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Net zero mandate for Ofgem will help ensure decarbonisation can succeed, says net zero leaders

06 March 2023

A broad coalition of charities, environmental and anti-poverty groups, as well as trade associations representing the breadth of the UK energy industry, have today called on the Government to empower Ofgem with a net zero mandate, otherwise progress towards meeting the UK’s net zero goals could stall.

 

With a mandate, the letter identified how Ofgem can remove barriers to investment in the low-cost, low-carbon energy system the energy sector and environmental groups are all working towards. The Energy Security Bill is the prime opportunity to deliver this change. Alongside calls for a net zero duty, the letter urges Government to publish the long-awaited Strategic Policy Statement to Ofgem so the energy regulator can properly incorporate net zero into its decision making.

Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said:

“The foundations of our future energy system are already being built and the regulatory decisions that determine our ability to meet the UK’s decarbonisation targets are being made by Ofgem today.

“Empowering Ofgem with a net zero mandate will enable strategic investment, removing a clear barrier to investment in the low-cost, low-carbon energy system we are all working towards.”

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230302 ENA GA coalition letter to The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP

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About us

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.

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You can contact ENA's press office by emailing press@energynetworks.org. For urgent or out-of-hours enquiries from journalists, please call 0204 599 7691.