May 2019
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This timely conference examined the future of the UK’s retail energy market - looking at the future shape of the market, including market stability, the impact of tariffs, progress on energy efficiency, protecting vulnerable customers, and encouraging innovation and competition.
Delegates discussed the challenges of implementing the Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Act - following its launch on January 1st 2019 - which puts a requirement on Ofgem to design and implement a cap on standard variable and default energy tariffs. As Ofgem published its final decision on the design and implementation of the cap, attendees assessed early indications of its impact and looked ahead to plans to update the level of the cap in April and October every year to reflect the latest estimated costs of supplying electricity and gas.
Sessions examined further steps for securing a more competitive energy market - whilst maintaining market stability, following the collapse of several challenger energy companies in 2018 - including measures to support switching suppliers, as well as the latest thinking on the recently launched consultation on the RIIO-2 methodology, which would aim to support customers with new technology such as electric vehicles and renewables while limiting returns for investors.
Attendees also discussed what more can be done to improve energy efficiency, and the next steps for the take-up of smart meters following the NAO report: Rolling out smart meters, which outlined flaws in the current government Smart Metering Implementation Programme, leading to severe delays and reduced value for money.
Further sessions looked at future opportunities to support innovation and investment in the energy network, and develop whole-system approaches to energy usage to support new technology and renewable energy to drive competition in the sector.
Discussion was also had on the Government’s Energy Company Obligation ECO3 scheme and subsequent Ofgem consultation - with a focus on how to support low income, vulnerable and fuel poor households.
