Government confirms no retreat on North Sea projects
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated the government is "not backing away" from anticipated decisions on the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, adding the matter "will be addressed in due course". Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said a Jackdaw ruling is "imminent" while Rosebank will take "a bit longer". Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander blamed previous delays on court challenges under the last administration.
Why domestic oil and gas still matter to bills
UK oil production fell 1.5% in 2022 and gas rose just 1.6%, with proven and probable reserves at 0.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent by the end of that year. The fields remain part of the energy mix during the shift to renewables, yet the long-term direction is set by the 2050 net-zero target under the Climate Change Act. Households face continued price volatility until more clean capacity comes online.
Time to review your tariff
We have covered how Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh recently called for an overhaul because the current system "fails consumers". That story is here. With grid delays and rising demand from data centres also flagged in recent coverage, locking in a competitive tariff now can protect against future swings. Compare gas and electricity deals here.
What readers should do next
Check your current contract end date and any exit fees before switching. Look for suppliers offering real-time usage data and fixed pricing where possible. The regulator Ofgem oversees the market, so any new deal must meet its standards on billing and customer service.
