Energy & Utilities

PHMSA Announces 2026 Pipeline Safety R&D Forum

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced its 2026 Pipeline Safety Research and Development Forum. The event will take place from March 31 to April 1, 2026. Public input on research gaps can be submitted year-round.

Ofgem Decision on Market Arrangements for Multi-Purpose Interconnectors

Ofgem has decided to implement Offshore Bidding Zones (OBZs) with implicit trading arrangements as the preferred market model for Multi-Purpose Interconnectors (MPIs). This decision follows a consultation on market arrangements and aims to improve market efficiency and integrate offshore renewables. Further development of the regulatory framework is ongoing.

Ofgem: Electricity Distribution GSOP Payments Adjusted for 2026-2027

Ofgem has published guidance detailing adjustments to Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP) payments for electricity distribution network operators for the 2026-2027 regulatory year. These adjustments reflect inflation and are effective from April 1, 2026.

Ofgem Energy Trading Registration Database Update

Ofgem has updated the public version of the GB REMIT registration database, which contains non-confidential data on registered market participants. This data, including names and registration codes, is published monthly.

Ofgem Decision on NESO's Annual C9 Review Submission

Ofgem has responded to the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) annual submission of revisions to its Electricity System Operator licence condition C9 statements. Ofgem has decided not to use its veto powers, allowing the proposed revisions to proceed.

Ofgem secures £20 million redress from National Grid for licence failures

Ofgem has secured £20 million in redress payments from National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) following licence failures at the Harker 132kV substation. NGET accepted failures in monitoring, maintaining, and repairing civil assets, leading to delays in connecting embedded generation.

Energy Price Cap Reduction for Households

Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will fall by £117 (7%) for a typical household between April 1 and June 30, 2026. This reduction is attributed to the end of certain environmental and social scheme funding and a decrease in global wholesale energy prices, partially offset by increased network costs.

Energy Price Cap to Fall 7% from April 2026

UK energy regulator Ofgem announced that the energy price cap will decrease by 7% from April 1 to June 30, 2026. This reduction, amounting to approximately £117 annually for average households, is primarily driven by recent government budget interventions on policy costs.

Middle East Conflict Impact on Energy Costs and Bills

Ofgem has issued a notice regarding the impact of the Middle East conflict on UK energy costs. The notice clarifies that while global markets are affected, consumers on standard variable tariffs are protected by the energy price cap until the end of June 2026.

Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley to Step Down

Ofgem announced that Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Brearley will step down at the end of March 2026. Tim Jarvis will serve as Acting CEO during the transition period while a search for a permanent successor is initiated.