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A perspective on the rise and fall of the energy regulator in Britain

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  • Thomas, Steve

Abstract

The process of Electricity Market Reform instigated in 2010 is leading to fundamental reforms to the UK electricity market. Despite its previous strong presence in the policy process, the British energy market regulator, OFGEM, appears to have only a minimal role in the implementation of these reforms. This article reviews the history of OFGEM, including expectations for the agency when it was established and how it evolved over time. From this perspective, several factors that might have contributed to OFGEM's apparent marginalisation are identified. These include perceptions of a poor track record, a tendency of governments to bypass the regulator for decisions deemed important, and the subordination of economic issues to climate-change priorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas, Steve, 2016. "A perspective on the rise and fall of the energy regulator in Britain," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 41-49.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:39:y:2016:i:c:p:41-49
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2016.02.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chris M. Wilson & Catherine Waddams Price, 2010. "Do consumers switch to the best supplier?," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 62(4), pages 647-668, October.
    2. Thomas, Steve, 2006. "The grin of the Cheshire cat," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(15), pages 1974-1983, October.
    3. Thomas, Steve, 2006. "The British Model in Britain: Failing slowly," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 583-600, March.
    4. M.E. Beesley & S.C. Littlechild, 1989. "The Regulation of Privatized Monopolies in the United Kingdom," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 20(3), pages 454-472, Autumn.
    5. Helm, Dieter & Jenkinson, Tim (ed.), 1998. "Competition in Regulated Industries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198292524.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fuentes González, Fabián & Webb, Janette & Sharmina, Maria & Hannon, Matthew & Braunholtz-Speight, Timothy & Pappas, Dimitrios, 2022. "Local energy businesses in the United Kingdom: Clusters and localism determinants based on financial ratios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PB).
    2. Li, Francis G.N. & Trutnevyte, Evelina, 2017. "Investment appraisal of cost-optimal and near-optimal pathways for the UK electricity sector transition to 2050," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 89-109.
    3. Fuentes González, Fabián & Webb, Janette & Sharmina, Maria & Hannon, Matthew & Pappas, Dimitrios & Tingey, Margaret, 2021. "Characterising a local energy business sector in the United Kingdom: Participants, revenue sources, and estimates of localism and smartness," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    4. Steve Thomas, 2019. "Is the ideal of independent regulation appropriate? Evidence from the United Kingdom," Competition and Regulation in Network Industries, , vol. 20(3), pages 218-228, September.

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