BEAMA has welcomed Ofgem’s proposed approach to the next electricity distribution network price control, saying it could deliver more predictable, long term demand for UK network manufacturers from 2028 to 2033.
In its response to Ofgem’s RIIO ED3 methodology consultation, the trade association praised the regulator’s focus on proactive, sustained investment in the grid while urging further regulatory clarity for suppliers.
With the Climate Change Committee forecasting that UK electricity demand will more than double by 2050, Ofgem is proposing reforms to give the supply chain better visibility of future work.
Network operators would have to publish delivery strategies and volume forecasts, with measures to smooth spending across the five year price control period rather than concentrating investment at the end.
BEAMA says this should help end the boom and bust pattern seen in previous controls, when low early investment left factories underused and demand hard to predict.
Smoother, more predictable investment could unlock targeted manufacturing expansion from transformers and switchgear to advanced sensors and flexibility monitoring kit, supporting skilled jobs and lowering long term network costs.
The association also wants Ofgem to go further by creating firm delivery incentives so distribution network operators stick to the spending plans in their business cases, and by setting a clear expectation that new switchgear should avoid the greenhouse gas SF6 wherever possible in RIIO ED3.
Chief Executive Yselkla Farmer said: “The proposals from Ofgem are a welcome step forward in recognising the challenges that manufacturers face – but the proof of the pudding will be in whether Ofgem implements these proposals, along with strong delivery incentives for the network operators to stick to the plans they set out. Manufacturers also need regulatory clarity on key issues like the phase out of SF6 – this is delaying investment in new capacity.”
RIIO ED3 will run from 1 April 2028 to 2033.
BEAMA is working with UK networks on a sector Growth Plan with the Energy Networks Association, with initial findings due on 10 December and a full report expected in summer 2026.
Ofgem price control plan to give network supply chain more certainty appeared first on Energy Live News.