Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will require Ofgem to consult local authorities and mayors before changes to energy infrastructure in their area are agreed; and if he will make a statement.

Ofgem is responsible for the independent regulation of energy network companies. Under the regulatory framework companies are expected to demonstrate effective engagement with stakeholders on their activities, including, where relevant, local authorities and mayors. This applies to agreeing funding with Ofgem for the current 8-year price controls and on an annual basis thereafter. In addition, for larger infrastructure projects network companies have to provide evidence of engagement with stakeholders, and how any concerns have been addressed, to Ofgem as part of the funding approval process. They also have to do so in their planning applications for development consent.

More widely, as part of the planning consent process, energy infrastructure developers who wish to make changes to their existing consents are required to consult with stakeholders and communities potentially affected by their proposals.