Policy paper

Energy network codes review: workshop agenda, February 2019

Updated 22 July 2019

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Agenda - 4 February 2019

Time	Agenda items	Description
10:30‑11:00	Registration	Light breakfast
11:00‑11:15	Welcome and introduction	David Capper (Deputy Director - Energy Security, Networks & Markets, BEIS) Welcome to stakeholders and short introduction/setting the scene.
11:15	Review objectives, scope & timelines	Working level overview – Alena Fielding (BEIS)/Lesley Nugent (Ofgem): – Review objectives - criteria for a better framework; – Scope - what questions are we asking; – Review timetable; – Plan for the day/what we want to achieve.
11:30	Session 1 Is the current framework of rules fit for purpose for the future energy system?	Presentation 1: Damon Rand (Community Energy Prospector, CEPRO) - new entrant/innovator perspective on the existing framework (10mins) Presentation 2: BEIS/Ofgem – spectrum of options for change (10 min) Presentation 3: Elexon/National Grid/Electralink (30mins): – Scope for code consolidation and reforming code content; – The case for Code Managers/Delivery Bodies and possible scope, including parties’ performance and compliance; – Performance assurance in an increasingly complex, data-driven world. Presentation 4: Jon Dixon (Ofgem) – Case Study: Retail Energy Code (10mins): – applying the above in practice
12:30	Lunch	Break and refreshments
13:15	Break-out discussion 1 (format: tables of 8-10 participants, facilitated by Ofgem/BEIS)	Questions and issues to explore in this session: – Purpose of codes: is the current approach still appropriate for all the areas of rules in the energy system (i.e. are there alternatives to the multi-lateral contracts?) – Content of codes: is the content & structure of codes up-to-date, relevant and applicable, and whether and how it may be improved (including through use of technology); views on code consolidation. – Non-traditional market participants: do the current arrangements work for new business models? how can we make sure the framework is accessible for all parties and future-proof it? – Code governance: What could be the role of a Code Manager (Should it include performance assurance function? Should they have a power to raise code modifications?)
14:00	Session 2 Are the current governance arrangements effective, and are the roles and responsibilities appropriate?	Presentation 1: Gemserv - risk-based approach to regulation (10mins): – Examining current arrangements and what else could be done with a risk-based approach Presentation 2: Principle-based regulation (10mins) Presentation 3: Jon Dixon (Ofgem) – Case Study: Retail Energy Code (10mins): – Applying the above in practice Presentation 4: Eric Brown (Energy Catapult) - the case for strategic oversight (10min): – Strategic direction and oversight – a missing function?
14:50	Break-out discussion 2 (includes 10 min coffee break) (format: tables of 8-10 participants, facilitated by Ofgem/BEIS)	Questions and issues to explore in this session: – Landscape of rules: does the current spread of rules & codes and various parties roles work (industry, Ofgem, BEIS)? is the present balance of industry self-governance/regulation appropriate? – Fundamental change: initial views on new approaches to regulatory framework: can principle-based/risk-based approach to regulation work in the energy sector? – Strategic oversight and direction: is this a missing function and who is best to fulfil it? Responsibilities/ powers/ accountabilities.
15:50	Session 3 Sum up of day and next steps.	Alena Fielding (BEIS)/ Lesley Nugent (Ofgem) – thank you and general observations from the day, final questions.
16:10	End