Ofgem publishes decision on energy code manager selection policy
Ofgem has published its decision on the energy code manager selection policy under the Energy Act 2023 (EnA 2023), following its November 2024 consultation. Code managers will be selected through a three-stage process comprising an initial eligibility assessment, a licensing assessment, and an implementation and assurance process. In determining the appropriate selection route, Ofgem will consider factors such as speed of delivery and value for money. As a result, a non-competitive selection process will be used for both the Balancing and Settlement Code and the Retail Energy Code. Selection routes for the three consolidated codes will be based on feedback from a public expression of interest process, while the decision on the Smart Energy Code manager has been deferred pending further updates. Additionally, Ofgem confirmed that code manager licences will be granted on an enduring basis. It also plans to introduce regulations for the competitive selection of code managers under EnA 2023, s 189, with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero expected to lay these regulations in Parliament later in 2025. Ofgem has also published updated guidance on the code manager selection process.