Further written evidence reported to the House
Energy Bill
10:40 am
Dr. Gordon Edge: Certainly what needs to change at Ofgem is an attitude and a culture that seems to think that it is doing very well when, in fact, it is being quite obstructive. By its own lights, it thinks it is doing well. We also need to recognise that it is not just Ofgem, but the whole governance structure of the energy sector, and particularly the networks and the number of code panels, that need to change. We see changing Ofgem’s remit as a last resort. That would be quite disruptive of the whole system while Ofgem digests a new primary duty, but we are not counting that out. Unless there are other options, such as changing the guidance given to Ofgem—if that is really strengthened and if that does deliver what we want in a short time frame, fantastic—but maybe, as a last resort, a change in the primary remit may be helpful. We are working with others on an amendment, which we may introduce in the House of Lords or later, that brings forward all four of the Government’s pillars of energy policy, as to what should be the drivers of Ofgem. That is merely one option and there are many.