Ofgem reveals SSE inquiry and new guidelines
POWER firm SSE is facing an investigation into whether it is putting its competitors at a disadvantage in the electricity connections market.
Ofgem yesterday published the findings of its six-month review into the UK’s electricity connections market, which it said is worth £500m per year.
The energy regulator said that while it has seen “more progress over the last five years to increase competition”, SSE remains the sole provider for a number of key parts of the connections process.
In addition to the SSE probe, Ofgem is proposing a requirement for all network companies to commit to an enforceable Code of Practice that “will ensure a high standard performance in all aspects of the connections market”.
Maxine Frerk, Ofgem’s senior partner, distribution, said: “We are requiring electricity network companies to work quickly to resolve the issues identified in the connections market, to reduce the hassle of getting connected to the grid and help lower costs for customers. We are determined to ensure this part of the energy market works in customers’ interest.”