Camilla McCorkell, EDF Business Solutions Director, Reflecting on 2024 Achievements and Looking Ahead to 2025

As I step deeper into the role of Director of EDF Business Solutions, I’m excited to join a team that is dedicated to supporting our customers with their energy ambitions and net zero goals.  EDF has a longstanding commitment of empowering businesses to navigate the complex energy landscape and I’m looking forward to building on this foundation with our valued customers and partners in 2025. 

Reflecting on 2024, this was an important year for the energy industry. We saw a new government come into power, reshaping the UK’s energy landscape, bringing with it new initiatives and policy shifts across the energy sector. With this came the creation of Great British Energy and Labour's broader objective to position the UK as a clean energy superpower, with a strong focus on renewable energy expansion and achieving a Clean Power sector by 2030. 

EDF has already made a huge contribution to the decarbonisation of the power sector. We’re Britain’s largest generator of zero carbon electricity and helping to build new wind, nuclear and solar energy projects. With the aim of reducing reliance on energy imports and helping to stabilise electricity prices over the long term, to prevent future price rises. 

Throughout 2024 we helped to support renewable energy supply through agreeing new Corporate Power Purchase Agreements with NESO, Innova, Anglian Water, Tesco, and others. We were honoured to be named once again as the largest offtaker for Power Purchase Agreements in the UK, as stated in Cornwall Insight’s PPA Market Share Report (August 2024).    

Our key mission is to help Britain’s businesses, and the public sector achieve net zero. By securing major partnerships with key UK companies like Vodafone and Whitbread in 2024, I’m pleased to say we’re doing just that, empowering UK businesses to make meaningful progress towards their sustainability goals.  I was delighted to renew our longstanding partnership with The Energy Consortium (TEC), supporting their members in reducing carbon emissions and accelerating decarbonisation efforts, providing access to clean energy solutions for public sector organisations. 

2024 was also marked by COP29, where nations agreed to triple financial contributions toward climate actions. EDF further demonstrated its commitment through initiatives outlined in the published Sustainable Business Progress Report, reinforcing our role as a sustainability leader. 

I'm proud of how the EDF Business Solution teams delivered an outstanding year, evolving innovation and providing excellent service. From reaching record metering points, expanding our dual-fuel solutions to developing our technical services. Throughout it all, customer experience has been a key driver, last year we joined the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) reaffirming our dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience. We also listen to our customers’ feedback, and the focus of our people, systems and processes to offer excellence in customer experience.   

Looking ahead into 2025, this year will bring new strategy and policy developments, with electrification playing a key role in driving sustainability. Announcements like the Implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 in February will allow the government to revise the National Procurement Policy Statement to reflect evolving priorities. Additionally, the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) and upcoming consultations will shape how businesses report on sustainability, aligning with global trends. 

The UK energy market is set to undergo further significant changes. Key developments include the Energy Intensive Industry (EII) Support Levy, the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme, and the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model for new nuclear projects, which we expect to be applied to Sizewell C. We’ve published a TalkPower blog to help your business understand what we know so far to help you navigate these changes. 

In the power sector the government is due to reach conclusions on its Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) later this summer, including the much-debated question of whether Great Britain should move to a zonal wholesale market, with prices varying by region. We expect the government to continue its drive for Clean Power, with the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction presenting a further opportunity to contract for substantial new wind and solar capacity. 

EDF will also continue to play a leading role in the ongoing development of new large scale nuclear projects with construction of Hinkley Point C in Somerset now well advanced and a final investment decision on Sizewell C in Suffolk anticipated for later this year. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will each provide power equivalent to the electricity demand of six million homes.    

Additionally, the Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) program will see new deadlines announced by Ofgem, creating opportunities to advance data-driven energy solutions. This year, with the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter switch off, an initiative affecting the whole industry, businesses with this type of meter should be preparing to upgrade. With only 6 months left, make sure your business is prepared by contacting us as soon as possible to upgrade any remaining RTS meters. 

Net zero will continue to be a priority and I know it is not a one-size-fits-all, every business is unique in its ability to reduce carbon while cutting costs and shielding from market volatility and I’m excited we have our range of net zero energy solutions, together with our EDF group partner companies. It's going to be a great year for collaboration and the opportunity to guide our customers on their sustainability journey. Flexibility and data will be vital in enabling businesses to optimise energy usage and achieve net zero targets.  

EDF Business Solutions remains loyal in our mission to support customers in navigating these changes while achieving energy and sustainability goals. With a clear focus on innovation, collaboration, and customer experience, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for the energy sector and for the businesses we serve. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working closely with you to deliver tangible and impactful results.