Today, more than ever, energy policy is crucial for the UK’s economic development. For many years, the UK considered itself as being at the forefront of energy market reform. However, reconciling the long-term vision of cleaner, low-carbon energy with the short-term concerns over pricing and the security of energy supply appears increasingly difficult. The UK government aims at achieving an energy sector that relies on nuclear energy and renewable resources, with gas serving as an additional source. But is this a feasible goal, given the costs of renewable energy, the growing risk of power shortages, public objections to the levels of gas and electricity prices?  What would be the optimum energy mix for the UK? What role should we allocate in this scenario to unconventional gas supplies? Should we rely more on smart technology to effectively manage the interfaces between supply and demand?

While policy-makers try to come up with effective solutions, we brought together leading energy specialists and market experts from public and private sectors to share their expertise and discuss the challenges that the UK is facing on the energy front.

Click here to view the Energy Forum microsite

Spectator Energy Forum 2014 Programme

13:30 – 13:40: Opening Remarks

Andrew Neil, chairman and editor-in-chief of The Spectator Magazine Group

13:40 – 14:15: Keynote: The future of UK’s energy market

Peter Atherton, utilities analyst at Liberum Capital and former corporate strategist with National Grid

14:15 – 15:15: Panel: Energy prices, electricity market reform, new technologies – what are the key messages for consumers?

15:15 – 15:30: Coffee break

15:30 – 16:30: Panel: How broke is the UK energy market and what are the priorities in deciding the best future energy mix for Britain?

Angela Knight, chief executive, Energy UK

16:30 – 17:30: Panel: The overall supply outlook – should we be worried and can shale gas and nuclear ride to the rescue?

Chris Le Fevre, senior research fellow, Oxford Institute of Energy Studies
Kathryn Klaber, immediate past CEO, Marcellus Shale Coalition

17:30 – 19:00 Drinks reception. Concluding remarks by Andrew Neil and lead sponsor.
Reception sponsored by Thorold Dewling

*Please note, we also have a global energy conference that precedes the global energy conference and you can book a joint ticket that allows participation in both the global and domestic energy forums. Click here for more information on the Global Energy Conference.

In addition to online credit card bookings, you can pay by cheque, or ask to be sent an invoice. Click on ‘Show other payment options’ under the ‘Order Now’ button when booking your ticket.

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