Electricity Market​ Reform (EMR) Delivery Body

The Electricity Market Reform Delivery Body (EMR DB) is a key part of the UK’s Electricity Market Reform, established under the Energy Act 2013 to help deliver a secure, reliable, and affordable electricity supply while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. We are responsible for administering two core mechanisms designed to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation and energy security: the Capacity Market (CM) and Contracts for Difference (CfD).

Children riding bikes through field with backdrop of wind turbines

Our role in the energy transition

At the heart of the UK’s energy transition, we help maintain market stability and drive renewable energy investment. Through the CM and CfD schemes, we support national goals for energy security, emissions reduction, and clean energy growth.

  • Running the market: We run competitive auctions to secure enough electricity capacity—both generation and demand-side response—to meet future needs. This includes: Registering participants, managing the prequalification process and conducting the auctions.
  • Managing agreements: We oversee capacity agreements awarded through the auctions, ensuring providers are prepared to deliver when needed.
  • Monitoring performance: We track and enforce provider commitments, especially during system stress events, to ensure reliability.
  • Promoting Efficiency: By securing capacity at the lowest cost through the auction process, we help reduce costs for consumers should there be a system stress event.
  • Assessing Applications: We review CfD applications to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and notify applicants of the outcome. We also manage any disputes that arise from qualification decisions.
  • Determining Auction Need: If total demand from qualified applicants exceeds available capacity, we trigger a competitive auction to allocate CfD agreements.
  • Running the Auction: We administer the CfD auction process, ensuring it is fair, efficient, and awards contracts based on the lowest bid prices.
  • Valuation Reporting: After the auction, we submit a valuation report to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to inform contract decisions.
  • Providing Transparency: We produce and submit all required reports to ensure transparency throughout the allocation process.
  • Supporting Contracting: We share contract details with the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) so they can issue CfD agreements to successful applicants.

Capacity Market

A key part of Electricity Market Reform, the CM secures enough capacity to meet future electricity demand. Find the latest updates on the EMR Capacity Market Portal, launched in June 2024.

Capacity Market Portal

Find the latest updates on the EMR Capacity Market Portal, launched in June 2024.

Contracts for Difference (CfD)

CfD supports low-carbon electricity investment. Access updates and resources via the EMR CfD Portal.

CfD Portal

Here you can find updates on the EMR Contracts for Difference (CfD) Portal.

Contact Support

We aim to respond to all queries within 24 hours or inform you of the next steps we’ll take within five days of receiving the query.   

Knowledge Site

All guidance documents and tutorial videos are now available on our new knowledge site.