In response to the news that the Energy Act 2023 has received Royal Assent, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of the Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK's energy network operators said:
“News that the Energy Act 2023 has achieved Royal Assent is an important step towards building the energy system of the future. As the first piece of dedicated energy legislation in over a decade and the biggest piece of energy legislation in the UK’s history becomes law, we are pleased that industry came together to speak as one voice on the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering power sector decarbonisation by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
“Though barriers still remain, notably in our planning system, network operators are continuing to work closely with government and regulator to find effective solutions that will enable us to go further and faster.
“We welcome the real progress the Act provides towards the creation of the Future System Operator and the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy."
Press contacts for journalists
Philip Baker
Media Relations Manager
ENA Press Office
Notes to editor
Details of the Act can be found the UK Parliament website: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3311
Details of the Future System Operator plan, can be found on the Ofgem website: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/future-system-operation-fso
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.