Boris Johnson has been urged to create a singular “energy authority” to govern all aspects of the industry from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear.
Currently each sector has its own form of regulation, with different officials and policy objectives in place.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie has argued that the UK Government should now look at simplifying the model and bringing all aspects of the energy sector under one regulator.
He said: “I think it is time to simplify and modernise the way the energy industry is regulated – building on the fantastic work of the Oil and Gas Authority.
“Given that new regulatory objectives specified in legislation are likely given the drive towards net zero emissions by 2050, this Energy Authority would ensure the implementation of government policy and have the authority to regulate the industry, ensuring best practice is met.”
Mr Bowie said the new authority would have power to issue licenses, report sector decisions to government and coordinate decisions with other government agencies as well as setting performance standards, monitoring the performance of producers, issuing sanctions and determining the level and structure of tariffs, establishing uniform systems of data and arbitrating disputes.
He added: “Thus the new Energy Authority would be in a prime position to affect outcomes associated with the industry and give advice to the Government regarding the full implication of policies to the energy industry.”
