Ofgem remit changes to include net-zero

The UK Government has said that it will be updating energy regulator Ofgem’s existing duties to make specific reference to the net zero targets and 5-year Carbon budgets in the Climate Change Act 2008.

Responding, Morag Watson, Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables, said:

"For too long Ofgem’s remit has been past its sell-by date. Today’s decision remedies that position and ensures that the energy industry’s regulator is able to recommend more than just short sighted changes to the system.

"The energy networks we have today were designed more than half a century ago, when most of our energy came from fossil fuels burned near cities.

"Today we need clean, affordable power which delivers economic and environmental benefits to the whole country – and a regulator which is allowed to deliver an energy system to support that goal.

"This announcement is a huge step forward for energy’s place in net-zero and we look forward to working with both government and Ofgem to ensure it delivers the maximum possible benefits for Scotland and the UK."