Credit crunch clouds outlook for future targets: Two thirds(67%) of our survey respondents report that a shortage of capital is having a high or very high impact on their activities.

Investment barriers heighten: The development of new generation capacity and the renewal of existing generation plants is a priority area for most companies. 83% are seeking to make medium to large investment in new generation and 79% are seeking to do likewise in transmission and distribution.

Risk controls set to red alert: 86% of respondents indicated that reduced liquidity in energy trading markets was having an impact on their companies with 60% of all respondents rating this impact as high or very high. Customer credit risk is also identified as an area of major concern and 90% of respondents reported a high or very high impact of increased sales and retail credit risk.

Maintaining a focus on climate change: Asked if the economic recession would slow down responses to climate change, 79% felt it would with two thirds of those saying it would have a high or very high slow down impact.

Economic incentives needed to boost renewables in the mix: 59% feel that their renewable energy investment programmes are being affected by the lack of clarity from governments on renewable energy targets and financial support for renewable energy.