This conference focuses on the future of the UK’s energy system.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss plans for energy code reform, including options for code licensing, consolidation, and sequencing – following the recent consultations by BEIS.

Delegates will also assess next steps, issues, and priorities for implementation, with Ofgem being granted new strategic functions to oversee industry codes and their evolution.

The discussion will look at the future direction of government strategy under a new prime minister, and takes place with:

• the announced establishment of the Future System Operator (FSO)
• the Energy Security Bill going through its parliamentary stages
• heightened concern around the ability for current networks and markets to cope with changing demands
• the UK energy market undergoing multiple changes, with potential to develop a more holistic approach to the energy system
• the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) led by BEIS

Areas for discussion include:

• priorities for the FSO – increasing energy security – support for the net-zero transition – integration of new technologies into existing networks
• priorities for regulation – creation of a new code system – support for innovation, smart energy and engagement across stakeholder groups
• energy code reform – options for code consolidation, licensing, and sequencing
• opportunities for market improvements – simplification of rules – increasing accessibility – support for competition
• low-carbon energy – meeting energy security needs – overcoming customer affordability challenges
• long-term policy – developing an integrated whole system approach

We are very pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Kayte O’Neill, Director of Transformation, National Grid ESO; Dr Jeffrey Hardy, Senior Research Fellow, Imperial College London; Dr Sean Winchester, Head of Energy Code Governance, BEIS; and David Wright, Group Chief Engineer, National Grid.

The conference will be an opportunity to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; DIT; Department for the Economy, NI; DfT; DAERA, NI; Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications, ROI; HMRC; and the Welsh Government – as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.