Energy & Utilities
Biggart Baillie is one of Scotland’s leading advisers to energy and utilities operators.
Utilities operators have experienced massive changes over the past 15 years. Since then, the development of electricity, water and gas has been dominated by the emergence of new companies and fierce competition, with consumers facing more choice than ever before.
The utilities sector is heavily regulated. Changes to rules can alter the focus of utility companies and affect the direction of new projects. Keeping an eye on new regulations is crucial - Ofwat and Ofgem are the regulators for water and sewerage and electricity and gas markets, respectively. In Scotland, the Water Industry Commission regulates charging mechanisms. Operating companies are always striving for more efficiency and to make less environmental impact, so there is a strong drive to be more innovative.
The UK has been self sufficient in oil since 1980. In one generation, the UK moved from being reliant on other countries for supplies to producing enough oil for its needs, exporting quantities of crude oil and being acknowledged for its expertise, particularly in the area of deep water technology.
Power generation from renewable sources is now high on the public and political agenda. The UK government’s target is that 10% of electricity consumed should be generated by renewable sources by 2010, increasing to 20% by 2020. The Scottish Executive also recently formally committed itself to an even greater target of 40% renewable energy use by 2020.
At Biggart Baillie we’re committed to being there for our clients and taking their business personally – whatever their business sector. Whatever our clients require, we’re always on hand to provide the right advice and support at the right time.
Contacts for Energy & Utilities