Ofgem


Produced in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills
Practice notes

Ofgem


Produced in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills

Practice notes
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What is Ofgem?

The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA) regulates the power and down-stream onshore gas industries in Great Britain under the Utilities Act 2000 (UA 2000), amended on expiry of the Implementation period, by the Electricity and Gas etc. (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/530. GEMA acts through, and so is often referred to as, 'The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' (Ofgem).

Companies involved in the generation, supply, transmission or distribution of electricity, or the supply, shipping, distribution or transmission of onshore gas in Great Britain, or the operation of an interconnector require a licence from Ofgem. In addition, companies involved in certain smart metering activities, those involved in the wholesale energy market as well as those involved in the transportation or storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the purpose of carbon capture and storage may require a licence from Ofgem.

Roles and responsibilities

Ofgem's primary responsibility under the Gas Act 1986 (GA 1986) and Electricity Act 1989 (EA 1989) is to protect the interests of current and future consumers in relation to gas

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
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Key definition:
Ofgem definition
What does Ofgem mean?

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), the UK regulator for both gas and electricity.

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