Helm’s Cost of Energy review roves widely but fails to explore anything in depth. Former Ofgem senior partner for networks Maxine Frerk has criticised Dieter Helm’s review of the cost of energy, saying it “skirts over the practicalities” of the changes it recommends. In his review, Helm calls for a drastic overhaul of the UK’s energy sector. The government-commissioned study concludes that energy costs are “significantly higher” than necessary and that current policy, regulation and market design are “not fit for purpose”. One of the recommendations is that the government should establish an independent national system operator and regional system operators (RSOs), under public ownership, which should take on a number of duties currently undertaken by distribution network operators and Ofgem.
Utility Week 30th Oct 2017 read more »