OFGEM – Changes to Electricity Charges (DCP 161)

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) has brought out new legislation, DCP (Distribution Change Proposal) 161, which will impact electricity charges. This is a key industry change from 1st April 2018, which will affect many businesses. DCP 161 is an introduction of Excess Capacity penalties, meaning that if you exceed your agreed capacity level, then you will be charged at a ‘deemed/out of contract rate’ by your supplier (potentially this will be charged at three times the current rate). In order to avoid these charges, it’s important that the agreed capacity level for your supply is set accurately. We are working with our clients to ensure their capacity levels are set accurately and are also negotiating the rates that our clients will be charged, should they exceed their limit. These changes will come into force from 1st April 2018 and please contact us on 01565 755600, if you would like Beaconplus to review this for you or advise further. DCP 161 means that you can now be charged penalties as soon as you exceed supply and you’ll only find out when you get your next invoice.