The ‘Innovation Link’ will provide feedback to innovators and help them navigate the regulatory framework.
The service will enable innovators to make “more informed choices” when developing their products, services and business models. It is available to anyone with an innovative business proposition that has the potential to benefit consumers.
The Innovation Link will bring forward proposals in spring 2017 for a regulatory sandbox. These will let innovators trial promising new products or services in a controlled regulatory environment, while ensuring that the interests of customers are met. It will help innovators decide if their idea is viable.
Ofgem senior partner Martin Crouch said: “Ofgem continues to look forward and consider what regulatory innovation is needed to meet the challenges of the future. The Innovation Link is a practical way for people to ask for our help in navigating the regulatory framework.”
Innovate UK energy systems lead Mark Thompson said: “This is a great move by Ofgem and we’re really pleased that they are pushing this forward. The innovation space in the energy sector is in a unique and exciting time with creativity in such business models and customer engagement being as important, if not more important than ‘technology’.
“The link will add real value to innovators navigating the terrain, and Innovate UK looks forward to working closely with it in the years ahead.”