Regulation

Data institution mooted to manage smart meter information

Call to allow government to block forced PPMs

Fuel poverty campaigners have called on the government to take a hands-on approach to forced prepayment meter (PPM) installations. National Energy Action (NEA) calls for the energy secretary to have direct oversight of forced PPM installations with powers to block installs to sit within government instead of the regulator.

Ofgem delays review of wholesale cost allowances in price cap

Potential changes to the way wholesale cost allowances are set within the price cap will not come into force in January as previously slated. Instead, any changes to wholesale cost allowances will now be implemented in April 2024 at the earliest if deemed necessary by Ofgem.  

PR24: SES to ‘fall short’ on net zero

Water bills could rise by up to 64% by 2030

End of DNO incentives risks ‘sub-optimal’ customer service

A lack of financial incentives for distribution network operators (DNOs) to improve service risks creating a “postcode lottery” which could result in “sub-optimal customer outcomes”. That is according to Ofgem’s Stakeholder Engagement and Consumer Vulnerability (SECV) Incentives Panel, which has just published its final annual report. As the incentive scheme draws to a close, after eight years, the SECV Panel’s 2022-23 assessment warns that “stakeholder engagement is not truly embedded across all DNOs, and certainly not to the same standard”.

Water firms seek £96bn across AMP8

Weekend press round-up: Bills set to rise as water companies turn on spending taps

In our latest review of sector coverage in the national media, water companies are set to invest £90 billion through their combined business plans for 2025-2030 but there are questions over whether they can deliver on their plans. Meanwhile, there are warnings that energy bills remain unaffordable despite a cut in the price cap and concern that consumers will still need help to meet the costs of installing a heat pump.

EDF axes ‘regressive’ standing charges for vulnerable

Know your NIS updates: Staying ahead of cyber threats and compliance

DFS expected to provide at least three times as much capacity

Scrap supply licences for EVs and heating, new report urges

Ofgem launches investigation into company of jailed director  

Stay the hydrogen course

Ofgem blames RO scheme cost hike on ‘unfilled vacancies’