NEA’s Response to the the Ofgem Statutory Consultation on short term changes to the price cap in April 2022.. NEA believes that the best option for fuel poor households is to “do nothing” and strongly disagrees with the proposals to allow suppliers to charge an exit fee for standard variable tariffs. NEA would support requiring suppliers to make all new tariffs available to existing customers.

NEA’s Response to the Ofgem Consultation on adapting the price cap methodology in the long term. NEA believes that Ofgem should investigate the viability of a parallel price cap for vulnerable households that has a lower cost base than the broader cap. We support the option to enhance the current price cap, but believe a move to fixed term standard variable tariffs would be an unacceptable option.

NEA believes that any changes to the price cap should not reduce the protections that are in place for fuel poor and vulnerable households during a significant increase in prices. Further protections could be put in place to provide deeper price protection for some; identify those with financial vulnerability; raise awareness of available support and directly address energy debt.

NEA’s Response to the Ofgem Consultation on their Forward Work Programme 2021/23 Gas Levy. NEA believes that Ofgem should provide clarity on the actions they will take in the next year of their consumer vulnerability strategy.

NEA’s response to the Ofgem VCMA Governance Drafting Consultation. NEA is supportive of the vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance for gas networks. We believe for the allowance to create best value, it should have sufficient focus on supporting vulnerable customers, both in the make up of project portfolios and through addressing carbon monoxide. Additionally, we believe that all delivery partners must meet licence obligations to treat customers fairly.

NEA’s Response to the Ofgem FPNES Governance Drafting Consultation. NEA fully supports the Fuel Poverty Network Extension Scheme, and is pleased that it will continue until 2026. In order for the scheme to reach its full potential, Ofgem must require installers to adhere to licence obligations around treating customers fairly, and give adequate advice to households.

The alarming increase in Excess Winter Deaths last year was before the impact of Covid-19 struck. Covid-19 is likely to have left many households more exposed to the risks of living in a cold home than ever before

Overall, NEA is pleased that Ofgem is seeking to extend protections for domestic customers who may have prepayment meters installed under warrant (Electricity and Gas Supply Standard Licence Condition 28B). We fully support this approach and it will be necessary until at least mid-2025 when the smart meter rollout should finally largely complete.

NEA has extensively engaged with Ofgem the DNOs to help shape this price control, through stakeholder meetings, workshops, and through working with Ofgem in the RIIO 2 working groups. NEA is so far pleased with Ofgem’s approach in the ED2 price control, especially the increased focus on stakeholder engagement and vulnerability. We believe, however, that there are several areas that require closer, additional consideration.