LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - Britain will overhaul energy regulator Ofgem, the government said on Wednesday, granting it new powers to enforce consumer law and ban executive bonuses.
The government hopes the changes will help restore consumer and industry confidence in the regulator which has been criticised for not acting quickly enough to protect consumers amid high energy prices.
Under the changes, Ofgem will gain the ability to enforce consumer law directly, bypassing what officials called a "lengthy courts process" when companies treat customers unfairly. The regulator will also be empowered to ban bonuses for energy executives who break the rules.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the measures amounted to "tough and fair" action to fight for consumers' rights.
The reforms will also streamline Ofgem's remit by transferring oversight of home upgrade schemes to the new Warm Homes Agency.
(Reporting by Susanna Twidale; Editing by Alison Williams)
