Hampshire-based Utilita Energy is playing a pivotal role in the UK’s solar revolution by championing the many benefits of solar energy for businesses. The aim is to reduce electricity costs and environmental impact, while providing energy independence and a competitive advantage.

We’re also forming a nationwide taskforce capable of installing solar PV systems for 500 domestic properties every month.

The government has set out its plans to triple solar power generation in the UK by 2030, and we’re eager to lead this transformative journey. Building on Utilita’s success in implementing low carbon technologies, having smart-enabled 92 per cent of our customer base compared to the 65 per cent industry average, we’re well-positioned to install solar systems efficiently and confidently.

Rooftop solar is central to Clean Power 2030 (CP2030) and the delivery of local, low-cost decarbonisation. Reducing energy spend is the most efficient way to ease the burden on the National Grid.

Solar PV generation has never been more cost-effective. Panel efficiency has dramatically improved over the last decade, while the price of panels has reduced, meaning the overall return on investment is better than ever.

We’re also strong advocates for streamlining the connection process and enforcing strict service level agreements, focusing particularly on reducing the approval time by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).Simplifying this procedure would expedite the adoption of solar PV, enabling businesses and households to make investment decisions swiftly and enjoy both financial and environmental benefits without delay.

As the UK aims to become a clean energy leader, the regulatory direction of travel in the sector has never been more critical. It is clear substantial reforms are essential to ensure regulation supports innovation, investment and green growth.

The government’s focus on reforming regulation to make it growth-friendly is welcome and we have recently responded to its review of Ofgem, advocating for a revised regulatory approach in the energy sector.

The current framework, managed by Ofgem, is overly prescriptive and stifles innovation. We believe that to truly support green growth, Ofgem’s role must be broader and more strategic. It should act as a guiding hand for the government’s CP2030 goal, facilitating investment across the entire energy sector and related products and services. This means creating a regulatory environment focused on desired outcomes, encouraging innovation and competition, and setting minimum consumer standards while allowing room for differentiation and service excellence.

Southampton's Utilita Bowl cricket stadium took a significant leap toward becoming the world’s greenest cricket stadium last year, by switching on more than 1,000 solar panels. The installation is part of a groundbreaking partnership with Utilita, designed to dramatically reduce the venue's carbon footprint and promote sustainability. The panels will generate 381,829 kWh annually, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total electricity used by the stadium.

The installation follows another recent eco-friendly initiative at the stadium. Six electric vehicle (EV) chargers were installed at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, encouraging spectators to use electric vehicles for their journeys to the venue. This move, like the solar panels, reflects the growing need for businesses and sports venues to play their part in reducing environmental impact.

We recently hosted an interactive breakout session at this month’s British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) Annual Conference. At this session, David Mann, CEO of the Utilita Bowl, shared the venue’s solar transition journey to support their ambitious goal of becoming the greenest international cricket ground in the world.

I’m also looking forward to speaking at the upcoming Regenerate South Central Annual Conference (June 25 at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth).Designed to help your business move towards Net Zero, it’s a great opportunity to explore how you can unlock savings, increase efficiency, and build a stronger, more competitive future. Learn more at tinyurl.com/545be9a5.

The UK recently broke its all-time solar generation record, producing 12,596 MW of solar power in a single day. I expect we may see that record being smashed again in the coming weeks. Solar generation for the first five months of the year is up 42 per cent on the same period last year and is at an all-time high, which is incredible progress on our decarbonisation journey. Let's hope the sunshine continues – it’s pushing us closer to net zero and sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too.

Join our campaign for cleaner, cheaper energy at utilita.co.uk/sustainability.

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