Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)
The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets are more commonly known by ther abbreviation - Ofgem. They are a non-ministerial government department and an independent National Regulatory Authority recognized by EU Directives and are the energy regulator for Great Britain. Their principle objectives are to protect the interests of existing and future electricity and gas consumers
Priorities and Duties
- protecting the interests of all consumers from potential harms, especially those who need extra help
- making sure homes, businesses and non-domestic properties get affordable, secure, and reliable energy
- making sure everyone receives a high-quality service from energy companies
- transforming how we produce, transport and use energy so that it is sustainable and helps achieve net zero
- promoting effective competition and enabling innovation so that new products and services are available to consumers
- introducing new measures so that network companies can become more financially resilient and finance their activities without taking unnecessary risks
- investigating suspected breaches of competition law and taking enforcement action where needed
- developing new regulatory frameworks for heat networks and low carbon technology, particularly nuclear, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen
- creating a framework for responsible use of artificial intelligence in the energy sector[1]
Relevance to Waste
Ofgem regulate and deliver government schemes, noteably in the waste sector that relate to energy generating facilites such as EfW and AD. Specific historical and current schemes include:
- Renewables Obligation Order
- Contract for Difference
- Feed in Tariff, and
- Renewable Heat Incentive
In respect of the demonstration of the renewable nature of the power generated for ROCs, an annual sustainability report is required as part of demonstrating biomass sustainability and for larger projects this is measured on a monthly basis[2].
