The UK’s leading energy union, Prospect, has called for failing
energy regulator Ofgem to be abolished and replaced by a net zero
energy regulator to protect consumers and drive forward the
transition to a clean energy future.
In its new Delivering clean power: a mission for the energy
system report published today, the union declares Ofgem “not
fit for purpose” and criticises the regulator for “failing to
protect consumers from unfair practices, prevent suppliers going
bust, or drive sufficient investment in net zero.”
The report calls for the new net zero energy regulator to focus
on consumer protection and economic regulation, and for the
creation of a Net Zero Energy Agency that can take charge of
eliminating roadblocks to net zero including planning, investment
and workforce issues.
These new bodies would sit alongside a public energy generation
company established to accelerate the rollout of homegrown, low
carbon energy, and support green jobs across the UK by crowding
in private investment and launching a race to the top in working
conditions by prioritising procurement from companies that engage
with trade unions.
Prospect’s paper outlines the staggering scale of the challenge
ahead: by 2030 the UK will need to deliver five times as much new
electricity transmission infrastructure as it has in the last
three decades, three times as much additional offshore wind
capacity as it has ever built, and the first new nuclear reactors
since the 1990s.
The report sets out a blueprint to make the UK a clean energy
superpower: reaching net zero emissions, ensuring energy security
in an increasingly unstable world, guaranteeing affordable access
to energy, and creating good green jobs across the country.
Other key recommendations include:
- Accelerating public investment in renewables and building
confidence from private investors by setting out clear roadmaps
for the deployment of renewable technologies
- Ending the ban on onshore wind and reforming planning and
permitting to speed up renewable projects
- Investing in the next generation of gigawatt-scale nuclear
reactors and SMRs, and safeguarding our supply of nuclear fuel by
bringing the UK’s only fuel manufacturer, Springfields, into
public ownership
- Upgrading the energy grid to meet the increased electricity
demand of a fossil fuel free future
- Establishing a just transition fund to support workers and
communities dependent on high carbon industries, paid for by the
windfall from offshore wind lease agreements
- Lowering energy costs for low income and vulnerable
households by introducing a social tariff with bills based on
affordability rather than market rates
- Incentivising the retrofitting of homes and buildings across
the country
Sue Ferns, Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary,
said:
“We have been suffering the consequences of years of failed
energy policy and a regulator asleep at the wheel: rising bills
for families and businesses, jobs and investment moving overseas,
and desperately needed new homes unable to be built because the
government hasn’t enabled investment in our electricity network.”
“President Biden’s ambitious investment in good, green jobs
through the Inflation Reduction Act should have shocked the
government into action, but instead they are tinkering around the
edges and muttering about protectionism.
“This report sets out a blueprint for the UK to become a clean
energy superpower and reap the rewards of leading the world to
net zero. But unless we act now, British workers and industry
risk missing out on the opportunities posed by taking on this
generational challenge.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Prospect is the UK’s leading energy trade union, representing
a growing membership of more than 22,500 workers across the
energy industry. Prospect members work in energy generation,
transmission, distribution, and research roles in all parts of
the UK.
