The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) today becomes an independent government company by the UK Government. This formalises the transfer of the Secretary of State’s regulatory powers in respect of oil and gas to the OGA, and grants it new powers.
The Aberdeen-based company’s new powers include dispute resolution, meetings access and sanctions. Detailed information has been published on the OGA’s website to clearly outline obligations and issue guidance on how it intends to use these to support industry, promote good practice and facilitate action. In addition, the OGA now has a remit to work with industry to ensure cost-effective decommissioning.
Andy Samuel, OGA Chief Executive, said: “We have been in action since day one, supporting industry to deliver our shared objective of maximising the economic recovery of oil and gas. Industry has made great strides to increase production, efficiency and collaboration, recognising the need to compete for investment in a global market.
“Today marks a new chapter for the OGA. All the good work will carry on as we regulate, influence and promote the oil and gas sector, working closely with industry and government.
“We will use our new powers strategically to help maximise economic recovery and increase collaboration, transparency and pace of delivery. We are committed to helping industry capitalise on the potential 20 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) that remain in the North Sea.
Greg Clark, British Energy & Industry Minister, said: “We have a world leading oil and gas industry in the UK that we are extremely proud of, and establishing an independent regulator shows that we are listening to what the industry needs.”
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