Cornwall Insight's 2025 Annual Conference Delivering Reform, Unlocking Investment, Empowering Action took place at Glaziers Hall on Wednesday 5 November. Over 250 attendees from across the value chain heard from industry leaders and experts through keynote addresses, formal panel sessions, and informal networking discussions. Each speaker offered a different lens on the future of energy, but all agreed that change is coming, and that consumer trust will be central to its success.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP Opening the Event
Opening the event, Energy Minister Michael Shanks set the tone with a stark choice: continue down the “easy road” which he argued would prolong the status quo and lead to stagnation and managed decline or take the “hard road [of] renewal through clean energy and strategic investment".
He argued that replacing the UK’s ageing gas infrastructure and continuing our over-reliance on gas would be costly and would mean reneging on climate change commitments. He called for a bold shift towards renewables, nuclear and storage, backed by major grid upgrades. Crucially, he stressed that the public must see the benefits, with net zero offering not just environmental gains but economic opportunity.
Followed by Claire Coutinho, Shadow Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero
Shadow Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho followed with a sharp critique of current policy. She argued that high electricity prices are holding back growth and that 20-year Contracts for Difference, may be locking consumers into higher costs. Her proposal? Scrap the Climate Change Act and refocus policy on affordability, innovation and nature. For Coutinho, energy reform must start with the consumer and deliver tangible benefits.
In Conversation with ScottishPower CEO Keith Anderson
ScottishPower CEO Keith Anderson then turned attention to infrastructure. In conversation with Cornwall Insight Head of Training Ed Reed, he warned that without urgent grid upgrades, the UK’s net zero ambitions will falter. “Grid, grid, grid” was his message, stressing that constraint costs are already too high and rising. Anderson called for stability and collaboration to unlock investment and avoid passing unnecessary costs onto consumers.
Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea
The theme of public consent ran through the day. Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea warned that if consumers “do not feel they are benefitting from a just transition, it won't last". He called for a regulatory reset, criticising Ofgem’s short-termism, and arguing that suppliers should not be faced with excessive regulatory burdens that result in costs being passed to consumers, warning that rising network costs could soon hit bills, even for those on fixed tariffs.
Sonia Brown from National Grid
Sonia Brown from National Grid highlighted how smart technologies and targeted investment can reduce costs and accelerate renewable integration. She shared examples of AI-driven flexibility and low-cost upgrades that could save billions in constraint payments and boost GDP.
Closing Keynote from Tim Jarvis, Ofgem
Closing the keynote sessions, Ofgem’s Tim Jarvis acknowledged the criticism from Chris O’Shea, despite not agreeing with some of his comments, and stressed that he welcomes the Government's review of Ofgem and taking on any challenges and changes where needed. He outlined plans to simplify regulation, support innovation and protect vulnerable customers, while ensuring the market remains investable and predictable.
Want the full picture?
This week’s Energy Essentials offers a detailed look at each speaker’s position, how their views connect and contrast, and what this means for affordability, investment and the future of UK energy policy. Subscribers can read the full analysis here.
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