84) Contracts for Difference AR7: What We Know and What's Next

In this episode of the Energy Essentials Podcast, James Hall, COO of Evolve Energy, joins Cornwall Insight's Robert Buckley, Head of Strategic Accounts, to explore how corporate electricity procurement is changing, and why renewables are becoming a strategic choice for a growing number of UK businesses.They discuss how the PPA market has evolved, why sustainability is now a lever for both protecting and creating value, and what ongoing price volatility means for long-term financial resilience.The conversation continues at CI Live 2026 on Wednesday 4 November at Glaziers Hall in London, where James and Robert will be joined by invited experts on our Reporting vs Reality panel.As a podcast listener, you can use the exclusive discount code PODCAST20 to save 20% on your ticket price for a limited time only, expires 30/10/26.Don’t miss out, reserve your place at CI Live 2026 here.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials Podcast, Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, joins Cornwall Insight's Lucy Dolton, Renewables Generation Lead, and Jacob Briggs, Energy Users Lead, to discuss the growing role of corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) in Wales, and why the industry can't get this right without bringing Welsh communities along.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight Principal Consultant Dr. Craig Lowrey is joined by Principal Modeller Tom Edwards to discuss the potential impacts of the current conflict in Iran on energy prices.  They discuss short-term and long-term implications across domestic and business energy bills, as well as for investors. Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Flexible Generation & Storage Lead Tim Dixon and Energy Users Lead Jacob Briggs are joined by Dan Nicholls, Chief Product Officer at SNRG. They discuss the role of smart microgrids in addressing challenges within the energy market, including connections to grid, infrastructure, network congestion, and decarbonisation. They also explore the definition of smart microgrids, their potential benefits for users of the energy system, the challenges they address, and the barriers to their wider adoption.  Cornwall Insight customers can listen to this in-depth episode on CATALYST or listen to all episodes of the Energy Essentials podcast here. Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this special extra episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Robert Buckley, Head of Strategic Accounts at Cornwall Insight, is joined by Suket Singhal, CEO of Secure Meters Limited. Suket will be joining us at CI Live 2025! on the 5 November to discuss the future of smart metering data and energy solutions. In this discussion with Robert, Suket shares insights from Secure’s extensive experience in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of data-driven innovation and customer-centric solutions. You can find out more about the challenges and opportunities in achieving affordable net zero by 2030 at CI Live 2025! Cornwall Insight’s Annual Energy Conference on the 5 November in London. With Gold Sponsor Secure, this event explores how the industry can overcome hurdles and embrace a more efficient, sustainable future. Cornwall Insight customers can find the full episodes on CATALYST or listen to the Energy Essentials podcast here.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials Podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Robert Buckley (Head of Strategic Accounts) and Tom Andrews (Senior Consultant) are joined by James Hall, COO at Evolve Energy.They discuss the innovation in Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in a rapidly evolving energy market, focusing on license exempt supply and its implications for both generators and consumers. They explore the regulatory landscape, opportunities for innovation, and the future of energy supply contracts, emphasising the importance of understanding the complexities of the market.You can hear more on this plus many other essential industry topics at Cornwall Insight's annual energy conference CI Live 2025! Join us on the 5 November 2025 at Glaziers Hall in London. Get your ticket today.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight's Kate Mulvany (Principal Consultant) and Tom Edwards (Principal Modeller) are joined by Peter Stanley (Elexon CEO) to discuss the critical topic of energy flexibility and the government's ambitions for a clean power system by 2030.They explore the significant market reforms underway, the role of data in the energy transition, and the importance of consumer behaviour in driving demand. The conversation also delves into the impact of half-hourly settlement, the challenges of code governance, and the exciting innovations emerging in the energy sector.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Anna Moss (Principal Consultant) and Robert Buckley (Head of Strategic Accounts) meet with Uswitch CEO Angus McCarey to discuss the future of energy supply markets and the evolving role of consumers in the net zero transition.Topics covered include:The balance of innovation and market structureThe data-driven future and what this means for access and engagementExpectations for 2030Find out more about our Home Supply and Services analysis subscription, providing strategic insights and analysis on what’s happening in the market and what’s driving those changes.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this episode of the Energy Essentials podcast, Cornwall Insight experts Tim Dixon, Lucy Dolton, and Robin Clarke discuss the recently published indicative timeline for the upcoming Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 auction. Focusing on key dates, implications for developers, and any potential uncertainties or risks surrounding the timeline. You can also find out more about our Contracts for Difference support service and bespoke CfD consulting capabilities.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.

In this podcast episode, our experts Tom Edwards and Dr. Craig Lowrey are joined by Peter Smith from National Energy Action. They discuss the complexities of standing charges in energy bills, their implications for consumers, especially vulnerable households, and the potential changes in energy pricing structures. They explore the impact of regional variations, the introduction of zero standing charge tariffs, and the future of energy pricing in a world with smart meters. The conversation also touches on the political dimensions of energy policy and the pursuit of a more equitable approach to energy costs.Keep up to date with latest from Cornwall Insight by following us on Linkedin, or by signing up to our regular newsletter.