Powering Homes news, page 6
- August 2026
Government announces consultation on ZEV Mandate
The government has opened a consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, the rules governing the path to zero-emission driving by 2035, drawing a welcome from the motor industry body SMMT.
UK Government to consult on raising minimum rented EPC rating to C by 2030
The UK Government will consult on raising the minimum energy efficiency rating for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC C or its equivalent by 2030, up from the current minimum of E.
Grace period begins for MCS 005 solar PV products
MCS has opened a six-month grace period for solar PV products that lose certification under updated standards, allowing existing stock to be used in certified installations until 1 February 2027.
Ofgem wrote to 65,000 households over solid wall insulation quality issues
Ofgem has written to 65,000 households that may have had poor-quality solid wall insulation fitted under the Energy Company Obligation and Great British Insulation Scheme since 2022.
Scottish Government published an updated BRIA for amended EPC regulations
The Scottish Government has published an updated impact assessment for amended Energy Performance Certificate regulations, confirming that previously identified impacts stand but their timing has shifted.
- July 2026
SSEN publishes Annual Vulnerability Report dated 31 July 2026
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has published its Annual Vulnerability Report for 2025-26, covering Priority Service Register growth, fuel poverty support and winter preparedness.
Ofgem opens consultation on proposed changes to the CfD cost allowance in the energy price cap
Ofgem has opened a consultation on changing how the Contracts for Difference cost allowance is calculated within the energy price cap, proposing a volume reconciliation from April 2027.
Citizens Advice publishes report recommending a national advice strategy for energy home upgrades
Citizens Advice has called for a national advice strategy covering information, advice and in-home assessments, with a gov.uk hub run by the Warm Homes Agency, to help households navigate energy home upgrades.
Uswitch research finds 59% of households saw a bill rise last quarter while streaming, music and gym are last to be cut
Uswitch research finds 59% of UK households saw at least one bill rise between April and July 2026, while streaming, music and gym spending are the last costs households would cut.
HIES unveils refreshed brand identity and new website
HIES, the home insulation and energy systems quality assured contractors scheme, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and new website, calling it the next stage in its evolution.
UKERC publishes briefing paper on the cost of electricity in the UK
The UK Energy Research Centre has published a briefing paper analysing why domestic electricity bills are high, how bill components may move to 2030, and which reforms could cut household costs.
Government confirms law change making plug-in solar legal for UK homes from 27 August 2026
The government has confirmed that plug-in solar becomes legal for UK homes from 27 August 2026, with kits expected to retail from around £400 and savings guidance beginning to firm up.
SONI ten-year electricity network plan published
The Utility Regulator has published its decision on SONI's Transmission Development Plan for Northern Ireland 2025-34, setting out the system operator's ten-year plan for developing the electricity network.
British Gas Energy Trust calls on Prime Minister to back plan to end fuel poverty
The British Gas Energy Trust has written to the Prime Minister setting out five national priorities it says are needed to end fuel poverty across Britain.
Product Eligibility List updated
Ofgem has published a new version of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Product Eligibility List, the register of heat pumps and biomass boilers that meet the scheme's MCS standards.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant increased from £7,500 to £9,000
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for eligible off-gas grid homes in England and Wales rose from £7,500 to £9,000 on 21 July 2026, a 20% increase aimed at households heating with oil or LPG.
Ofgem publishes first Consumer Vulnerability Strategy Progress Report
Ofgem's first Consumer Vulnerability Strategy progress report finds supplier support for vulnerable households improving but uneven, with 58% of customers behind on bills lacking a repayment plan at the end of 2025.
Previous BUS grant categories and values removed, current version applies from 21 July 2026
The government has removed the previous version of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme's approved grant categories and values, with the current version to be used from 21 July 2026.
£17 million additional funding announced for Welsh housing retrofit schemes
The Welsh Government is putting a further £17 million from existing budgets into housing retrofit schemes, including more for the Nest scheme and the Optimised Retrofit Programme.
£5 million allocated to Nest scheme, taking total to £37 million this year
The Welsh Government has added £5 million to the Nest scheme, taking its total to £37 million this financial year, as part of a £17 million injection into housing retrofit.
£8 million added to Optimised Retrofit Programme, total £106.75 million in final year
Welsh Government adds £8 million to the Optimised Retrofit Programme, taking its budget to £106.75 million in the scheme's final year, as part of a £17 million retrofit funding package.
Government response to plug-in solar consultation published
The government has published its response to the plug-in solar consultation, confirming it intends to proceed with regulatory amendments and an interim product specification for compliant devices.
Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification version 2 published
The Secretary of State published version 2 of the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification on 16 July 2026, alongside regulations that make compliant plug-in solar kits legal to connect through a standard socket.
Welsh Government publishes Warm Homes Programme review report and response
The Welsh Government has published its review of the Warm Homes Programme and committed a further £17 million to retrofit schemes, including £5 million more for the Nest scheme.
Grants and SchemesYour Type of HomeScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Energy Saving Trust publishes analysis on clean home upgrade savings
Energy Saving Trust analysis says clean home upgrades can save households up to £800 a year, as it sets out five policy pillars for the UK Government's Warm Homes Plan.
UK Power Networks launches four-year Enduring Partnership programme with Community Energy Pathways and Hope4U
UK Power Networks has launched a four-year Enduring Partnership programme with Community Energy Pathways and Hope4U, aimed at helping around 60,000 vulnerable customers access energy support and grants.
Future Homes Hub and Good Homes Alliance launch renter customer journey guide
The Future Homes Hub and Good Homes Alliance have published a free guide for landlords and letting agents on supporting renters through low energy, all-electric homes from first enquiry to future tenancies.
Energy-saving materials 0% VAT relief end date added
HM Revenue and Customs has updated its VAT guidance to state that energy-saving materials installed in homes carry 0% VAT relief only until 31 March 2027.
Energy Saving Trust publishes Flexible Futures report on smart tariffs and low carbon home technologies
Energy Saving Trust modelling of more than a million scenarios finds households can cut annual energy bills by up to £800 by pairing heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage with a smart tariff.
Citizens Advice responds to consultation on Electricity Bill Discount Scheme cost allowance methodology
Citizens Advice has told a consultation on the Electricity Bill Discount Scheme cost allowance that extra levies should not be added to electricity unit rates and that schemes should be funded from general taxation.
Rules and RegulationEnergy SuppliersEnergy Bills and the Price Cap