Regulation

Ofgem’s regulatory shift: What can energy firms learn from financial services?

Councils need clarity over role in network planning

Industrial firms slam Ofgem over ‘crippling’ rise in gas transmission charges

CMA rocks the boat

Yorkshire: This is still a tough settlement

Yorkshire Water has told Utility Week that notwithstanding the gains allowed by the CMA on its PR19 appeal, the regulatory settlement remains tough, particularly with the opex challenge and difficult ODIs to deliver.

Paypoint ‘abused dominant position’

Ofgem has alleged a company which provides over the counter services to prepayment energy customers breached competition rules, causing detriment to suppliers. The regulator says that between 2009 and 2018 exclusivity clauses in Paypoint contracts meant retailers were left with limited ability to use rival services.

Watchdogs warn CMA decision will affect more than water bills

Consumer watchdogs have welcomed the CMA's increased spending allowances for projects that were important to consumers but warned its overall stance could set a precedent for other regulated companies and add to the pressure on household finances.

Ofwat: CMA’s allowed returns are too generous

Ofwat has expressed concern that in its PR19 provisional redeterminations, the CMA has set a rate of return that is lower than that requested by the appellant companies in their business plans. Senior director David Black told Utility Week this goes against the precedent of previous cases. Read his comments and reaction from across the industry.

Ofgem forecasts a 20% increase in cost of administering RO

Ofgem has revealed it expects the costs of administering the renewables obligation (RO) for the 2020-21 year to be £6.6 million – a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The administration charges are used to cover a number of costs under the scheme.

Trio appointed to manage new Retail Energy Code

CMA sets new cost of capital for PR19 appellants

Ofwat to adjust price controls to reflect ‘blind year’

Ofwat has calculated price control adjustments to accurately reflect the final year of AMP6 (2019-20) which could see companies returning money to customers for underperformance.

Smart meters or emergency brakes?

Ofgem set to approve EDF’s £4.5m claim for SOLR costs

EDF Energy’s claim for £4.5 million of additional costs in taking on Solarplicity’s customers through the Supplier of Last Resort (SOLR) process looks set to be accepted by the energy regulator.

What to expect from CMA on PR19 appeals

The CMA is due to deliver its initial redetermination of the PR19 business plans from Anglian, Bristol, Northumbrian and Yorkshire imminently. Will it side with Ofwat or the companies on customer engagement, returns and resilience? Utility Week gauges the view of an analyst, legal expert and ratings agency.