, 08 Aug 11 00:00:00 +0000 Global financial worries are continuing to drive energy prices down. Both long and short term contracts have been affected and the trend looks set to continue until financial markets stabilise. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/economic-concerns-drive-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-down-this-week-with-low-demand-and-a-well-supplied-system Mon, 01 Aug 11 00:00:00 +0000 It's been a quiet week for energy markets with a comfortably supplied gas and power market edging prices down. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-down-this-week-with-low-demand-and-a-well-supplied-system http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/no-major-changes-for-this-weeks-energy-market Mon, 25 Jul 11 00:00:00 +0000 No great change in prices this week, with European economic worries holding back gas and power, despite a slight lift in oil. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/no-major-changes-for-this-weeks-energy-market http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-down-on-european-pessimism Mon, 18 Jul 11 00:00:00 +0000 With no nasty shocks from global energy supply and a general pessimism about European growth, prices have drifted down slightly on the week. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-down-on-european-pessimism http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-continues-towards-reality Thu, 14 Jul 11 00:00:00 +0000 The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) draft legislation passed through parliament on 20th June without any problem and there were no significant changes compared to the original consultation back in March 2011. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/rhi-continues-towards-reality http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-leads-price-rises-in-all-markets Mon, 11 Jul 11 00:00:00 +0000 Stength in all commodity prices especially oil, has supported gas and electricity markets this week. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-leads-price-rises-in-all-markets http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/season-ahead-prices-drift-up-on-strong-oil-and-coal Mon, 04 Jul 11 00:00:00 +0000 Long term prices have firmed mainly as a result of strong oil and coal markets. However a comfortably fed gas market has held day ahead gas prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/season-ahead-prices-drift-up-on-strong-oil-and-coal http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-fall-as-a-result-of-the-release-of-oil-reserves Mon, 27 Jun 11 00:00:00 +0000 The week's closing prices were dominated by the release of 60m barrels of oil reserves to off-set loss of supply from Libya, triggered by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Subesquent price falls were seen across all markets. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-fall-as-a-result-of-the-release-of-oil-reserves http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-fall-gently-on-european-economic-worries Wed, 22 Jun 11 00:00:00 +0000 Last week saw a gentle fall in all markets with worries about European eonomic growth holding down prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-fall-gently-on-european-economic-worries http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/lf-geater-sons-case-study-biomass-boiler Tue, 14 Jun 11 00:00:00 +0000 New video available from the Carbon Trust Biomass Heating in Horticulture workshops held in January/February 2011. LF Geater & Sons Case Study: Biomass Boiler http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/lf-geater-sons-case-study-biomass-boiler http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-upwards-for-all-fuels Mon, 13 Jun 11 00:00:00 +0000 There was upward pressure across all markets this week, mainly as a result of a rising oil price and slightly cooler weather. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/prices-drift-upwards-for-all-fuels http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/low-demand-keeps-prices-in-check Tue, 07 Jun 11 00:00:00 +0000 Last week started with an upward trend in prices; a continuing market reaction to the announcement that the German nuclear facilities will be closed for good. However, as the week went on, good availability of LNG coupled with low demands pegged back these earlier increases http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/low-demand-keeps-prices-in-check http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-and-german-nuclear-drive-the-market Tue, 31 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Increases in the price of crude oil, coupled to an annoucement that confirmed Germany are to close nuclear power stations, drove the cost of seasonal gas contracts and electricity up last week. Only day ahead gas seemed to weather the storm as prices held firm. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/oil-and-german-nuclear-drive-the-market http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/annual-conference-video Wed, 25 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Presentations given at this year's conference looking into energy saving technology are now available on video. Click here. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/annual-conference-video http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-mixed-week---but-no-big-changes-in-prices Mon, 23 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Gas and oil prices seemed to be tracking each other last week, with the effect being that prices for short term gas contracts showed small increases. Power did not react to this market activity and electricity prices remain stable for now. The predictions of significant summer price increases still hang over the markets. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/a-mixed-week---but-no-big-changes-in-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/annual-conference-presentations-now-available-for-download Thu, 19 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 The presentations given at the 2011 annual conference which took place at Trident Park, Warwickshire on 18th May are now available for download. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/annual-conference-presentations-now-available-for-download http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/short-term-gas-up-but-other-fuels-hold-firm Mon, 16 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Prices for short term gas contracts responded to an upturn in oil prices in the early part of last week, and while electricity recovered the gains as the week went on, gas never went back to where it started. Analysts are predicting price rises over the summer months because of planned gas system maintenance and tight supplies due to European demand. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/short-term-gas-up-but-other-fuels-hold-firm http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-prices-down Mon, 09 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Falling oil prices drove down energy prices across the board last week. Markets were also helped by continuing mild weather conditions. Towards the end of the week the gas system started to stuggle a bit under the pressures of continental exports and summer maintenance. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/price-rises-seen-across-all-fuels Tue, 03 May 11 00:00:00 +0000 Following price falls last Tuesday, the markets picked up to turn in gains all round. These were mainly driven by bullish oil and coal markets, and cuts in Norwegian gas import flows. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/price-rises-seen-across-all-fuels http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/well-supplied-systems-drive-prices-down Wed, 27 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 Ample supplies of LNG, positive flows from the European interconnectors and continuing mild weather all worked together to drive down prices last week. It is looking good for contracts which start soon, as the downward trend seems set to continue. In the longer term the price of oil is holding up prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/well-supplied-systems-drive-prices-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/important-news-if-you-are-eligible-for-ccl-discount Wed, 20 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 Reduced Climate Change Levy discount rate and new PP10 & PP11 forms http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/important-news-if-you-are-eligible-for-ccl-discount http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/short-term-gains-but-long-term-pain Mon, 18 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 Mild weather and well supplied gas and power systems led to relatively stable prices for short term contracts. In the longer term, the high price of oil, continuing concerns about LNG supplies and Germany's announcement to close nuclear power plants are all driving up contract prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/short-term-gains-but-long-term-pain http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/weaker-gas-helps-stabilise-power-price Mon, 11 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 Despite continuing nervousness about Middle East oil security and an increase in oil price, record injections of liquified natural gas (LNG), mild weather and a stronger pound kept gas and electricity prices in check. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/weaker-gas-helps-stabilise-power-price http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/training-workshop-presentations Thu, 07 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 The presentations given at Energy Management Training Workshops in Chichester and Cottingham this week are now available to download. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/training-workshop-presentations http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/plentiful-supplies-take-the-heat-off-short-term-contractsprices Tue, 05 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 Mild weather and plentiful supplies of gas have kept prices for short term contracts stable over the last week. On the other hand, long term contract prices continue to rise under the threat of carbon price increases and global supply and demand concerns. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/plentiful-supplies-take-the-heat-off-short-term-contractsprices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/dutch-research-investigates-the-effect-of-reduced-co2-dosing Fri, 01 Apr 11 00:00:00 +0000 One of the side effects of reducing energy consumption or using biomass for heating is that less CO2 is available for enrichment; so can crops be grown with less CO2 without reducing yield? This is the question that researchers from Wageningen University are currently trying to answer. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/dutch-research-investigates-the-effect-of-reduced-co2-dosing http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-markets-settle-down Mon, 28 Mar 11 00:00:00 +0000 After several weeks of instability and price increases, the energy markets settled down a little last week. Mild weather and adequate supplies helped short-term contract prices as demonstrated by the drop in day ahead gas. Prices for some long-term contracts responded to the announcements in the budget. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-markets-settle-down http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/it-was-a-topsy-turvy-week-in-the-energy-markets-last-week Mon, 21 Mar 11 00:00:00 +0000 First the earthquake and tsunami in Japan drove up gas prices and then political tensions in the middle east forced up oil. Expect the situation to continue for some time to come; with the effect being continuing price rises across all fuels.  http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/it-was-a-topsy-turvy-week-in-the-energy-markets-last-week http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-and-electricity-prices-still-on-the-up Mon, 14 Mar 11 00:00:00 +0000 Despite a small drop in the cost of oil last week, the upward trend for gas and electricity continued. This week the gas markets are likely to react to the earthquake in Japan as alternative markets for LNG open up as a result. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/gas-and-electricity-prices-still-on-the-up http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-rhi-update Thu, 10 Mar 11 00:00:00 +0000 The Government released more information about the RHI this morning. Although it is still not yet cast in stone it provides a more clarity about the tariff levels and the ‘small print’. The plan is for it to be put before Parliament in July 2011. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/renewable-heat-incentive-rhi-update http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/libyan-crisis-pushes-energy-prices-higher Mon, 07 Mar 11 00:00:00 +0000 Continuing unrest in Libya is still driving oil upwards, causing sympathetic trends in gas and electricity. Cold weather forecasts are adding to the upward pressure on gas and electricity. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/libyan-crisis-pushes-energy-prices-higher http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trends---update-friday-25th-february-2011 Mon, 28 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 Tensions in the Middle East and consequential oil price rises have, at last, started to feed through to the wider energy market sending gas and electricity prices higher. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trends---update-friday-25th-february-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-18-february-2011 Mon, 21 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 Short term prices for gas and electricity continued to fall due to well supplied systems and modest customer demands. On the other hand continued increases in oil prices forced long term contract prices up. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-18-february-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/feed-in-tariff-review Mon, 14 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 On 7 February the Government announced that it is going to carry out a "fast-track" review of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. The review has been initiated following growing evidence that large scale solar farms could soak up money intended to help homes, communities and small businesses generate their own electricity. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/feed-in-tariff-review http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-11-february-2011 Mon, 14 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 Prices of both gas and electricity fell last week on the back of comfortable gas supply capacity and good generation levels. The extent of the falls was limited however because of increases in the price of oil and coal.  http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-11-february-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-regulator-tells-how-to-receive-feed-in-tariff-fit-payments-while-retaining-grants Tue, 08 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 The Energy regulator Ofgem has given details on how electricity generators can receive Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) and grants from public funds. This includes information on what must be done to comply with EU state aid rules. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-regulator-tells-how-to-receive-feed-in-tariff-fit-payments-while-retaining-grants http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-04-february-2011 Fri, 04 Feb 11 00:00:00 +0000 The conflict between high oil prices and, at best, a neutral economic outlook has left the long-term energy market going nowhere - even though energy market analysts remain bearish. In the short-term technical problems affecting gas imports from Norway had little affect on prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-04-february-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-28th-january-2011 Fri, 28 Jan 11 00:00:00 +0000 Gloomy UK economic reports and a generally well supplied energy system have led to downward pressure on prices.  Oil continues to hold its high price with sustained international demand. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-price-trend---update-friday-28th-january-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-market-position---week-ending-friday-21-january-2011 Fri, 21 Jan 11 00:00:00 +0000 Apart from some volatility in day-ahead gas, the milder weather and a more comfortable long term fuel complex has produced a steady fall in prices. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-market-position---week-ending-friday-21-january-2011 http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/eden-project-gets-geothermal-go-ahead Mon, 10 Jan 11 00:00:00 +0000 The Eden Project has been given the all clear to proceed with a scheme that will draw energy from the rocks deep below their site at Helston in Cornwall. The scheme will generate both heat and electricity and is projected to cost around £25million. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/eden-project-gets-geothermal-go-ahead http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-affecting-energy-prices Mon, 06 Dec 10 00:00:00 +0000 The sustained cold weather has driven up near market prices for gas and electricity with an inevitable knock on to longer term contract prices. Short term power price hit a 22 month high as a result of the high demand in UK and Europe. With long range forecasts predicting further cold weather through December, high power prices are unlikely to abate for a while yet. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/cold-weather-affecting-energy-prices http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/carbon-reporting-could-become-mandatory Thu, 25 Nov 10 00:00:00 +0000 Only a small number of UK companies are currently reporting their carbon footprint in accordance with Defra guidelines, say consultants Deloitte, with few companies making disclosures explaining year-on-year movements in carbon use in sufficient depth. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/carbon-reporting-could-become-mandatory http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/latest-progress-on-feed-in-tariffs Mon, 15 Nov 10 00:00:00 +0000 14,000 sites have now registered for renewable energy Feed-in Tariffs, with 92% of these being solar voltaic, and 7% wind. The running capacity total is now 53 MW. 72% of capacity installed is from the domestic sector and 21% is commercial. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/latest-progress-on-feed-in-tariffs http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/spending-review-crc-sting Fri, 29 Oct 10 00:00:00 +0000 A change in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme in the recent spending review will impose £1 billion in costs for business. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/spending-review-crc-sting http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/planning-freedom-for-renewables Tue, 26 Oct 10 00:00:00 +0000 The Welsh Assembly recently opened a consultation that looks to update and extend permitted development rights for micro-generation and low-carbon energy technologies. The proposed changes would remove the need to apply for planning permission when installing a range of small-scale energy generation equipment on non-domestic premises or if a householder wished to install a small wind turbine, an air source heat pump or solar panels on a flat roof. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/planning-freedom-for-renewables http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-chp-publication-available Sun, 24 Oct 10 00:00:00 +0000 The Carbon Trust has launched a guide on Combined Heat and Power (CHP), advising businesses when they should consider using the low carbon technology and outlining its key benefits for them. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/new-chp-publication-available http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-saving-grants Mon, 18 Oct 10 00:00:00 +0000 You might think that the Queen could pull a few strings but it seems she is in the same boat as the rest of us. A senior aide applied for a government Community Energy Funding grant to replace some ageing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units but it was turned down due to fears of negative press coverage. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/energy-saving-grants http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/sunny-start-to-feed-in-tariffs Sat, 09 Oct 10 00:00:00 +0000 The development of the renewable energy market is in line with Government hopes following the introduction of Feed-in Tariffs in April. Some 32MW (32,000kW) of equipment is now on-line. The target for the first year is 100MW. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/sunny-start-to-feed-in-tariffs http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/around-10-of-your-electricity-generated-by-wind-farms Tue, 07 Sep 10 00:00:00 +0000 On 6th September National Grid data recorded a record level of 1860MW generated by the larger wind farms in Scotland. If you also include the smaller low voltage wind generation, they claim around 10% of Great Britain’s power came from wind in that 24 hour period. http://www.growsave.co.uk/news/around-10-of-your-electricity-generated-by-wind-farms