The Big Apple

Energy suppliers may be forced into cheaper deals

The Government is threatening to force Britain's big six energy companies to offer the cheapest deals to poorest customers

Energy bills to leap within weeks

Electricity and gas bills look set for double-digit rises as Scottish & Southern Energy warned of unbearable cost pressure

First water fund listing in London raises $100m

Aqua Resources has joined the LSE to invest in projects involving water recycling and waste treatment

Tempus at lunchtime

Retail sales reverse from last month ... Scottish & Southern under pressure ... BG Group is good at discoveries

Tempus analysis: Unplugged

The pressure to pass on its increased costs has become unbearable for the group, after a downbeat trading statement

Energy bills set to soar after warning from SSE

Scottish and Southern Energy said first-half profits will be lower but still expects modest profit increase over year

EDF closes in on £11bn British Energy takeover

The falling global price of crude oil helps to smooth over earlier differences concerning the valuation placed on the company

Centrica pays £490m for Belgium's SPE

Centrica overturns deal between two French energy giants to acquire Belgium's second biggest energy business

Water groups seek more power over non-payers

Water companies want to be given the ability to pursue customers who do not pay bills knowing they cannot be cut off

Tempus comment: Slippery customers

Water companies are not able to cut off non-payers or even threaten them, leading to fears bills will not be paid

Tempus at lunchtime

Expect more consolidation among lenders ...

Severn Trent customers may struggle with bills

Cash-strapped customers may take advantage of the Government's 'no disconnection' pledge to skip paying water bills

Skills shortage threatens nuclear drive

Acute lack of skilled nuclear engineers and low pay and morale in the NII have left it facing a widening skills gap

Scottish & Southern gets nod for wind farm

Planning decision allows group to build Europe's biggest onshore wind farm, with 152 125-metre turbines, in Lanarkshire

RBC in landfill gas auction

The sale for EDL in Britain should attract hot competition from buyers keen on a greater stake in green energy resources