Citizens Advice response to the BEIS and Ofgem joint consultation on the Design and Delivery of the Energy Code Reform
Overall Citizens Advice supports Option 1 with Ofgem as the strategic body. Ofgem is an established body and has the clear experience as the energy regulator to build on its role and provide the necessary strategic direction to code managers in order to deliver net zero efficiently. However, we are concerned that the impact assessment analysis does not make a compelling case.
We agree that generally the proposed code manager role which has independent decision-making at its centre would better deliver code changes, consistent with the strategic direction of Ofgem.
We believe it is beneficial for a greater and more formal role to be played by the proposed Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) to support decision making and accountability. We also argue that a less prescriptive approach to developing code managers may be appropriate.
We urge code simplification and consolidation to progress ahead of the legislative process due to the immediate benefits this could bring.