September 2009 meeting discusses Distribution Price Control Review 5, charging methodologies and Ofgem's 'retail remedies'

Much of this month’s meeting was set aside to discuss the impacts of the fifth distribution price control review (DPCR) and the parallel common distribution charging methodologies (CDCM) project—both of which come into effect from April 2010. Rachel Fletcher, director of distribution at Ofgem, attended the meeting to discuss issues of concern with members and to seek a view of how responsive and proactive DNOs have been with the small supplier community.
The regulator published its decision document relating to remedies for the retail market in early August. The proposed new licence conditions were discussed as was the market transparency obligations Ofgem wishes to introduce. Other areas of discussion included:

• the DECC call for evidence on security of supply following the publication of the low carbon transition plan
• details of changes to the RO and proposals for the introduction of feed-in tariffs contained within the Renewables Financial Incentives document
• the publication by Ofgem of a further consultations related to the code governance review;
• the DECC consultation concerning the implementation of an enduring transmission access regime; and
• BSC Panel update.

The next meeting of the forum will be held on 6 October. For queries and comments, please contact us.