In response to Ofgem’s Forward Work Programme we agree with the broad priorities but we are very concerned at the omission of two crucial topics – the treatment of Economy 7 customers and Ofgem’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
In response to Ofgem’s Forward Work Programme we agree with the broad priorities but we are very concerned at the omission of two crucial topics – the treatment of Economy 7 customers and Ofgem’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Economic regulation is taking place in a changing enviroment. The need for utilities to deliver reliance against weather and other shocks, in the face of climate change both have an impact. In this consultation response, we ask how regulators can move to a far wider question about the role of data and we urge for greater engagement with current and future consumers.
This presentation was given by Sustainability First during our webinar on tackling greenhouse gas emissions SF6 on Great Britain's electricity network. It was based on a paper by Associates Maxine Frerk and Judith Ward, and energy specialist Janet Wood
Sustainability First has been working with National Grid to think about how to make the shift to clean energy fair, inclusive and affordable. We delivered six online engagement events in 2023, including three roundtables with stakeholders from the energy sector and wider community, and three workshops with citizens from across England and Wales. This engagement was aimed at fostering discussion, empowering citizens, and developing recommendations for National Grid and other decision makers in response to the opportunities and challenges in the clean energy transition.
Our position in this consultation is that 'volumetric charging', whereby you pay based on usage, rather than a flat rate, is fairer but targeted support would be needed for the minority of households who would lose out. And better data is needed to understand the issue better
Associate Martin Hurst makes the case for more, and meaningful, flexibility in the Price Review (PR24) process in the water sector, and considers what options might exist. This feature first appeared in The Water Report. We would welcome views on this feature for future engagement - please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The industrial gas SF6 is a potent, long lived gas with a global warming potential far greater than carbon dioxide. Widely used for decades in electrical switchgear, it has been favoured as an insulator. On climate grounds, a wide-scale reappraisal is under way looking at the use of SF6 in electrical equipment. Since this report was first published, EU legislation has changed, which makes finding alternatives a priority. This report is by Sustainability First Associates Maxine Frerk and Judith Ward (along with Janet Wood)
This viewpoint by Associates Judith Ward and Maxine Frerk is focused on questions for policy and regulation of gas network decline: customer disconnections from the gas network, possible network stranding and eventual decommissioning.
In our consultation submission, we argue that wholescale changes to the legislation that defines regulator's objectives is not needed. But there is an urgent need for re-examination of regulatory frameworks and capabilities in the face of machine learning/AI as well as regarding adaptation to climate change. Moreover, we think the right balance is not being struck between regulators' responsibilities and government's