Powering Homes news, page 13
- March 2026
GOV.UK publishes RPC opinion on Future Homes and Buildings Standards impact assessments
The Regulatory Policy Committee rated the impact assessments behind the Future Homes and Buildings Standards as not fit for purpose, publishing its opinion on 25 March 2026.
Government announces acceleration of plug-in solar plans
The government published the Future Homes Standard on 24 March 2026 and said it would accelerate plans to make plug-in solar panels available in the UK within months.
Government confirms final tumble dryer standards with single 10 month transition
The government has confirmed final ecodesign and energy labelling rules for household tumble dryers in Great Britain, with a single 10 month transition and a review due by 9 December 2032.
NAPIT welcomes Future Homes Standard announcement
NAPIT has welcomed the Government's Future Homes Standard, saying it could create significant opportunities for members installing solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
Energy digitalisation framework published
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem have published a joint framework setting out how digitalisation of the energy system will be coordinated across England, Scotland and Wales.
Which? publishes response to DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model for EPCs
Which? has published its response to the government's consultation on the Home Energy Model for Energy Performance Certificates, welcoming reform while warning that accuracy problems and the 10 year validity period remain unaddressed.
Government response to tumble dryer product standards consultation published
The government has confirmed new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for household tumble dryers in Great Britain, phasing out less efficient vented, gas and condenser models in favour of heat pump machines.
Citizens Advice responds to DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model: EPCs
Citizens Advice has responded to the DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model for EPCs, backing the modular approach in principle while raising concerns on data standards, costs and electric storage heating.
Energy Systems Catapult publishes response to DESNZ load control licence consultation
Energy Systems Catapult has published its response to the government's consultation on draft load control licence regulations, calling for a proportionate, risk-based approach that targets only those who control load.
DWP to amend Crisis and Resilience Fund scheme guidance for heating oil price crisis support
The Department for Work and Pensions will amend Crisis and Resilience Fund guidance so councils can help households in crisis from rising heating oil prices, backed by £53 million across the UK.
FAQ page on switching, tariffs and bills updated
Smart Energy GB has updated its consumer FAQ page on switching supplier, tariffs and bills, restating that smart meter owners can switch in the same way as anyone with a traditional meter.
Government to explore regulation of the heating oil market
The Government has committed over £50 million to help low-income households that use heating oil and will explore regulating a market it says is not functioning properly.
Rules and RegulationWhere Our Energy Comes FromBoilers and Heating
CMA announces detailed examination of the whole heating oil market
The Competition and Markets Authority will take forward a detailed examination of the whole heating oil market at pace, the government has confirmed alongside over £50 million of support for households.
Rules and RegulationWhere Our Energy Comes FromBoilers and Heating
Welsh Government sets out support for householders affected by ECO closure and CES ceasing trading
The Welsh Government has set out support routes for households affected by the closure of the Energy Company Obligation scheme and the collapse of installer Consumer Energy Solutions.
Welsh Government statement on rising energy costs from Middle East conflict
The Welsh Government has set out its response to energy costs rising after the Middle East conflict, welcoming an oil reserve release and a heating oil review and pointing households to Nest advice.
CCC publishes report on cost of Net Zero versus fossil fuel price shocks
The Climate Change Committee says the total extra cost of reaching Net Zero by 2050 is likely to be no larger than the cost of one fossil fuel price shock on the scale of 2022.
Click Energy and Share Energy electricity tariffs to rise from 1 April 2026
Click Energy will raise its electricity tariff by 9.5% and Share Energy by 26.4% from 1 April 2026, the Consumer Council has announced.
Ofgem announced approval of Tesla Energy Ventures Limited's electricity supply licence
Ofgem has granted Tesla Energy Ventures Limited a licence to supply electricity to households and businesses across Great Britain, effective from 11 March 2026.
Smart Metering Policy Framework Post 2025 laid before parliament
The government has published its response to the 2025 smart metering consultation, confirming a 90-day supplier duty on non-communicating meters and rollout completion by the end of 2030.
Energy Secretary and Minister Shanks write to heating oil industry warning of increased prices
The Energy Secretary and Minister Shanks wrote jointly to the heating oil industry on 9 March warning of increased prices and of action to protect consumers.
Rules and RegulationWhere Our Energy Comes FromBoilers and Heating
Partial government response published
The government has published its partial response to the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings consultation, confirming four new headline metrics for domestic EPCs and changes to when certificates are required.
Transition of existing businesses begins
NICEIC began moving certified installers onto the redeveloped MCS Installer scheme on 9 March 2026, with all new applicants assessed under the new rules from the same date.
Welsh Government issued circular WGC 003/2026
The Welsh Government has issued circular WGC 003/2026, setting out Building Regulations amendments that will require on-site renewable electricity generation on new homes in Wales from March 2027.
Launch of Future Homes Standard Ready campaign
The Future Homes Hub has launched a campaign to prepare homebuilders for the Future Homes Standard, which will be mandatory on homes where construction starts after March 2028.
SSEN becomes first Distribution Network Operator to use smart video surveys for connections
SSEN Distribution has become the first UK distribution network operator to use AI-powered smart video surveys, letting customers film their own properties to plan connection upgrades for heat pumps and EV chargers.
GBIS costs notice published
The government published a costs notice for the Great British Insulation Scheme on 2 March 2026, one of a series of updates to the scheme's official statistics collection.
Affordable Warmth Scheme extended to March 2026
The Affordable Warmth Scheme in Northern Ireland has been extended for a further two years, continuing until March 2026, with £14m available this year for energy efficiency works.
Grants and SchemesScotland, Wales and Northern IrelandYour Type of Home
Budget changes to bills to take effect in spring 2026
Budget changes to energy bills take effect in spring 2026, but average bills stay above winter 2020/2021 levels and the price cap's supplier profit allowance rises £1.51 per household.
Consultation response published and implementing regulations laid in Parliament
The Government has published its response to the 2023 Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation and laid regulations amending the Building Regulations 2010, with the standards due to come into force on 24 March 2027.
Cornwall Insight predicts higher July energy price cap
Cornwall Insight expects the July price cap to rise by around 10% to about £1,800 for the average household, reversing April's £117 fall as Middle East gas tensions feed through to bills.