The last year has seen a significant amount of CMA activity in the water and energy sectors.  This Viewpoint explores the differences in the appeals regime in these sectors, the basis for the recent appeals and their implications for purposeful regulation.  To address the challenges of net-zero and to facilitate the purposeful agenda, the appeals regime needs reform. 

To help reduce the focus on legal processes, and increase transparency and trust, this paper makes three suggestions for how the regime could be improved in terms of: cost of capital; social and environmental initiatives; and major investments and efficiency.

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Ofgem’s methodology for electricity distribution network company price controls is a significant step forwards for the climate. But there is still work to do, including on consumer engagement and research and the uncertainty mechanism for strategic investment.

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The Energy White Paper highlights the need to ensure that the energy transition is fair and affordable. But what does a just transition mean in practice? Decisions in this area can be complex but need wider debate if we are to build public support for change.

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Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) is a man-made greenhouse gas with a warming potential 23,000 times that of carbon-dioxide. Long-lived and potent, it is widely used as an effective insulator in electricity substation switch-gear and circuit breakers. Equipment containing SF6 is found at every network voltage. Also in wind-turbine circuit breakers.

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Economic policy makers and regulators need to adopt a set of sustainability principles if we are to survive and thrive in the disrupted world

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Expert Viewpoint – Fiona Smith.

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An independent think piece by Rupika Madhura.

Viewpoint