# Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Type: government

Source: Finance Intelligence Brief — https://getfinancebrief.com/entity/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero
Canonical HTML page: https://getfinancebrief.com/entity/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero

## Timeline

- **2026-03-12**: Formal Notice Issued — CMA puts retailers on notice regarding the commencement of enhanced price monitoring.
- **2026-03-06T15:49:21Z**:  — Wholesale gas prices spike, leading to the collapse of dozens of UK energy suppliers.
- **2026-03-06T15:49:21Z**:  — The largest supplier failure in UK history requires a multi-billion pound government bailout.
- **2026-03-06T15:49:21Z**:  — Ofgem announces the price cap will fall by £117 from April 2026.
- **2026-03-06T15:49:21Z**:  — Brearley confirms he will step down as CEO to allow for new leadership during the Net Zero transition.
- **2024-05-24**: Legislative Approval — The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent, granting CMA new powers.
- **2023-07-03**: Market Study Findings — CMA concludes that supermarket competition in fuel has weakened, leading to higher prices.
- **2020-02-01**: Brearley Appointed — Jonathan Brearley takes over as Ofgem CEO just before the COVID-19 lockdowns.

## Recent coverage (3 stories)

### UK Fuel Rationing: Defining the Priority Hierarchy in National Contingency Plans
2026-03-24 15:10:20 · Sentiment: Bearish · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 2

The UK government has revitalized its National Emergency Plan for Fuel (NEP-F), outlining a strict hierarchy of priority users to maintain essential services during potential supply disruptions. The framework prioritizes life-saving emergency services and critical infrastructure while placing significant operational pressure on the broader commercial logistics sector.
Full story: https://getfinancebrief.com/story/uk-fuel-rationing-priority-plan-analysis

### CMA Targets Fuel Retailers with Enhanced Price Monitoring Powers
2026-03-12 20:17:48 · Sentiment: Neutral · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 13

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially notified fuel retailers of a new, more aggressive price monitoring regime. Leveraging recently granted statutory powers, the watchdog aims to curb unfair pricing tactics and ensure wholesale cost reductions are passed on to consumers.
Full story: https://getfinancebrief.com/story/cma-fuel-retailer-price-monitoring-notice

### Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley to Step Down Amid Energy Price Cap Transition
2026-03-06 15:49:21 · Sentiment: Neutral · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 5

Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley has announced his resignation, marking the end of a high-pressure tenure defined by the global energy crisis and the implementation of the price cap. His departure comes as the regulator confirms a £117 reduction in the annual energy price cap starting in April, signaling a potential shift in regulatory strategy for the UK's energy market.
Full story: https://getfinancebrief.com/story/ofgem-ceo-resignation-energy-price-cap-impact

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