Energy Suppliers Forum - independent suppliers' forum and network which assists new energy suppliers in identifying and analysing the fundamental market structure and design issues which affect them

 

December 2009 meeting discusses Energy Bill, CDCM and system operator incentives

The final meeting of 2009 was well attended, with external visitors including Simon Brook, chair of Distribution Charging Methodology Forum (DCMF), Malcolm Arthur from National Grid and representatives from Consumer Focus and the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG).

Simon and the members discussed the process of communicating price changes due to the introduction of the Common Distribution Charging Methodology (CDCM) at lower voltages and DPCR5. Cornwall Energy will undertake to engage in the DCMF more fully.

Malcolm and his colleague Gill described the proposals for updated system operator incentives in the power and gas markets. Details were also provided on constraint costs including forecasts of BSUoS for next year.

As this was the last meeting before Christmas we invited Robert Hammond from Consumer Focus and Jeremy Nicholson of the EIUG to meet members and share views on market issues—over a small glass of wine.

Other areas of discussion included:

  • the Energy Bill and its proposals to beef up Ofgem’s powers and introduce a social tariff obligation;
  • the Consumer Focus annual plan currently out for consultation;
  • BSC and CUSC Panel update; and
  • the suggestion to delay the TPCR5 until 2013 to allow for the completion to the RPI-X@20 review.

The next meeting of the forum will be held on 13 January. For queries and comments, please contact us.