Ofgem appoints Tim Jarvis as permanent chief executive as household energy bills are set to hit £2,000

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Tim Jarvis, who has served as Ofgem's interim chief executive since March, has been confirmed as the energy regulator's permanent boss following a "rigorous recruitment process". He takes over from Jonathan Brearley, who stepped down after six years leading Ofgem through the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy price crisis triggered by Russia's war in Ukraine. The appointment arrives as the average household energy bill has already risen to £1,723 a year, with experts at Cornwall Insight predicting a further 16% rise to nearly £2,000 from January 1.

Prices are being driven higher by the escalating Middle East conflict and disruption to oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Jarvis previously held senior roles at the Treasury, the Department for Business and the Competition and Markets Authority before joining Ofgem in 2023.

Ofgem chairman Mark McAllister said the appointment gives the regulator "a clear mandate to build on the progress already made" for consumers.