Liberalisation and the security of gas supply in the UK

摘要: Abstract This paper contests the view held by current UK government and its industry regulator, OFGEM, that liberalisation is good for security of supply. Focusing on downstream aspects gas supply, system security, it considers impact different liberalisation: legal governance, supply competition, de-integration, market simulation, regulation interaction liberalised electricity markets. Categorising these impacts in terms threats to response, finds individually as a complex collectivity they have increased risks failure, either potential or already realised, variety ways: from creating uncertainty failing signal adequate appropriate investment, ambiguity which divorces responsibility liability renders indeterminate ex ante. Moreover, one government’s responses dangers, does appear perceive, revealed itself paralysed paradigm: can only intervene pre-emptively with information attempt persuade behave thinks should. Meanwhile, however, has also had recognise default make preparations an emergency situation: be challenged when too late.