With 2011 proving to be a particularly turbulent year for worldwide energy prices, heads are now turning to what to expect in 2012.

With civil unrest in the Middle East unlikely to ease, mixed with increased export capabilities, wholesale prices are expected to fluctuate heavily. European leaders look likely to impose an oil embargo on Iran, with Tehran warning of rising tensions and likely retaliation.

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Npower’s continued inability to contribute to the coffers of parent RWE looks likely to move them up the cost saving and asset disposal list.

As RWE struggle to come to grips with the phase-out of nuclear energy in 2022, net debt of over £24 billion, a less than anticipated return on a recent share sale, loss-making long-term gas deals and its failure to setup a joint venture with Gazprom for the takeover of all European generation including the UK, it doesn’t bode well.

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Chris Huhne, UK Energy Secretary, has recently dismissed reports that the UK has the highest energy costs across Europe, whilst acknowledging that prices are rising both in the short and long term. He went to advise both domestic and commercial/ business customers to search the market to find the very best prices available. Given the lack of competition between many suppliers at the moment, Torse strongly agrees with Mr Huhne’s idea to ensure your business is getting the best value.
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The Government has passed legislation requiring all suppliers to replace both Electricity and Gas meters with automatic meters for all (but the smallest) businesses by 6th April 2010. It might sound a long way away, but they will have to change 200,000 meters.

Guess who pays? The government has allowed suppliers to pass on all the costs to businesses. This will be either through your supply contract (much the same as it is for most businesses at the moment) or a separate AMR Metering contract. This will inevitably cause some confusion when Renewing or changing your Gas and Electricity supply contracts; the business or whoever looks after your Energy Supply arrangements will generally be able to assist in this area. This information really belongs to the business and so you can sort out all your own metering arrangements and not just keep paying the supplier.

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