National Grid has forecast a higher capacity margin this winter in its Winter Review and Consultation for 2017-18. The system operator predicted up to a 9.9% surplus of electricity generating capacity for this winter, up from 6.6% in 2016-17. Initial analysis suggested the margin for 2017-18 would be in the region of 7.2% to 9.9%, with the first year of delivery of the Capacity Market causing some uncertainty over which generators may be available. It explained the margin range had been used to reflect the uncertainty.

The main political parties have published their manifestos ahead of June 8’s general election. The Conservatives said they would consult on how to extend their proposed safeguard tariff cap to microbusinesses. The party also said it wants the UK to have the lowest energy costs in Europe, and claimed it would commission an independent review into the cost of energy to advise on hitting emissions targets, ensuring a reliable energy supply, and keeping costs down.

It has been confirmed that the government’s renewables subsidy auction will not be affected by Prime Minister Theresa May calling a snap general election for 8 June.

The UK’s climate watchdog – the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) – has revealed that low-carbon policies will place a significant upward pressure on businesses’ costs in the years ahead.

The CBI has pressed the government to provide more clarity on its future plans for spending on large-scale renewables subsidies, through the new contracts for difference scheme.

The government unveiled its long-awaited industrial strategy, pledging to explore the potential for reducing the cost to consumers of decarbonising the power mix