Powering Homes news, page 9
- June 2026
Ofgem consults on proposed Debt Outcome and Billing Outcome
Ofgem has consulted on a proposed Debt Outcome and a proposed billing outcome, part of a wider move to outcomes-based regulation of how suppliers treat customers who are behind on their bills.
Ofgem publishes version 3 of Warm Home Discount guidance for England and Wales
Ofgem has published version 3 of its Warm Home Discount guidance for England and Wales, covering scheme years 16 to 20 after the scheme was extended from 2026 to 2031.
Permitted development rights for air source heat pumps updated in Wales
Permitted development rights for air source heat pumps in Wales were updated on 1 June 2026, raising the unit size limit, allowing two units on detached homes and permitting air-to-air installations.
Rules and RegulationHeat PumpsScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Registration requirement for free warranty extension applies to new inverters commissioned on or after this date
Fronius has confirmed that new inverters commissioned from 1 June 2026 must be registered in its Solar.web portal to qualify for the free warranty extension.
Survey finds 15 million UK adults unwell during June heatwave
Opinium research for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition found 28 per cent of UK adults, around 15 million people, felt unwell because of the heat during June's record-breaking heatwave.
- May 2026
firmus energy raises Ten Towns gas tariffs by 15.65% from 1 July 2026
firmus energy has announced a 15.65% rise in regulated gas tariffs for domestic and small business customers in its Ten Towns network areas, effective from 1 July 2026.
Power NI residential tariff to rise 6.2% from 1 July 2026
Power NI, Northern Ireland's largest electricity supplier, will raise its residential credit meter tariff by 6.2% from 1 July 2026, the Consumer Council has announced.
MCS 020a to become the only permitted certification scheme for air source heat pumps
From 28 May 2026 the MCS 020a planning standard becomes the only certification scheme accepted for air source heat pump installations under permitted development rights in England.
Secretary of State published new BUS grant categories and values
The Secretary of State has published a grant change notice setting new Boiler Upgrade Scheme categories and values, with uplifted grants of £9,000 for eligible off-gas grid properties from 21 July 2026.
Consumer Scotland publishes Energy Affordability Tracker findings showing record energy debt
Consumer Scotland's Energy Affordability Tracker finds 19% of Scottish households reporting energy debt, a record high, as Ofgem confirms a 13% price cap rise from July.
Latest UK energy price cap increase announced
The latest UK energy price cap increase has been announced, with the Stove Industry Association saying households will again be thinking carefully about how they heat their homes this winter.
Ofgem decides to update gas and electricity TDCVs from 1 July 2026
Ofgem has confirmed lower typical domestic consumption values for gas and electricity, to be used across the energy sector from 1 July 2026, after consulting on the figures in March.
Ofgem publishes updated energy price cap levels for 1 July to 30 September 2026
Ofgem has published the energy price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2026, raising the Direct Debit annual bill level from £1,641 to £1,862, a 13% increase driven by wholesale gas costs.
NEPC warns government to speed up electricity system digitalisation for Clean Power 2030
The National Engineering Policy Centre has told government to speed up digitalisation of the Great Britain electricity system, warning that weak coordination and slow smart meter uptake put Clean Power 2030 at risk.
Product Eligibility List updated
Ofgem updated the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Product Eligibility List on 21 May 2026, the administrative tool that identifies heat pumps and biomass boilers meeting the scheme's MCS standards.
Climate Change Committee publishes A Well-Adapted UK report
The Climate Change Committee has published A Well-Adapted UK, warning that heat, flooding and drought threaten UK homes and setting out cooling, flood protection and water security as priorities.
Consultation on updating standards for local space heating products closes
A government consultation on replacing ecodesign rules for local space heaters in Great Britain closed on 20 May 2026, with officials now analysing the responses.
Wales' first hydrogen home opens to visitors
Wales & West Utilities has opened a retrofitted terraced home heated with green hydrogen to public visitors, calling it Wales' first hydrogen home and a UK-first retrofit of its kind.
New TechnologyWhere Our Energy Comes FromScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Zapmap updates its EV connector types guide
Zapmap has updated its guide to electric vehicle charger connector types, setting out the power levels and cable requirements for the connectors used on UK cars and charge points.
Citizens Advice responds to conclusion of Ofgem British Gas prepayment meter investigation
Citizens Advice has responded to the conclusion of Ofgem's investigation into British Gas prepayment meter installations, saying the settlement shows forced installations have serious consequences and calling for real compensation.
Partial settlement terms changed for new Sunsave Plus contracts
Sunsave has changed the partial settlement terms on Sunsave Plus solar subscription contracts signed from 15th May 2026, with earlier contracts keeping different arrangements.
Brighton & Hove cabinet approves citywide smoke control area
Brighton & Hove's cabinet has approved a single citywide smoke control area to replace five existing zones, with resident communications planned for autumn 2026 ahead of the winter heating season.
House of Commons Library publishes home energy support briefing
The House of Commons Library published a briefing on 13 May 2026 setting out the financial support available across the UK for home energy efficiency, heating and renewable energy.
Baxi launches new range of wireless heating controls led by AmbiZen Smart Control
Baxi has introduced a wireless heating control range compatible with its air source heat pumps, boilers and cylinders, led by the AmbiZen Smart Control with app-based scheduling and energy monitoring.
Community Energy Scotland publishes guide to energy monitoring in the home
Community Energy Scotland has published a leaflet explaining home energy monitoring, released as part of its Rural Energy Hubs project, covering meters, displays, apps and smart plugs.
BUS Extension summary business case published
The government has published the summary business case supporting investment in extending the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to 2029/30, meeting a transparency requirement introduced in June 2025.
Ofgem publishes WHD annual report for scheme year 14
Ofgem's annual report on the Warm Home Discount shows suppliers spent £595.2 million in scheme year 14 and issued 3.41 million rebates of £150 to households in or at risk of fuel poverty.
Call for input on energy price cap technical approach to MHHS closes
Ofgem's call for input on adapting the energy price cap's wholesale allowance to Market Wide Half-Hourly Settlement closed on 6 May 2026, after responses were requested by 5 May.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem consultation on price cap technical approach to MHHS
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem it supports keeping a single-rate price cap alongside a time-of-use variant, but opposes moving all default consumers onto default time-of-use tariffs.
Rules and RegulationEnergy Bills and the Price CapEnergy Suppliers
Product safety report published for Easee One EV Charger Backplate BP-AP-1/s01-01
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has published a product safety report on Easee One EV charger backplates sold in the UK between late September 2025 and 3 February 2026 with an incorrect terminal label.