Ofgem Winter Outlook Consultation
You wouldn't think it from the beautiful weather we're having, but winter's coming... Image by Stashabella via Flickr
I recently attended the Ofgem Winter Outlook Consultation. At this annual event there are industry speakers from DECC, Ofgem, National Grid and other organisations.
This winter is set to be average according to Chris Train from the National Grid, but he added that it could be slightly colder or wetter – who knows?!
Wholesale gas prices have increased by 90% and power by 44% from September 2010 to January 2011. This shows a strong upward trend in wholesale prices. It's difficult to foresee prices coming down in the long-term.
The government has made a pledge reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, compared to the level in 1990. In order for this target to become a reality the government formed DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change). DECC is currently running a consultation on Electricity Market Reform (ERM). The Electricity Market Reform is currently in its early stages, but it is very likely that the changes that will be passed through in the next 12 to 24 months and they will add more cost onto energy bills for SMEs. Further information on the white paper is available from DECC.
Ofgem, the industry regulator, is also looking at making some changes to the retail side of the energy industry. They are looking into ways to improve competition in the energy market by helping new energy companies compete in the market.
Another key focus for Ofgem is to improve the ability for business consumers to find the best deals in the market, this means more transparency around contract end dates, and changing the way in which the energy companies notify customers of contract terms and new contract rates. Should these changes they come into practice, they will help SMEs getter a better deal on business energy.
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On 30 September 2011, catherinbromley said:
I have had big problems with my energy supplier for many years. The problems are made worse because the metered units show variability from time to time. This makes budgeting and planning more problematical. My question is: If the energy suppliers are following recommendations to follow best practice throughout the whole of the period prior to the installation of SMART meters, how can the variability I see on the meter I have (compared with readings for electrical appliance use taken previously)give authority to the energy suppliers, govt. proposals for the SMART meters to be installed? I feel this sort of abuse has affected my energy supply for years, estimate that I have paid more for my electricity than I should have paid as well as enduring a multiplicity of problems with the supplier for years. I have written to Consumer Direct and have been told to contact the Energy Ombudsman. This email is a response to the Ofgem Consultation currently ongoing and I will be obliged for you to forward this on to Ofgem as I find the Ofgem conultation facility not straightforward. I have been given notice by my Landlord to get out of my rented flat for improvement work to be done. I have no guarantee that I will get back in and have had to organise for new accommodation, cleaning of the old accommodation etc. and removal expenses to new accommodation. I believe this is related to the fact that I do not want a SMART meter, know of inexpensive ways to heat and insulate my home that but have no support to enable me to do this on my own. I know I am being treated unfairly here and request the unfairness is reported and stopped. Thanx. Catherine Bromley (ms)