[ad_1]
The government is preparing to replace a slate of Ofgem’s directors this year as the energy regulator faces intense criticism over its handling of the prepayment meters scandal.
Sky News understands that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) has begun recruiting a new chair for the watchdog, as well as four non-executive board members.
The Ofgem board currently comprises Professor Martin Cave, who will step down as chairman in October when his five-year term expires, a slate of independent directors and Jonathan Brearley, its chief executive.
Two non-executives who have already departed will be replaced, while two more – Lynne Embleton and John Crackett – have terms expiring later this year.
A further two board members are due to serve until 2025.
An Ofgem spokesperson said its chairman “will not be seeking reappointment for the role”.
“The chair will be appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero who are overseeing the selection process.”
Insiders at the watchdog disputed the characterisation of the recruitment process as a clearout and insisted that it represented “business as usual appointments related to the natural expiry of contracts and standard procedure”.
They insisted that Ms Embleton and Mr Crackett could be reappointed to serve a further five-year term, while the non-executive contingent could swell to as many as eight directors before reducing as appointment terms come to an end.
Nevertheless, many industry executives have been pressing for an overhaul of the Ofgem board for some time.
Mr Brearley has also come under intense pressure, with former prime minister Gordon Brown saying he should consider resigning over the scandal which saw thousands of vulnerable households forced to install costlier prepayment meters.
Ofgem has since unveiled a series of measures to crack…
[ad_2]
