Regulation

Five energy suppliers banned from taking on customers

Brearley set to review Ofgem structure

Ofgem’s new chief executive Jonathan Brearley is planning a restructure of the regulator, Utility Week understands. An Ofgem spokesperson confirmed rumours that a reshuffle was being looked at. Details are not yet clear but it is thought Brearley will aim for a new structure designed to deliver his decarbonisation plan. Meanwhile, chairman Martin Cave revealed that a data specialist is set to join the board imminently.

House of Lords committees initiate climate change inquiry

Council leaders oppose energy efficiency restriction

Helm: The regulators have got it wrong

Prof Dieter Helm, author of the Cost of Energy Review, talks to Utility Week about his radical ideas on how to rip up the current system of governance across the utilities sector, and why net zero has made this essential. He explains why he expects the energy white paper to “pave the way” for his recommendations and his view that the current price controls will be the sector’s last.

Local councils must ‘roll up their sleeves’ and designate zones for renewables

Lack of autoswitching regulation is causing ‘serious problems’ for customers

Regulation is needed for third-party intermediaries (TPIs), such as autoswitching services, Citizens Advice has claimed. A report from the charity has found fewer than 15 out of around 70 energy suppliers are being offered by some autoswitching services claiming to cover the entire market.

New EV code of practice launched

As electric car and van use becomes more widespread in the early 2020s, the number of chargepoint installers operating on the market will also have to increase. The new code is a voluntary scheme which offers members a model quotation, contract and warranty as well as access to alternative dispute resolution services if things should go wrong.

RegTech is changing the rules of the game

New software technology promises to bring clarity and simplicity to what can be a minefield of regulatory compliance rules.

Karam: Ofwat ‘didn’t follow precedent’ on Bristol’s FD

Bristol Water chief executive, Mel Karam, talks to Utility Week about the company's reluctant decision to challenge Ofwat's final determination - for the third price review in a row. He discusses where he believes the regulator has got it wrong and the lessons learnt from previous challenges.

Ofgem investigates British Gas over PPM changes

Social tariffs should be issued for vulnerable energy customers

A “social discount” or tariff should be introduced for vulnerable energy customers to improve affordability of bills for the lowest income households. A new report from charity Christians Against Poverty found more than half of pre-payment meter customers it helps show signs of self-disconnection, prompting calls for a number of recommendations to help the vulnerable.

Budget cuts cost jobs at Anglian

Supporting retail market innovation for net zero

Ofgem director Neil Barnes sets out the regulator's vision for achieving net zero at the lowest cost. This includes the priority to accelerate innovation and create products and services that help consumers support decarbonisation through their energy use.

Water company ratings shift on the back of CMA decisions

Credit rating agency S&P has given its vedict on the water companies of England & Wales after taking into account the reactions to the 'toughest determination ever' from Ofwat.