Rules and Regulation news
Are the rules on heat pumps, solar panels or insulation changing? Has the government confirmed new energy efficiency standards for rented homes, or changed what you can install without planning permission? Which consultations are open, and what do the latest building regulations mean for you?
Every rules and regulation story we have reported, newest first: planning, building standards, consultations and legal changes. Each one links to our guides on what it means for you.
- November 2026
Ofgem energy price cap rises to £1,723 annually for typical dual-fuel Direct Debit households
Ofgem's energy price cap rose 4% on 1 October 2026 to £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit, a £60 increase, as Consumer Scotland and Energy UK warn of winter affordability pressure.
Ofgem opens investigation into ScottishPower backbilling and debt recovery practices
Ofgem has opened an investigation into whether ScottishPower met licence conditions on backbilling, support for vulnerable customers, ability to pay and fair treatment of domestic customers.
Energy Independence Bill introduced to Parliament
The government introduced the Energy Independence Bill to Parliament on 4 November 2026, setting out measures on gas standing charges, consumer protection, rented home efficiency and community stakes in renewable projects.
Publication of analysis of the impact of government energy support on household incomes in England
HM Treasury analysis published on 3 November 2026 estimates that government household energy support will be worth around £160 on average to households in England in 2026-27, with the lowest earners gaining most.
British Gas resumes force-fitting prepayment meters after Ofgem lifts four-year block
Ofgem has lifted a block imposed in February 2023 that stopped British Gas seeking warrants to force-fit prepayment meters, months after the supplier paid a settlement of more than £100m over the scandal.
- October 2026
Government issues Council tax information letter 6/2026 on Household Energy Payment 2027
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has written to councils in England with initial information on the Household Energy Payment 2027 and the next steps for delivering it.
Fuel duty frozen for 16th year and 5p cut extended
Chancellor John Healey's budget on 28 October 2026 froze fuel duty for a 16th year and extended the temporary 5p per litre cut to July 2027, alongside a £100 household energy payment and the removal of gas standing charges.
Ofgem opens call for input on prepayment meter protections
Ofgem has opened a call for input on the rules suppliers must follow when installing prepayment meters to recover debt without a customer's agreement, with responses due by 23 December 2026.
Ofgem opens consultation on moving home process guidance
Ofgem has opened a consultation on proposed guidance for domestic energy suppliers on supporting customers through home moves, including when a smart meter can be switched remotely to smart pay as you go mode.
Ofgem publishes phase 1 process evaluation of involuntary PPM rules
Ofgem's phase 1 process evaluation of the involuntary prepayment meter rules finds a 36% fall in severe self-disconnection and stronger protections, alongside supplier implementation problems and elevated household debt.
Warm Homes Loan Scheme factsheet published with ten initial lenders
DESNZ has published the factsheet for its Warm Homes Loan Scheme, naming ten initial lenders and setting maximum loan sizes for heat pumps, solar panels, batteries and other clean energy technology.
Autumn Budget 2026 announces Household Energy Payment, gas standing charge removal and Debt Relief Scheme
The Autumn Budget 2026 announced a £100 payment for eligible English households, asked Ofgem to remove gas standing charges from 2027, and set out debt relief for vulnerable households.
Coalition publishes reform package claiming 20% electricity bill cut by 2030
The Electricity Bills Taskforce, a coalition of suppliers, business groups, consumer advocates, academics and charities, has published eight reforms it estimates would cut household and business electricity bills by about 20% by 2030.
E3G publishes report recommending 8 Essential Actions to lower GB electricity bills by 20% by 2030
E3G has published a report setting out eight actions it says could cut Great Britain's household and business electricity bills by about 20% by 2030, backed by 20 organisations.
Government publishes policy paper on spray foam remediation, removal and lending
The government has published guidance on spray foam insulation remediation, removal and lending, saying it is working with lenders so homeowners with the foam can access finance options.
Consultation opens on amending building regulations for EV charging infrastructure
The Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have opened a consultation on extending Part S EV charge point requirements to covered car parks and reviewing the £3,600 installation cost cap.
Government launches two consultations on home charging changes
The government has opened two consultations on home charging, covering a clearer route for tenants and leaseholders to install charge points and updated building regulations for covered car parks.
CSE responds to Smart Data Repository consultation
The Centre for Sustainable Energy has backed government plans for a Smart Data Repository holding household energy use data, while calling for consumer groups to sit in its governance and for success to be judged on consumer outcomes.
Ofgem figures show £172 million in backbilling charges written off in 2024
Ofgem figures for 2024 show suppliers wrote off more than £172 million in charges for almost one million customers under backbilling protections, with around 11 million bills issued at least a month late.
Ofgem launches consultation on switching on the Market Stabilisation Charge
Ofgem has opened a consultation on switching on the Market Stabilisation Charge as soon as November 2026, a mechanism that would make suppliers compensate rivals when customers switch after wholesale prices fall.
Government publishes response to CMA heating oil market study
The government has accepted the Competition and Markets Authority's recommendation to regulate the heating oil market for the first time, promising stronger consumer protections for households.
MCS launches four-week consultation on new Battery Storage Product Standard
MCS has opened a four-week consultation on its draft Battery Storage Product Standard, MCS 042, with comments due by 11:59pm on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
Ofgem opens call for input on updating the price cap time-of-use methodology
Ofgem has opened a call for input on updating the time-of-use methodology in the energy price cap, with responses due by 20 November 2026.
Scottish Government publishes heat in buildings strategy progress update
The Scottish Government has published a progress update on its heat in buildings strategy, marking 50,000 households supported through Warmer Homes Scotland and a promised social landlord standard in 2027.
- September 2026
Government announces devolution of Warm Homes Plan
The Energy Secretary has announced that the Warm Homes Plan, the government's £15 billion home upgrade funding pot, will be devolved to Mayors and local authorities under a new Great Home Upgrade programme.
OFTEC responds to consumer protection consultation for home upgrade schemes
OFTEC has told a government consultation that consumer protections for home heating work should cover every household, not only government funded jobs, and that competent person scheme registration should be mandatory.
Government announces £90 million for new and upgraded heat networks
The government has announced £90 million for new and upgraded heat networks, including £41 million for a River Thames project intended to supply 650,000 homes with clean heat.
Coalition sets out seven-point winter rescue plan for the Chancellor's Budget
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has sent the Chancellor a seven-point Budget submission centred on writing off energy crisis arrears, as gas unit rates are forecast to double by January 2027.
More than 120 organisations call for levies to be moved off electricity bills
More than 120 organisations, coordinated by Energy UK and the Electricity Bills Taskforce, have written to the Chancellor urging that levies be moved off electricity bills and onto general taxation before the Autumn Budget.
Consumer Scotland publishes response to UK Government consultation on consumer protection for home upgrade schemes
Consumer Scotland has told a UK Government consultation it supports plans to reform consumer protection for home upgrade schemes, while seeking clarity on how a new service would work alongside Scottish programmes.