Q&As

Q&As

These Q&As seek to briefly address common questions faced when dealing with Energy matters.

The Q&As supplement and link to other more detailed content within Lexis+® UK, but are intentionally short. It is anticipated that a brief Q&A will be most helpful when you need a quick overview of an issue and its likely impact. This might arise, for example, for lawyers needing to provide advice, provide business development or training at short notice. The Q&A content on Lexis+® UK is date stamped. This date is the publish date and

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Latest Energy News

ACER proposes reforms to EU grid infrastructure legal framework

The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has published recommendations for revising the European Union's legal framework for power grids, ahead of the European Commission's Grids Package expected in Q4 2025. The proposals focus on strengthening regulatory oversight of network development, including improvements to the Trans-European Energy Networks Regulation (TEN-E). Key recommendations include enhancing ACER's role in overseeing infrastructure planning methodologies, streamlining Ten-Year Network Development Plans, and improving Projects of Common Interest selection processes. The proposals aim to support the EU's planned €1.2bn grid investment programme through 2040, comprising €730bn for distribution and €477bn for transmission networks. The European Commission is expected to consider these recommendations in its upcoming Grids Package proposals, with ACER indicating readiness to engage with EU co-legislators and stakeholders.

Ofgem consults on market facilitator regulatory blueprint for energy flexibility

Ofgem has launched a consultation package on the proposed regulatory changes intended to establish a new market facilitator role, to be held by Elexon. The aim of the market facilitator is to standardise local flexibility markets and align with national flexibility markets. The consultation package comprises draft governance documents that detail Elexon’s responsibilities in the role, an impact assessment, and proposed licence modifications affecting both the National Electricity System Operator and Distribution Network Operators. The consultation closes on 16 October 2025.

Energy weekly highlights—18 September 2025

This week's edition of Energy weekly highlights includes: an announcement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy agreement between the UK and US governments, aimed at accelerating nuclear power station development through streamlined regulatory processes, and its publication of a statement of strategic priorities for Great British Energy (GBE). In addition this week, Ofgem published its tenth annual report on the operation of the Capacity Market, covering the period from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

Ofgem launches consultation on draft Smart Meter Communication Licence

Ofgem has launched a consultation on the draft Smart Meter Communication Licence for the Successor Licensee. The draft Licence reflects decisions from the Data Communications Company (DCC) Review, including a not-for-profit model, ex-ante cost control regime and independent governance arrangements. It also updates and clarifies conditions from the previous Licence. The Licence sets out the mandate and operating scope for the Successor Licensee, covering service procurement and delivery and performance monitoring and reporting. The consultation closes on 7 November 2025. Responses will inform the final Licence and the regulatory framework that will govern DCC’s operations from 2027 onwards.