Introduction 6
How to read this document 7
The Legislative Framework 8
 
Energy System: Roles and Responsibilities 10
Government 10
Ofgem 11
National Energy System Operator (NESO) 12
 
Section One: Enabling Clean Energy and Net Zero Infrastructure 16
Investment, Innovation and Competition 18
Strategic Spatial Energy Planning 18
Increased Network Capacity for Low Carbon Supply and Demand 19
The Role of Natural Gas and Hydrogen 21
Heat Pumps and Heat Networks 22
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) 23
Nuclear 23
 
Section Two: Ensuring Energy Security and Protecting Consumers 26
Retail Markets 27
Consumer Protection and Enforcement 28
Low Income, Vulnerable and Fuel Poor Households 29
Security of Supply 29
Downstream Gas and Electricity Infrastructure Security and Resilience 30
 
Section Three: Ensuring the Energy System is Fit for the Future 32
Electricity Markets Fit for the Future 33
Flexible and Responsive Markets 33
Digital Infrastructure 35
Governance 37
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement 38