Ofgem has opened a ‘call for input’ on gas disconnections, asking for feedback on the regulatory arrangements that govern the process for domestic and small business consumers.
The regulator says being able to disconnect from the gas network and electrify homes and businesses is “integral to the interests of current and future energy consumers” and it is preparing for an increase in heat pump uptake. It says domestic consumers and consumer report that the current process is costly and a potential barrier to transitioning away from gas. In addition the regulatory framework is complex and difficult to navigate.  
It asked for views on:
• the current disconnection framework
• future disconnections frameworks that may operate more effectively, assist in achieving net zero goals and protect consumers
• factors thought to be key in any consideration of potential reform to the current disconnections framework, for example safety, financial or commercial
• the process for carrying out a disconnection and the roles of each party involved in the process
• historic and future volumes of disconnections and the factors that may impact the anticipated number of future disconnections
• costs of disconnections, including labour, regulatory, and material costs and how these costs are recovered
• the factors which affect demand, supply and competition in disconnections and their impact on viability, quality and profits of disconnection services
• the current guidance available for consumers on the disconnection process
Find the call for input here