ofgem

National Grid has hit out at Ofgem’s proposals on grid works required for Hinkley Point C, warning they could harm investment in UK energy infrastructure.

Ofgem is to restructure itself around three core divisions in a streamlining exercise intended to initiate a greater focus on protecting consumers.

Ofgem is to kick off the recruitment process for a new chair after David Gray announced his intent to retire next year.

Ofgem’s head of networks has reiterated the regulator’s warning to operator companies that they should expect tougher price controls after pointing to “double digit returns” deemed too high within current market conditions.

Projects supporting markets for flexibility have been endorsed by Ofgem within the regulator’s Network Innovation Competition (NIC).

Citing significant developments in the fields of decentralised generators, smart meters and big data, Ofgem has launched a consultation which could bring about the end of the conventional ‘supplier hub’ model in the UK.

The traditional ‘supplier hub’ model of energy supply in the UK may “break down” as the UK power market continues to become more decentralised, Ofgem has warned.

Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan has warned traditional utilities that they could be made “redundant” in a future power market typified by change and new market entrants.

Northern Powergrid has begun using a £4 million battery paid for by consumers to sell services to National Grid, just as regulator Ofgem sets out its plans to ensure distribution network operators (DNOs) are restricted from doing so directly in the future.