Britain's energy watchdog is closing in on the appointment of Tim Jarvis as its new chief executive, seven months after he was handed the role on an interim basis.
Sky News understands that Mr Jarvis has emerged as the frontrunner to be named as the next permanent boss of Ofcom.
Sources said other shortlisted candidates remained in the running, but added that an announcement could come as early as next week.
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Mr Jarvis is a former Treasury official who has also held senior posts at the Department for Business and Competition and Markets Authority.
If he does clinch the role, Mr Jarvis will replace Jonathan Brearley, who left earlier this year to become the top civil servant at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The appointment of a new Ofgem chief will come at a critical time for the UK energy sector, with millions of households facing a winter cost-of-living crisis over a potential surge in bills.
This week's row over the release of part of Europe's emergency diesel stockpiles amid pressure from US President Donald Trump has also fuelled the debate over Britain's energy resilience.
Ofgem's boss is formally appointed by the energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, but is chosen by the regulator's nominations committee and board.
The watchdog's chairman, Mark McAllister, has just over two years remaining of his five-year term.
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Ofgem declined to comment.
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