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Episode 26 - Energy Markets Reform

In this episode, Dr. Aidan Rhodes, Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab, is joined by Tom Luff, Practice Manager at Energy Systems Catapult. Together, they explore the crucial role of consumers in shaping the transition to a net-zero energy system and cover topics such as:

How consumer participation can drive Net Zero efforts

The impact of flexibility measures like smart appliances, time-of-use tariffs, and renewable assets on energy costs

Addressing equity, trust, and the needs of vulnerable consumers in the energy transition

Episode Overview

with timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction and episode overview
[00:01:10] – Meet the guests: Dr. Aidan Rhodes and Tom Luff
[00:02:35] – Mission 2030: The UK’s ambitious Net Zero target
[00:05:55] – Challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing the energy system
[00:09:00] – Balancing supply and demand: Too much vs. not enough electricity
[00:13:28] - Planning challenges: How do we bring communities along?
[00:18:15] – Consumer participation: Why it’s essential for Net Zero
[00:21:48] – Energy flexibility: Smart tariffs, EVs, and demand shifting
[00:29:00] – The role of smart meters in energy transition
[00:34:07] – Energy market reform and locational pricing
[00:38:50] – Emerging business models: Peer-to-peer energy trading and energy-as-a-service
[00:44:06] – Future outlook: The most exciting changes in the next five years
[00:45:20] – Where to learn more

Meet Our Guests

Dr. Aidan Rhodes

A Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab, Dr. Rhodes specialises in energy policy, including smart energy systems, digitalisation, and national energy innovation. His work aims to provide accessible, expert briefings for policymakers and energy stakeholders.

Tom Luff

Tom Luff is a Practice Manager at Energy Systems Catapult and focuses on electricity markets, policy and regulation. An energy strategy and policy expert, he works with energy companies and government to help unlock Net Zero innovation. Tom previously led teams in government to reform various aspects of policy, including electricity network policy at DECC, financial incentives for renewable electricity at BEIS and energy security at the National Security Secretariat.

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