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industry & Government news

DIGEST given the current crisis. Brearley said
Ofgem is reviewing its regulations
they were aware that the regulatory
processes placed resource requirements
on energy companies that could be
a burden considering the current
situation. It has already postponed RIIO-
2 hearings until further notice, and is
looking closely at how best to progress
wider regulation advances.

Energy UK
Audrey Gallacher, Chief Executive
of Energy UK, said: “As providers
of essential services and critical
infrastructure, the energy industry has
well-practised contingency plans in
order to ensure the delivery of services.
“These are extraordinary
circumstances and the industry is
working closely with the government
on a daily basis to ensure there is no
disruption to the generation and supply
of energy to customers.”
She continued that the sector
is conscious of the potential
consequences for vulnerable customers
on prepayment meters in particular,
and said suppliers will be working to
identify and support such customers.
NATIONAL GRID HAS WELL-DEVELOPED PROCEDURES
IN PLACE TO MANAGE THE EFFECTS OF A PANDEMIC
ENA
COVID-19: NETWORKS which represents the UK’s electricity
Energy Networks Association (ENA),
and gas network companies has assured
RESPOND TO THE the public that there are well-practiced
contingency plans in place to ensure
network operators continue to deliver
services to the communities they serve
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC across the UK.
This includes industry-wide mutual
aid arrangements for people and the
equipment needed to keep gas and
electricity flowing. ENA said network
AS THE WORLD STRUGGLES to cope industry leaders in the last week to companies have implemented robust
with the current COVID-19 crisis, stress that for Ofgem and the industry, measures to protect control rooms,
the energy sector is adjusting to the priority is to protect our customers where the networks are run from, along
ensure a secure, reliable supply and a and those who work in the industry. with their contact centres. To provide
protected workforce. This means focusing on maintaining additional resilience, engineers have
Gas networks, suppliers and the our secure and reliable service and been trained across multiple disciplines
government have already pledged addressing our customers’ needs and backup centres exist should
greater measures to protect the – particularly the most vulnerable. operations need to be moved if, for
vulnerable during the pandemic. For example, some people will be example, deep cleaning is required.
Together with other industry bodies, self-isolating, but may need a meter Network operators have issued
they are also bringing in extra measures repairing, cannot get to a shop to top updated health and safety guidance
to protect their workforces. up their traditional pre-payment meter to their teams and have taken steps
or are struggling to pay their bill if their to ensure networks remain resilient
Here are some of the key responses income has suddenly been reduced.” if employee absentee levels were to
from the industry: He specified that Ofgem will significantly increase.
Ofgem “be pragmatic in our approach to
The regulator has offered extensive compliance during this period”, National Grid
advice for both consumers and encouraging companies to take action As the world tackles coronavirus,
industry, hoping to reassure customers, based on what was right for the National Grid employees are working
suppliers and networks. customers given the situation. This will hard to make sure the lights stay on and
In a March blog, Ofgem CEO Jonathan be taken into account in any decisions the gas keeps flowing, said Nicola Shaw,
Brearley said: “I have spoken to many made about a company’s compliance. UK Executive Director.

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16/04/2020 15:42
News.indd 1
News.indd 1 16/04/2020 15:42