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Networks respond to Ofgem’s proposed settlements for RIIO-2

09 July 2020

 

David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association responds to Ofgem’s proposed settlements for the RIIO-2 price control period.

Ofgem has published their proposed settlements (draft determinations) for the next network price control (RIIO-2) which will come into effect in 2021 and run for five years until 2026. The settlements will affect electricity and gas transmission and gas distribution companies.

David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network companies said:

“While the proposals outlined today will take some time to review in detail, we are concerned that they don’t go far enough to encourage the investment needed to achieve net zero emissions and support the UK’s economic recovery. While network companies have historically been able to raise billions of pounds to invest in the networks and support the transition to a sustainable future at low cost to the customer, the proposals set out by Ofgem could significantly inhibit their ability to do so.

“Network companies listened to their customers and stakeholders and put forward plans informed and influenced by their extensive engagement through focus groups and events held around the country. The plans put forward by network companies would make this possible with little to no impact on the average energy bill.

“We need to attract significant investment in a competitive global market in order to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, tackle the climate emergency and do so at least cost to customers. In the last few weeks, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have stated the need for much of this investment to be brought forward, delivering economic and societal benefits now as we recover from the pandemic.

“We will work with Ofgem over the coming months to highlight these concerns ahead of the final settlement being published in December.”

As lockdown measures ease, the energy networks are well placed to support the UK’s economic recovery. Employing 36,000 people and supporting vast supply chains across the country, the benefits of expenditure and investment by the networks is far-reaching.

National Grid predicts around 400,000 jobs in the energy sector will be needed between now and 2050 to deliver the net zero target. Of this, 260,000 will be in new roles, while 140,000 will be replacing those who have left the workforce.

The UK’s energy networks have already facilitated the connection of over 30GW of renewable generation in the past ten years and are undertaking projects which are set to create the world’s first zero-carbon gas grid and a move to a smarter energy grid.

Network companies must offer value to consumers, but also be attractive to investors where there is strong competition across Europe and more widely for investment to enable a green recovery.

By remaining attractive to investors, the network companies have proven themselves capable of mobilising billions of pounds of private capital. It is this capability and ongoing appeal to lenders which is essential to deliver the scale of infrastructure needed to support more electric vehicles on the roads, a shift to hydrogen gas and a significant increase in renewable generation required to hit our net zero climate targets.

Press contacts for journalists

Ross Easton

Director, External Affairs

Energy Networks Association

020 7706 5104

ross.easton@energynetworks.org

ENA Press Office

press@energynetworks.org

 

Notes to editor

36,000 jobs energise the economy

Directly employing around 36,000 people with many more contractors, the energy networks have a vital role in supporting UK plc. The UK is also ranked globally eighth by the World Bank for ease of getting electricity. This is well above countries like the US and France (64th and 17th). Decarbonising gas and new technologies such as hydrogen are allowing companies to become a global leader and develop the high skilled jobs of the future.

9/10 in customer service

Customer service scores recorded by Ofgem for both electricity distribution and gas distribution currently stand at 8.9 out of 10. Electricity network companies also offer additional services to their vulnerable customers and have over seven million customers registered for this support. Gas networks have also connected almost 77,000 households under the Fuel Poor Network Extension Scheme who now have access to cheaper heating.

17% fall in costs since the mid 90s

The cost of transporting a unit of electricity around Britain has fallen by 17% since the mid-1990s. The National Infrastructure Commission has identified up to £8bn per annum savings/efficiency thanks to networks investing in innovative new technologies.

Safety has improved tenfold

Health and safety of the public and network staff is a key priority for the energy network businesses. Total Recordable Incident Rate reporting under RIDDOR for electricity network staff shows a tenfold improvement since 1990.

59% fewer power cuts and 84% shorter

Since privatisation customers have 59% fewer power cuts while their length has been reduced by 84%. Since RIIO-ED1 was introduced in 2015 customers have 14% fewer power cuts while their length has reduced by 10%. An average customer would have a power cut less than every two years which will last for 35 minutes. Gas networks are so reliable that customers would have an unplanned interruption to their supply once every 140 years.

Working towards a carbon-neutral future

The UK government has set a legally binding target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 (2045 in Scotland). The target will require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, compared with the previous target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels. Energy networks have responded quickly to the rapid growth of the low carbon transformation. Renewables’ share of total generation was at a record high level of 33.3% in 2018, up from 29.3% in 2017. Over 30GW generation has been connected to the distribution network. Britain is decarbonising gas: over 100 green gas sites are connected to the network.

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.

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