Powering Homes News: page 12
- March 2026
Record renewable electricity generation reached in the UK
Renewable power reached a record 65 per cent of UK electricity generation in March 2026, the Centre for Sustainable Energy reports, describing a grid where the timing of household electricity use shapes cost and carbon.
Scotland published its Climate Change Plan: 2026–2040
The Scottish Government published its Climate Change Plan 2026–2040 in March 2026, setting out how Scotland intends to reach its legally binding net zero target for all greenhouse gases by 2045.
Solid fuel burning consultation closed
Defra's annual progress report confirms the solid fuel burning consultation, covering stricter stove emission limits, higher wet wood fines and mandatory warning labels, closed in March 2026 and is still under review.
Warm Home Discount Scheme to continue to winter 2030/31
The government will keep the Warm Home Discount running across Great Britain for five more winters, to 2030/31, and merge its two Core Groups in England and Wales.
Which? runs Spring home improvements campaign
Which? ran a second home energy communications campaign in March 2026, linking homeowners to its Home Energy Planning Service, after a first campaign in autumn 2025.
Winter Fuel Payment scheme for Winter 2025-2026 closes
The Winter Fuel Payment scheme for Winter 2025-2026 has closed, with details of future schemes stated as becoming available later in 2026.
- February 2026
Heating oil prices rise almost 110% in a week
Heating oil prices rose by almost 110% in a week after strikes on Iran, prompting a £53 million government support package and warnings that bulk fuel deliveries are rarely inspected.
Summary of responses published for Part L 2025 review
The Welsh Government has published its summary of responses to the 2025 review of Building Regulations Part L, covering planned changes to energy efficiency standards in new and existing buildings.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Which? survey finds most owners of older heating systems unprepared for replacement
A Which? survey of homeowners whose heating systems are more than eight years old found three in four had made no preparation for replacing them, with many saying they would wait until the system breaks.
Zapmap updates guide for women on EV ownership and charging
Zapmap has updated its She drives electric guide, which sets out charging basics, public charging safety and lower-cost routes into electric car ownership for women drivers.
Cabinet Secretary met Ofgem officials on the next price cap
The Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice met Ofgem officials the day before confirming the next energy price cap, which falls by £117 to £1,641 from 1 April 2026.
CCC warns buildings and NETs policies put post-2030 carbon budgets at risk
The Climate Change Committee says Scotland has credible plans for 91 per cent of the emissions cuts needed to 2030, but warns weak buildings and negative emissions policies put later carbon budgets at risk.
Forthcoming changes to OZEV grants from 1 April 2026 announced
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has set out changes to its electric vehicle chargepoint grants taking effect from 1 April 2026, with five schemes running to 31 March 2027.
Lower standing charge tariff pilot to start in spring 2026
Ofgem has confirmed a pilot of lower standing charge tariffs will begin in spring 2026, offered first to eligible customers of EDF, E.ON, Octopus and British Gas, alongside a 7% cut in the price cap.
Nesta publishes analysis calling for 110,000 heat pump installations in Scotland over next Parliament
Nesta analysis says Scotland needs about 110,000 heat pump and low carbon heating installations between May 2026 and May 2031, triple the current number, against a draft plan implying 30,000.
OZEV home and workplace grants terms and conditions published on GOV.UK
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has published the terms and conditions covering customers, installers and installer representatives applying for or claiming its home and workplace grants.
Warm Home Discount costs to move from standing charges to unit rate
Ofgem has confirmed that Warm Home Discount costs will move from standing charges to the unit rate, cutting standing charges by an average of £13 for dual fuel customers from April.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapGrants and Schemes
Ofgem announces 7% fall in energy price cap from April 2026
Ofgem has confirmed the energy price cap will fall by 7%, or £117, to £1,641 a year for a typical Direct Debit dual fuel household from 1 April to 30 June 2026.
SSEN issues Power Cut Plans to more than 150,000 Priority Services customers
SSEN Distribution has issued dedicated Power Cut Plans to more than 150,000 Priority Services customers and begun delivering the first of 20,000 free home battery packs to medically dependent households.
Warm Healthy Homes Strategy announced for Northern Ireland
The Department for Communities has announced a Warm Healthy Homes Strategy 2026 to 2036 for Northern Ireland, intended to help address fuel poverty in a housing stock where oil is the dominant heating fuel.
Compensation under smart meter GSOPs 1-3 commences
Ofgem has brought smart meter Guaranteed Standards of Performance 1 to 3 into legislation, with automatic supplier compensation for breaches starting on 23 February 2026.
Kensa partners with Passiv UK on smart heat pump controls
Kensa has partnered with Passiv UK to offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with its ground source heat pumps, claiming heating bill cuts of up to 30 per cent and access to Greener Grid Payments.
Ofgem rule requires supplier response within five working days and £40 compensation for smart meter problems
Ofgem rules in force from 23 February 2026 require suppliers to set out a smart meter fix plan within five working days or pay £40 compensation automatically.
Smart metering Guaranteed Standards of Performance GSOPs 1-3 come into force
Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards of Performance 1 to 3 for smart metering took effect on 23 February 2026, covering installation appointments, failed installations and initial assessment of reported problems.
Uswitch reports two-thirds of UK households struggling with condensation, damp and mould
Uswitch research finds 18 million UK homes affected by condensation, damp and mould this winter, with high energy costs driving households to cut heating and keep windows shut.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to PRS energy performance consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has backed the government's plan to raise minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes, while urging faster action on EPC reform and landlord support.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to Scottish Government equity loan call for evidence
Energy Saving Trust has published its response to a Scottish Government call for evidence, backing expansion of the Home Energy Efficiency Equity Loan Pilot into a nationwide support scheme.
Energy Saving Trust responds to Treasury interim report on net zero costs
The Energy Saving Trust has told the Treasury that energy efficiency and electrification can cut household bills, opposing new energy bill levies and backing National Infrastructure Bank support for home upgrades.
Gas System in Transition consultation closes
The government's Gas System in Transition consultation on gas infrastructure and supply security closed on 18 February 2026, the first step in a programme to manage long-term gas security of supply.
All Phase One homes at Tulloch Homes development sold with QUHZ Ecodan heat pumps
All 24 homes in Phase One of a Tulloch Homes development in the Highlands have been sold, each fitted with a QUHZ Ecodan air source heat pump, according to HPA UK.