We are looking for at least 4 and up to 6 experts with electricity market knowledge to cover the range of skills and expertise as described in the Skills and Experience Section below. The exact number will be determined on the basis that the widest possible range of the required expertise is covered whilst remaining within the total budget of 120 000 GBP per annum. Bids will be selected as to cover the total set of skills and knowledge required as well as price. Depending on the workload associated with each stage of the process, the Panel is expected to work from 0 to 5 days per month, including attendance at Panel meetings, with the busiest period being the months leading up to the Panel's annual report in June.

As well as members, we are looking for a Chair for the PTE. The role of Chair will be important to ensure the delivery of the PTE report, to ensure its independence and that the full expertise of the PTE is harnessed.

Ensuring access to secure, affordable energy supplies is the Government's top priority. The Capacity Market, introduced by the Energy Act 2013, is intended to ensure sufficient investment in the overall level of reliable capacity (both supply and demand side) for secure electricity supply in the UK. This is achieved through annual auctions which competitively set a price for capacity. It is essential that the decisions relating to this mechanism are based on analysis that is as transparent, robust and up-to-date as possible.

The Government appointed National Grid as the Delivery Body to produce this analysis and evidence for the Capacity Market and, in particular to provide a recommendation on the target capacity for each auction. In addition, the Secretary of State established an independent Panel of Technical Experts (PTE). The Panel's role is to independently scrutinise and quality assure the Delivery Body's analysis. It consists of 5 members, including a chair, with relevant technical skills in areas such as engineering, project finance, and economic modelling.

The term of office for all current Panel members ends in September 2016. Consequently, this tender is seeking to recruit four to six members for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018.

Role of the Panel of Technical Experts (PTE)

The PTE‘s task is to scrutinise National Grid's analysis for the Capacity Market to ensure that it is robust, up-to-date and transparent. As such, it does not evaluate or advise on Government's policies or objectives in this area. Its remit is to perform a technical scrutiny of the Delivery Body's analysis. This independent and impartial scrutiny provides additional confidence to Government, industry and the public that Government's decisions are informed by robust analysis that is fit for purpose. The work of the PTE is to be transparent and the conclusions of the PTE will be published.

The work of the Panel follows an annual cycle, concluding with the publication of a PTE report alongside National Grid's Electricity Capacity Report (ECR) in June/July each year. In more detail, the work of the Panel includes:

— Review of the ECR modelling methodology and techniques used;

— Submission of informal reports to DECC and National Grid on ECR modelling methodology;

— Assessment of the underlying assumptions and how National Grid's Future Energy Scenarios are used in the sensitivity and scenario analysis;

— Review of National Grid's ECR report;

— Publication of a final report alongside National Grid's ECR report.

For more information, the Panel's Terms of References are available under https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/electricity-market-reform-panel-of-technical-experts

Summary of requirements

We are looking for at least 4 and up to 6 experts with electricity market knowledge to cover the range of skills and expertise as described in the Skills and Experience Section below. The exact number will be determined on the basis that the widest possible range of the required expertise is covered whilst remaining within the total budget of 120 000 GBP per annum. Bids will be selected as to cover the total set of skills and knowledge required as well as price. Depending on the workload associated with each stage of the process, the Panel is expected to work from 0 to 5 days per month, including attendance at Panel meetings, with the busiest period being the months leading up to the Panel’s annual report in June.

As well as members, we are looking for a Chair for the PTE. The role of Chair will be important to ensure the delivery of the PTE report, to ensure its independence and that the full expertise of the PTE is harnessed. Applicants interested in the role of the Chair should state their interest clearly and are required to provide some additional evidence.