What are REGOs?
REGOs are electronic certificates attaching to electricity produced from renewable sources.
REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) were introduced on 27 October 2003 in response to the Renewables Directive - EU Directive 2001/77/EC Article 5. The purpose of this Directive is to promote an increase in the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity production in European Member States.
Article 5 of the Directive requires Member States to ensure that a Guarantee of Origin is issued, on request, in respect of electricity produced from renewable energy sources. REGOs may be known as GoOs (Guarantees of Origin) in other EU Member States.
The Electricity (Guarantees of Origin of Electricity Produced from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations 2003 set out the requirements for the issue, transfer and revocation of REGOs in Great Britain.
REGOs are issued as evidence that the electricity was generated from a ‘renewable source’ (as defined in the legislation) with one REGO representing one Kilowatt/hour of electricity.
For what are REGOs used?
On 18 March 2005, under the Electricity (Fuel Mix Disclosure) Regulations 2005, a new standard licence condition (SLC 30A) was introduced into electricity supply licences.
The new licence condition obliges electricity suppliers to give their customers details of the mix of fuels used to produce the electricity supplied to them. Suppliers must show this on their bill, together with certain environmental information.
REGO/GoOs issued by a recognised body from one of 25 EU Member States are the primary evidence for the identification of supply as coming from a renewable source. Those operating in the UK, and wishing to use GoOs issued by another EU Member State, must contact Ofgem for formal recognition of those GoOs.
Ofgem will not recognise GoOs issued outside the EU as proof of renewable generation.
Who can apply for REGOs?
Only the producer of the electricity may request the issue of a REGO. The only exception relates to electricity produced under a NFFO or SRO contract, in which case NFPA or NFPA Scotland may request REGOs. REGOs are issued electronically to Registered Holders, by means of the REGO Register.
What is Ofgem’s role?
The Regulations detail our powers and functions to administer the REGO scheme. These functions include:
• issuing and revoking REGOs;
• transferring REGOs;
• establishing and maintaining a register of REGOs; and
• recognising GoOs issued in other Member States and in Northern Ireland.
The legislation
The Electricity (Guarantees of Origin of Electricity Produced from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulations 2003 (Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 2562) set out the requirements for the issue, transfer and revocation of REGOs in Great Britain. They are available on the Office of Public Sector Information website - link opens in a new browser window.
Associated documents
Readers should be aware of the following documents:
• REGOs – Ofgem’s administration procedures;