Regulation

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Ofgem’s finally listening

In her latest column exclusively for Utility Week members, former Ofgem executive Maxine Frerk gives her views on the RIIO2 final determinations for gas and transmission companies. She highlights signs that the regulator has listened to stakeholders but also areas that remain unresolved.

5 years ago

Eon boss laments £300m ‘black hole’ left by failed suppliers

Eon UK boss Michael Lewis has called for the sector to stamp out the drivers of poor behaviour after recent supplier failures left behind a £300 million "black hole of debt". Lewis was speaking in response to the news that more than £33 million is to be mutualised after suppliers failed to pay their renewables obligation (RO). It is the third year in a row that missed payments have been mutualised.

5 years ago

Fixing a broken retail market

As chief executive of one of the market’s earliest disruptors, Doug Stewart has seen a lot of change since Green Energy UK came onto the scene in 2001. He talks to Utility Week about his concerns about mutualisation being triggered for the third year in a row in relation to suppliers not meeting their renewables obligations and his disdain at Ofgem’s rebranding of the big six to the "large seven".

5 years ago

National Grid sees spending allowances rise by £2.45bn

5 years ago

‘Civil service solution’ enough to avert RIIO2 appeals

5 years ago

Ofgem unable to pursue 10 failed suppliers owing £17.8m in RO

A total of 10 energy suppliers owe more than £17.8 million in renewables obligation (RO) payments but will not be pursued by Ofgem because they have either ceased trading or gone into administration. The regulator has also revealed the total amount to be mutualised.

5 years ago

Ofwat consults on the water sector of the future to inform PR24

With the water sector less than a year into enacting PR19 business plans, Ofwat has reached out to stakeholders for input on the framework for the next price review. It asks what the sector should look like by 2040 and how to get there considering climate change, investment, affordability and resilience.

5 years ago

Ofgem loosens leash on network profits

5 years ago

A new challenge for the challengers

After years of mergers, acquisitions and the strong growth of new entrants, Ofgem finally decided to ditch the term ‘big six’ in November, with suppliers now being ordered by size as small, medium and large. The retirement of the big six term – with all its accompanying baggage – has been long debated. But, with Bulb and Octopus now classed in the same category as British Gas, Adam John asks whether the moniker ‘challenger’ has also had its day.

5 years ago

Suppliers’ green tariff claims should be independently audited

Claims by energy suppliers regarding the environmental impact of their green tariffs should be audited, either independently or by Ofgem, Good Energy has recommended. The retailer’s proposals to tackle greenwashing have been backed by Ofgem’s former head of future consumers.

5 years ago

Scottish Power takes on Yorkshire Energy customers

Customers of failed power supplier Yorkshire Energy have been transferred to Scottish Power, Ofgem has confirmed. The regulator also further revealed that it is minded to allow Scottish Power to claim a £10.6 million last resort supply payment after it took on the customers of Extra Energy in 2018. This is £3 million less than the supplier's original claim.

5 years ago

RIIO2 final determinations to be revealed

5 years ago

Yorkshire Energy exits market

Yorkshire Energy has become the fourth power supplier to enter the supplier of last resort process this year. The retailer, also known as Daisy Energy, had also entered into level two credit default earlier this week.

5 years ago

Robots with hearts: Digital empathy in the utilities sector

5 years ago

Ofgem to extend protections for PPM customers

Ofgem is to extend protections for prepayment meter (PPM) customers who have had their meter installed under warrant, reflecting the extended smart meter rollout deadline.

5 years ago

Utilita hits back at ‘grossly unfair’ Ofgem over potential final order

5 years ago

New licence conditions to take effect in new year

New licence conditions designed to improve customer service standards and decrease the likelihood of supplier failure will be introduced in the new year, Ofgem has revealed. In a decision document Ofgem outlined a series of measures as part of its ongoing supplier licence review.

5 years ago

The CMA and Ofwat: Another nail in the coffin?

Arguing over price controls is now almost a full-time activity, laments professor and former regulator Stephen Littlechild. Writing for Utility Week, he suggests that the CMA appeals in water may represent an opportunity to overhaul the price control process and move towards a more productive and less confrontational approach.

5 years ago

Emma Howard Boyd: ‘Environmental fines need to hurt’

5 years ago

NIS proposes net-zero duty for regulators

5 years ago