Wholesale energy markets, decarbonisation policy and consumers: An IPPR debate on two new reports by Which?

Article

This briefing summarises the main themes of a high-level roundtable, hosted by IPPR in July 2013, to debate the findings of two new reports on energy policy published by consumer advocate Which?, focusing on wholesale market reforms and decarbonisation policy.

Roundtable participants included senior representatives from key industry players and the energy markets regulator Ofgem, as well as MPs or senior advisers from each of the three largest political parties.

In the discussion, there was considerable disagreement in relation to one of Which?'s core recommendations for wholesale market reform: to ringfence the supply and generation businesses of vertically integrated energy companies. There were strong arguments put both for and against this controversial policy.

On decarbonisation, the discussion focused on how to improve public confidence in government policies, given the significant addition these make to consumer energy bills.

Related items

  1. A young woman with a long ponytail sits looking out of a bus window

    State of the North 2025 - The kids aren't alright: How to deliver for young people in the North

    This year’s State of the North report highlights how regional inequality exacerbates the growing challenges facing many young northerners. 
  2. An illustration of an ideal public transport system: a smiling family cross a road near a green bus with houses and trees in the background

    The transport challenge for low-income households

    Many people living on low incomes in the UK are limited in their ability to access the building blocks of a good life because of poor transport provision.

  3. Towards universal opportunity for young people

    Outlining a vision for young people which could increase social mobility while also reducing inequality and disadvantage, so that every young person has the opportunity to build a decent life.