News & Insights

Using reverse auctions for allocating public subsidies to promote mobile broadband coverage

Following the completion of its usual peer review process, The World Bank has published CEPA's report about the use of reverse auctions in the telecommunications sector.

Ireland’s energy security package to 2030

Managing energy security of supply while transitioning to a low carbon, renewables-led energy system is one of the critical challenges facing Irish policy makers.

CEPA supports water, regulatory finance and global health practices with promotions to its partnership

Join us in congratulating Tom Cochrane and Kaveri Kumar on their recent promotions to the firm’s partnership. They join CEPA’s existing global Partners to lead a growing team of more than 50 economic, public and financial policy consulting experts.

Energy sector expert explores the causes of crises in two key energy-only wholesale electricity markets

CEPA’s energy sector consulting team was pleased to take part in an interactive knowledge-sharing session.

Darryl Biggar presents at the ACCC/AER Annual Regulatory Conference

Darryl Biggar, a Senior Advisor at CEPA Australia, presents a session about market failure and reform of the childcare sector.

We are recruiting two regulatory economists

We are seeking two exceptional individuals to join our London office as a Consultant and a Senior Consultant, to support our work across regulatory economics.

We are recruiting a Managing Consultant in cost assessment

We are seeking an outstanding individual to join our London office as a Managing Consultant, supporting our work in cost assessment across regulated sectors.

Commission for Regulation of Utilities Price Control 5 consultation published

Our reports on Irish gas network revenues and incentives have been published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

Transfer of Hornsea Two offshore wind farm transmission link

CEPA, as part of Smith Square Partners Consortium, acts as financial adviser to Ofgem on the £1.14bn completed transfer of Hornsea Two offshore wind farm transmission link from Ørsted to Diamond Transmission Partners.

Transformational impacts of transport investment

We are pleased to have helped our client understand how and why transport schemes achieve transformational impacts and how contextual factors can work with a new transport investment.

Director: Energy Markets and Modelling

CEPA is seeking an exceptional individual to join the firm's London office as a Director, supporting its work in the energy sector.

CEPA Australia responds to Australian Energy Regulator’s invitation to comment

As an interested stakeholder, CEPA is pleased to make submissions on the Gas Distribution Network Tariffs Review Issues Paper.

Locational Marginal Pricing

One of the most talked-about market reform options being considered by the GB Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) consultation.

Assessment of competition issues in the telecoms sector is reaffirmed by Australian Competition Tribunal

CEPA’s advice to Australian communications provider Optus, highlighting the adverse impacts of a merger transaction between its two competitors, has been supported by the Australian Competition Tribunal.

Reputation acknowledged by ranking recognition

CEPA thanks those clients, industry leaders, associates and future economists for the feedback they provided to Consultancy.uk, resulting in the firm’s high-level, 2023 ranking as one of the “Top Economics consulting firms in the UK”.

Dr Darryl Biggar appointed to bolster CEPA Australia’s practice

CEPA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Darryl Biggar as a senior advisor in its Australian practice.

LSE students present findings about biodiversity policy

We are pleased to have supported another cohort of students undertaking the Capstone Course at the London School of Economics (LSE). 

Supporting the UK Government’s approach to community benefits for electricity transmission network infrastructure

Onshore electricity networks will play a critical role in achieving net zero and that requires transformation at unprecedented scale and pace.

Net Zero’s trade imperative: A case study on the global demand for solar technology

We were commissioned by the Hinrich Foundation, to help them understand if global trade will be essential to sustain the transition to reach the International Energy Agency's target of Net Zero by 2050.

CEPA has again been recognised as one of the UK’s leading management consultants

We are grateful for the continued positive feedback from the market, which has led to CEPA retaining its position in the Financial Times' ratings.

Tender process for the sale of three offshore wind transmission assets with a combined value of c. £2 billion is launched

A consortium, consisting of CEPA and four other leading advisory firms, is acting as financial adviser to Ofgem for the OFTO Tender Round 10 process.

CEPA evaluates Unitaid’s $22m investment aimed at supporting access to medicines

Our Global Health team's evaluation of Unitaid's portfolio to 'support access to medicines through innovative use of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights' has been published.

Vacancy for an economic consultant: water and transport

CEPA is looking for an outstanding person to join our London office as a Consultant or Senior Consultant to support our work in water and transport.

Ofgem publishes its RIIO-2 Final Determinations for the GB electricity distribution sector

We are proud to have been working with Ofgem on important elements of the RIIO-ED2 price control, which will run from April 2023 to April 2028.

Our report about using reverse auctions for allocating public subsidies to promote mobile broadband coverage is presented to government

Dr Chris Doyle, CEPA's Head of Telecoms, has presented the findings of our latest communications sector report, commissioned by The World Bank, to Tanzanian government officials.

CEPA’s independent outcome evaluation of CEPI is published

Dr Richard Hatchett, the Chief Executive Officer of The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations praises our work, describing it as “a fair, balanced and independent perspective”.

Evaluation of Unitaid’s COVID-19 portfolio of investments

CEPA was appointed by Unitaid to undertake a portfolio-level evaluation assessing the contribution of Unitaid’s COVID-19 response and alignment with the ACT-A partnership.

In the news: CEPA’s assessment of telecoms deal reaches the headlines

Our work is featured by iTnews and the author of the Expert Report, Dr Chris Doyle, CEPA's Head of Telecoms, is quoted for the independent analysis’ dissenting findings, drawn from the economic evidence.

Price caps in the Australian National Energy Market (NEM)

We were engaged by the Australian Energy Council to consider whether a relatively high market price cap and other market settings, in the presence of a capacity mechanism, would result in double payment for capacity at unnecessary customer cost.

Unitaid publishes CEPA’s reports on HIV Self-Testing and Covid-19

Our external evaluations are considered to be an essential component of Unitaid's approach to grant management and monitoring, transparency and accountability, and communicating impact and learning.

CEPA’s impact assessment of proposed energy market reforms to encourage flexibility

We are pleased to have supported Elexon with an impact assessment of BSC Modification P415, designed to allow independent aggregators of demand side response to trade customer flexibility directly.

We are expanding and recruiting across all levels, including 2023 graduate entry

We have vacancies for consultants at all levels, from recent graduates to experienced professionals.

Major review launched on energy security of supply in Ireland

We are supporting a major public consultation about the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, being undertaken by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We add our condolences to the world's outpouring of affection. We send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and join them in mourning her loss. - CEPA Directors and Staff

The potential impact of future innovation in support of Unitaid’s strategy

We explored the potential impact of ten promising innovations that Unitaid may support during its 2023-27 strategic period, which could make a significant contribution to advancing global health targets.

Ofwat publishes a report that considers how to facilitate the delivery of multi-sector reservoir systems

The Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) and three water companies commissioned a report from CEPA and Agilia to consider the legal and commercial models that could facilitate the delivery of multi-sector reservoir systems.

Find us at Energy Ireland 2022, billed as Ireland’s largest annual energy conference

We are pleased to once again be attending the conference on 29 and 30 June in Dublin, for an event that aims to bring together key stakeholders in the Irish energy sector.

CEPA advises on tools to evolve energy regulation

The Council of European Energy Regulators has today published our recommendations for how energy regulators can best deploy ‘dynamic regulation’ tools – exemptions from the standard regulations that are limited in time and scope, which aim to foster learnings for future regulatory reforms.

Expert from Ofcom appointed to bolster CEPA’s advisory services for the communications sector

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Chris Doyle as a senior advisor to our communications, media and payment systems practice. Dr Doyle will commence working with CEPA on 1 March 2022.

CEPA collaborates to advise about the selection of offshore transmission owners (OFTOs)

Continuing our co-operation with other specialist advisors in a consortium, we are pleased to provide further expert financial and economic advice to Ofgem under a new four-year contract for offshore electricity transmission assets.

Initial insights published on price signals for demand-side flexibility in the GB energy market

CEPA and Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) have been appointed by BEIS to carry out a study on energy price signals, exploring what an alternative system of network and policy price signals might look like. CEPA and ESC held a webinar when the initial findings were presented.

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) publishes its report on the card-acquiring market

Card-acquiring services enable merchants to accept card payments. We supported the PSR with its market review and have advised about a range of other payment systems policies.

New infrastructure investment approach to benefit millions across the Pacific region

A guide for institutional investors about co-investment options in infrastructure, developed by CEPA Australia, has been published.

Smith Square Partners’ Ofgem consortium; TR7 preferred bidder for first asset announced

Ofgem, the GB energy regulator has announced the identity of the preferred bidder for the offshore wind transmission asset connecting the Triton Knoll wind farm to the Lincolnshire coast.

CEPA modelling shows the economic and public health impact of voluntary licensing

Licences negotiated by the Medicines Patent Pool will save the international community an estimated USD 3.5bn and 170k lives by 2030. This is according to a new methodology for estimating the impact of licences that was validated via a peer-reviewed article published in The Lancet.

European energy regulators report on Innovative Business Models and Consumer Protection

The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) has published a report, for which we undertook the identification and analysis of the business models and supporting case studies.

Locational energy pricing in the GB power market

Working with energy networks specialists TNEI, we have produced new research for Energy Systems Catapult on the role of locational energy prices in facilitating the decarbonisation of Britain’s energy system.

Evaluation of New Reg trial in Australia released

The Australian Energy Regulator has published our independent evaluation of a trial, to deliver better outcomes for consumers through network consumer engagement and regulatory innovation.

CEPA evaluates Unitaid’s investments in Hepatitis C

Unitaid has invested more than US$45 million since 2015 in support of improving access to care for hepatitis C. We are pleased to have provided them with a portfolio evaluation and end of grant evaluations.

CEPA Australia advise on asset beta and specific risk premium

We have supported the Commerce Commission, New Zealand with their regular review of the base milk price calculation.

Australian Energy Regulator considers the links between the risk-free rate & market risk premium

The AER asked us to advise on the approach to estimating the Market Risk Premium (MRP) for the 2022 review of the Rate of Return Instrument. Specifically, we were asked whether there is a relationship between the risk-free rate (RfR) and MRP.

Views invited on barriers to demand-side flexibility in the GB energy sector

CEPA and the Energy Systems Catapult have been appointed by BEIS to carry out a study on energy price signals, as part of BEIS’s Alternative Energy Markets programme.

Consultation on Minded to Positions for ‘fast-tracked’ charging options published by Ofgem

Ofgem publishes consultation under the Access and Forward-looking Charges Significant Code Review with our Quantitative Analysis and Methodology reports alongside.

Ofwat publishes further CEPA report on allocation of risk

Our latest report for Ofwat supports its early thinking on the design of the next water sector price review, PR24.

Ofwat outlines its initial views about the Price Review frameworks for 2024 (PR24) and beyond

The regulator of the water sector in England & Wales has published a consultation response, which discusses its high-level ideas for maximising the potential of price reviews to help the sector create value for customers, communities, and the environment.

Independent review of water affordability

CCW, a body that represents water consumers in England and Wales, has published its review of the affordability support for financially vulnerable water customers.

Assessment of proposed electricity trading arrangements between the UK and EU

Working with international partners, we have delivered a cost benefit analysis of proposed arrangements for day-ahead trading of capacity on electricity interconnectors between GB and other markets following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Evaluation of ‘Innovation Link’ Ofgem’s innovation support programme

The Innovation Link is Ofgem’s main support programme for innovators looking to launching novel propositions. It offers regulatory guidance as well as trials and derogations, contributing to an enabling and adaptive regulatory environment to benefit consumers and support the UK’s transition to net zero.

CEPA’s Impact Assessment helps industry to determine merits of Electricity Meter Splitting

CEPA’s analysis of the impacts of proposed modification P379 has helped the industry to better understand the merits and drawbacks of introducing electricity meter splitting. Our findings led to the proposer withdrawing the modification.

Director of CEPA Energy Modelling Ltd to speak at launch of Energy & Climate report

The independent European think tank, CERRE, will host an event on 16 March to launch its Energy and Climate report, “Electricity and gas coupling in a decarbonised economy”.

Wondering what new economists should expect on joining our team?

Join our live presentation via Microsoft Teams or participate in one of our recruitment events to find out.

From Rome to Sydney, a CEPA consultant’s tale of two cities

Tommaso Autorino, a consultant in CEPA's Australia office, is interviewed by Corriere della Sera (one of the main Italian newspapers).

Ofgem publishes its RIIO-2 Final Determinations

We have been supporting Ofgem with its review of the responses to the Draft Determinations for the electricity and gas transmission and gas distribution sectors, and the electricity system operator.

African Development Bank (AfDB) launches report to support investment into the African energy sector

AfDB and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa commissioned a consortium led by CEPA, to assess the availability of local currency finance for sustainable energy projects and the obstacles developers face in tapping into local financial and capital markets.

Consortium appointed to advise on the auction of offshore electricity transmission assets

CEPA appointed as part of Smith Square Partners consortium to advise Ofgem on the TR7 auction of offshore electricity transmission assets.

CEPA director presents his network charging vision to key energy stakeholders

Speaking at DCUSA Ltd’s 2020 Strategy Day, Patrick Taylor set out his views about the future of electricity charging in GB.

How best to measure water poverty

Water UK publish the Measuring Water Poverty using a bills to income metric report that we prepared for them.

Decisions made on the regulation of fibre service providers in New Zealand

The New Zealand Commerce Commission has published its first set of final decisions on the regulation of fibre service providers.

The Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland publishes its price control draft determination

We have been involved in the process since 2018 and have produced reports, which have been used by the regulator to set efficient cost allowances for NI Water.