Rules and Regulation news from 2022
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- December 2022
Default tariff (price cap) factsheet withdrawn
The government withdrew its Energy Security Bill factsheet on the default tariff price cap on 29 December 2022, after removing the Energy Price Cap measure from the Bill.
Christmas prepayment compulsion ban period begins
Electricity and gas suppliers in Northern Ireland have begun a Christmas period during which they will not compel customers in debt onto a prepayment meter unless the customer asks for it.
IM 009 approved as a substantial innovation measure
Ofgem has published that the standard uplift innovation measure IM 009 was approved as a substantial innovation measure on 16 December 2022, following an application under the scheme's technical approval process.
MPs debate prepayment meter self-disconnection and call for a ban
MPs debated self-disconnection of prepayment meters in the Commons on 15 December 2022 and agreed a motion urging the Government to outlaw the practice and halt forced switches.
Ofgem criticised over continued remote switching to prepayment
MPs have criticised Ofgem for failing to act on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode, six weeks after the regulator called the practice unacceptable.
BEIS opens consultation on the design of the ECO+ scheme for 2023 to 2026
BEIS opened a consultation on 6 December 2022 on the design of the ECO+ energy efficiency scheme for 2023 to 2026, a £1bn programme aimed at households outside existing fuel poverty support.
Investigation reveals almost 500,000 court warrants for forced PPM installations since end of lockdown
An investigation for the i paper found energy firms secured almost 500,000 court warrants to install prepayment meters in the homes of customers in debt since the end of lockdown.
Autumn Statement reinstates triple lock and extends Energy Price Guarantee
The Chancellor reinstated the triple lock, uprated benefits in line with inflation and extended the Energy Price Guarantee for a further 12 months at a higher price, Age UK has reported.
Building Regulations uplift requires EV chargepoints in new homes and buildings
The December 2022 uplift in Building Regulations requires electric vehicle charge points in all new homes and buildings in the UK, and smart functionality in every charge point installed from then on.
Charities and consumer groups write joint letter to energy firms on prepayment customer access to support
Five consumer and anti-poverty organisations wrote jointly to energy suppliers in December 2022 demanding immediate action so traditional prepayment meter customers could access government bill support.
Directions No. 1 issued for Northern Ireland energy suppliers
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero issued Directions No. 1 under the Energy Prices Act 2022, requiring Northern Ireland domestic suppliers to seek agreement before changing tariffs on any day other than the first of a quarter.
Energy Ombudsman launches dispute resolution scheme for energy broker market
The Energy Ombudsman launched a dispute resolution scheme for the energy broker market in December 2022, extending its remit to microbusiness consumers who use brokers.
Final decision on 20 per cent hydrogen grid blending by end of next year
The government has said it will decide by the end of 2023 whether to blend up to 20 per cent hydrogen into the natural gas grid, under the British Energy Security Strategy.
Government report finds hydrogen's role in home heating likely limited
A December 2022 government report concluded that hydrogen's role in home heating looks likely to be limited rather than widespread, and that its deployment is unlikely to prove economically viable by the 2026 decision point.
MCS appointed The IAA as a new contractor certification body
MCS has appointed The IAA as a new contractor certification body, the first new-to-scheme certifier in over 10 years, covering heat pumps, solar PV and solar heating.
Ministers commit to a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard
Scottish Ministers have opened a second consultation on a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard, setting proposed energy and environmental targets and moving implementation to Autumn 2029.
Phase out of Russian oil and coal use committed by end of 2022
The government's British Energy Security Strategy commits to phasing out Russian oil and coal by the end of 2022, with Russian LNG imports to end as soon as possible afterwards.
Pre-payment meter crisis hits smart meter customers, new data shows
Freedom of Information data shows 48,062 smart meters were switched to prepayment mode for debt in the first half of 2022, more than in the whole of 2021.
Renewable Heat Incentive ended
The Renewable Heat Incentive closed in 2022 and was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which pays a one-off grant towards the upfront cost of a heat pump in England and Wales.
Scotland tightens building regulations emissions requirements
Updated Scottish building regulations took effect from 1 December 2022, requiring new homes to cut carbon emissions by 32 per cent and new non-domestic buildings by 20 per cent against previous standards.
Solar Energy UK publishes The Value of New Build Solar report calling for mandatory solar on new homes
Solar Energy UK has published The Value of New Build Solar, modelling bill and carbon savings across four UK case studies and calling for mandatory solar on new homes in England, Scotland and Wales.
WHD to split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes from SY12
Ofgem's annual Warm Home Discount report confirms that from Scheme Year 12 the scheme will split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes, with the supplier threshold cut.
- November 2022
Ofgem publishes outcomes of review of Severe Weather Compensation Arrangements
Ofgem has published the outcomes of its review of the Guaranteed Standards of Performance for Severe Weather, the review it committed to as Action 19 of the Storm Arwen Report.
Ofgem opens statutory consultations on supplier financial resilience measures
Ofgem opened statutory consultations on 25 November 2022 covering new capital adequacy requirements, ringfencing of Renewables Obligation balances and powers to direct ringfencing of credit balances.
Ofgem publishes Default Tariff Cap level for 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023
Ofgem has published the Default Tariff Cap level for 1 January to 31 March 2023, raising the dual fuel direct debit cap by 21 per cent to £4,279.
The 2022 amendments take effect
Wales has brought its 2022 energy efficiency, ventilation and overheating amendments into force, with new Approved Documents L, F and O applying to building work from 23 November 2022.
Approved Document L Volume 1 takes effect in Wales
The 2022 edition of Approved Document L Volume 1, setting energy efficiency guidance for dwellings in Wales, takes effect on 23 November 2022, with transitional arrangements running to November 2023.
New Approved Documents take effect
New Welsh building regulations covering energy efficiency, ventilation and overheating took effect on 23 November 2022, replacing Approved Documents L1A, L1B and parts of F for dwellings in Wales.
Pre-payment Meters (Self-disconnection) Bill receives First Reading
Anne McLaughlin's Ten Minute Rule Bill on prepayment meter self-disconnection received its First Reading on 19 October 2022, seeking a grace period before disconnection and debt management support.
Trickle vent rules take effect in Wales
Changes to Approved Document F requiring trickle vents in the majority of replacement windows and doors came into effect in Wales on 23 November 2022, five months after the same rules began in England.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem review into support for vulnerable customers
Citizens Advice has called on energy suppliers to do everything in their power to identify and support struggling customers, after Ofgem's review into support for vulnerable customers.
Ofgem completes Market Compliance Review of supplier support for vulnerable customers
Ofgem has completed a Market Compliance Review of how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, rating all suppliers into three groups and requiring improvement plans from every one.
CIPHE responds to Autumn Statement 2022 warning on fuel poverty
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has called the 2022 Autumn Statement a first step, warning that more immediate action is needed to reduce the threat of fuel poverty for struggling households.
Autumn Statement announces £6 billion extra energy efficiency funding from 2025
The Chancellor has announced a further £6 billion of energy efficiency funding from 2025, doubling annual investment, alongside an ambition to cut energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030.
Grand Committee considers Energy Prices (Domestic Supply) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022
The House of Lords Grand Committee agreed regulations defining domestic electricity and gas supply in Northern Ireland, so the energy price guarantee scheme can apply there.
Ofgem writes to suppliers on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode
Ofgem wrote to energy suppliers in November 2022 setting out their licence obligations when remotely switching smart meters to prepayment mode, citing concern over the practice.
Committee publishes Twenty-Fifth Report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts published its Twenty-Fifth Report on the regulation of energy suppliers on 13 November 2022, with the Government response following in February 2023.
Public Accounts Committee publishes report on regulation of energy suppliers
The Committee of Public Accounts has found that Ofgem's regulation of energy suppliers failed, leaving billpayers to cover £2.7 billion in costs from 29 supplier failures since July 2021.
Minister for Climate Change sets out proposals to improve energy efficiency of all Welsh homes
The Welsh Government set out proposals on 8 November 2022 to improve the energy efficiency of all Welsh homes, delivered in two parts under a fabric first, worst first and low carbon approach.
Citizens Advice publishes report on digital disadvantage and exclusion in the energy market
Citizens Advice has published a report finding that digitally disadvantaged households face a higher risk of loyalty penalties in the energy market while the offline services they depend on are getting worse.
Ofgem approval preceded the DFS launch
Ofgem approved the Demand Flexibility Service on 4 November 2022, the date the National Energy System Operator now gives for the launch of the scheme that pays homes to cut peak electricity use.
NEA publishes response to Ofwat charging rules and tariff innovation consultations
NEA has published its response to two Ofwat consultations on charging rules and tariff innovation, setting out 14 recommendations covering customer safeguards, licence alignment and co-design.
Autumn Statement announces new approach to consumer protection from April 2024
The government said in the November 2022 autumn statement that it would take a new approach to consumer protection from April 2024, working with consumer groups and industry on options including social tariffs.
Building Regulations changes on thermostatic room controls apply in Wales from November 2022
Changes to the Building Regulations requiring thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced in an existing dwelling apply in Wales from November 2022, five months after England.
CfD Allocation Round 4 secures 11GW of new wind and solar at record low offshore wind prices
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit finds the gas crisis will add £4,400 to the average household energy bill by April 2024, as Contracts for Difference auctions secure 11GW of new wind and solar.
Chancellor announces additional £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025
The Chancellor's autumn statement added £6bn for energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, doubling annual government investment, with a new taskforce to deliver a 15% cut in consumption.
Equality impact assessment published for Winter Heating Payment (Low Income) (Scotland) Regulations 2023
The Scottish Government has published an equality impact assessment for its £50 Winter Heating Payment, which replaces Cold Weather Payments and will reach around 400,000 people from February 2023.
Government announces public information campaign to cut energy use by 15% this winter
The government has announced a public information campaign aimed at helping households and businesses cut their energy use by 15 per cent over the winter of 2022.
Government commits to consultation on targeted bill support
Energy UK says the Government has still not held the consultation on targeted bill support it promised in the 2022 Autumn statement, as fuel poverty and customer debt remain far above pre-crisis levels.
Ofgem opens consultation proposing MSC and BAT extension to March 2024
Ofgem has opened a consultation proposing that the Market Stabilisation Charge and the Ban on Acquisition-Only Tariffs run until March 2024, a year beyond the end date already decided.
Ofgem publishes open letter accepting review recommendations
Ofgem has accepted the recommendations of its review into severe weather compensation, proposing higher payments, a larger cap and faster payment intervals for households left without power.
Ofgem writes to suppliers on remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode
Ofgem has written to energy suppliers telling them to review their obligations and processes on switching smart meters to prepayment mode remotely, after a review found failings across the market.
OPSS intervenes over carbon monoxide risk in Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers
The Office for Product Safety and Standards intervened in November 2022 to have more than 66,000 Belling, New World and Stoves gas cookers updated over a carbon monoxide risk.
Part L compliance date for heating controls takes effect in Wales
BEAMA guidance confirms that Part L of the Building Regulations applies to heating controls installed with gas or oil boilers in Wales from November 2022, five months after the English date.
Scheme consulted on under the name ECO+
The government consulted on the policy proposals that became the Great British Insulation Scheme under the name ECO+ in November 2022, with Ofgem later named as intended administrator.
- October 2022
Which? warns hundreds of thousands of prepayment meter customers could miss government support
Which? has warned that hundreds of thousands of prepayment meter customers may miss government energy support, and called on suppliers to make sure the discount reaches them.
Ofgem price cap calculations move to quarterly
Energy UK has confirmed that Ofgem now recalculates the price cap every three months rather than every six, so sustained falls in gas prices reach household bills sooner.
Energy Price Guarantee ministerial direction page first published
The government published the ministerial direction letters authorising the Energy Price Guarantee on 25 October 2022, setting out the formal instructions behind support for domestic energy consumers.
Energy Prices Act 2022 amendments to the tariff cap Act in force
Amendments made by the Energy Prices Act 2022 to the Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Act 2018 came into force on 25 October 2022, adding a public spending consideration, a post-review statement duty and a 25 working day rule.
Energy Prices Act 2022 receives Royal Assent
The Energy Prices Act 2022 became law on 25 October 2022, giving ministers powers to run price reduction schemes for household electricity and gas in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Consultation on the New Build Heat Standard closes
The Scottish Government's consultation on its New Build Heat Standard closed on 20 October 2022 with 112 responses, most of them from organisations rather than individuals.
Energy Costs (Pre-payment Meters and Social Tariffs) Bill receives First Reading
Kenny MacAskill's Ten Minute Rule Bill on prepayment meters and social tariffs had its First Reading on 19 October 2022, seeking to end higher standing charges for prepayment customers.
Energy Prices Bill brought from the House of Commons with Explanatory Notes published
BEIS published Explanatory Notes for the Energy Prices Bill on 18 October 2022, setting out how the Energy Price Guarantee, the Energy Bills Support Scheme and relief for businesses will work.
Energy Prices Bill explanatory notes printed by House of Lords
Explanatory notes to the Energy Prices Bill, brought from the Commons on 18 October 2022, set out the Energy Price Guarantee, the Energy Bills Support Scheme and payments for homes off the gas grid.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announces EPG duration reduction
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt cut the Energy Price Guarantee's duration from two years to six months on 17 October 2022, meaning the scheme that capped typical household bills at £2,500 would end in April 2023.
Chancellor statement sets end date for energy support schemes
The Chancellor's 17 October statement confirmed the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bills Support Scheme and Energy Bill Relief Scheme end in their current form on 31 March 2023, pending a review.
Commons passes Money and Ways and Means resolutions for the Bill
The House of Commons passed Money and Ways and Means resolutions on 17 October 2022, giving parliamentary approval for spending and revenue raising under the Energy Prices Bill.
CREDS publishes Green uplift report on fuel and transport poverty
CREDS and Green Alliance have published a report recommending sales mandates for heat pumps and zero emissions vehicles, EPC band C by 2028 and cheaper electricity to cut fuel and transport poverty.
Energy Prices Bill introduced in Parliament
The Energy Prices Bill was introduced in Parliament on 12 October 2022 to put the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bill Relief Scheme and related winter payments on a legal footing.
Citizens Advice published its response to the REMA consultation
Citizens Advice has told the government's Review of Electricity Market Arrangements that consumer interests must be built into reform from the start, warning that poor design could leave vulnerable households worse off.
ECO4 Delivery Guidance version 1.0 published
Ofgem published version 1.0 of the ECO4 Delivery Guidance and Measures Table on 11 and 14 October 2022, setting the eligibility, project and evidence rules for the scheme's first year.
MCS published consultation on solar PV product standards
MCS has opened a one-month consultation on proposed updates to its Solar PV and Bespoke Building Integrated PV product standards, with comments due by midday on 7 November 2022.
Ofgem opens consultation on wholesale additional risk allowance index approach
Ofgem has opened a consultation on how the wholesale additional risk allowance is calculated for the January to March 2023 cap period, with responses due by 24 October 2022.
Review of Electricity Market Arrangements consultation closes
The Government's consultation on electricity market arrangements, which included how the cost of electricity is set, closed on 10 October 2022, with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition calling for reform.
CfD portfolio to start reducing consumer bills from October
Contracts for difference are set to turn negative from October, meaning low-carbon generators pay money back when electricity prices are very high, reducing consumer energy costs.
Chancellor announces Treasury review into energy support
In October 2022 the Chancellor announced a Treasury-led review into energy support, as disability charity Scope reported a sharp rise in demand for its energy and cost of living services.
CO alarm requirement for landlords in England took effect
From 1 October 2022 landlords in England must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any living accommodation room containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Energy Price Guarantee begins for domestic consumers
The Energy Price Guarantee took effect on 1 October 2022, capping the unit cost of gas and electricity so that a typical UK household pays around £2,500 a year for two years.
GBP2,500 price freeze reported to take effect with fuel poverty still affecting millions
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates 16.4 million people in 6.9 million UK households will remain in fuel poverty in winter 2022/23 even under a reported GBP2,500 price freeze.
UK government announces target to cut energy use from buildings by 15% by 2030
The UK government has set a target to cut energy use from buildings by 15 per cent by 2030 against 2021 levels, alongside its existing aim for homes to reach EPC C.
Government decides to go ahead with doubling the ECO scheme
The Government has decided to double the Energy Company Obligation, an industry-designed scheme, as analysis shows poorly insulated homes cost about £1,000 a year more to heat than band C homes.
Octopus Energy takes over Bulb customers
Bulb's customers were moved to Octopus Energy in October 2022 under Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort process, ending the largest supplier failure of the energy crisis.
Ofgem publishes ECO4 delivery guidance
Ofgem has published version 1 of its ECO4 delivery guidance, setting out the minimum requirements, exemptions, scoring rules and scheme interactions that govern how energy suppliers deliver the obligation.
Policy costs removed from energy bills from October 2022
Social and Environmental Obligations were removed from household energy bills from October 2022, with the Chancellor funding the schemes through taxation instead of charging billpayers.
Price cap forecast raised to around £3,000 due to Ukraine conflict
Forecasts for the October 2022 energy price cap rose from £2,400 to around £3,000 after the conflict in Ukraine pushed up global gas prices, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said.
Public spending impact added to cap statutory factors
Ofgem has confirmed that since October 2022 it must consider the effect of the energy price cap on public spending when setting the cap level.
RPSA and PCA spray foam guidance withdrawn for review
Industry guidance on spray foam insulation published by the RPSA and PCA in November 2021 was withdrawn in October 2022 pending a full review, leaving surveyors and lenders without a shared framework.
- September 2022
Citizens Advice calls for winter moratorium on prepayment meter installations
Citizens Advice has called for a winter moratorium until April 2023 on moving customers to prepayment meters under warrant and on switching smart meters to prepay to recover debt.
Ofgem publishes good practice for supporting customers in payment difficulty
Ofgem has published examples of good practice for energy suppliers supporting customers in payment difficulty, saying it wants to raise standards across the consumer debt journey.
Energy Bills Support Scheme ministerial direction published
The government has published the ministerial direction that puts the Energy Bills Support Scheme on a legal footing, requiring domestic electricity suppliers to pay the £400 discount to eligible households.
Energy Markets Financing Scheme announced jointly by HM Treasury and Bank of England
HM Treasury and the Bank of England have announced a joint Energy Markets Financing Scheme to address liquidity requirements faced by energy firms in UK wholesale gas and electricity markets, designed as a last resort.
Government announces lifting of moratorium on UK shale gas production
The government has lifted the moratorium on UK shale gas production and set out a two-year Energy Price Guarantee limiting a typical household bill to £2,500 a year from 1 October.
Government announces two-year Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 for typical household from 1 October 2022
The government has announced an Energy Price Guarantee limiting a typical UK household to £2,500 a year for two years from 1 October 2022, superseding the energy price cap.
Liz Truss announces energy support package
Liz Truss has announced an energy support package setting the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 a year for the average Great Britain home, capping business costs for six months and lifting the fracking ban.
Liz Truss appointed Prime Minister with 57.4% of the vote
Liz Truss has been appointed Prime Minister with 57.4% of the vote, and the National Insulation Association has summarised her stated positions on decarbonisation, net zero and the cost of living.
E3G publishes recommendations for UK emergency energy response
E3G has published a briefing urging emergency financial support, £5bn of energy efficiency investment, energy market reform and green finance regulatory reform in response to rising UK energy bills.
ASC provision increased considerably since the beginning of the gas crisis
Ofgem has reported that monthly provision of Additional Support Credit to vulnerable prepayment customers rose from around £4m before September 2022 to between £8m and £18m a month.
Citizens Advice published Out of the cold calling for a winter moratorium on forced prepayment meter installation
Citizens Advice has called for a winter moratorium on the forced installation of prepayment meters, warning that millions of households are disconnecting because they cannot afford to top up.
Green levies to be moved from bills to general taxation
Liz Truss confirmed that green levies which partly pay for insulating poorer homes will move off household energy bills and onto general taxation, a change backed by NGOs and the energy industry.
Mini-Budget announces £1bn ECO expansion from April 2023
The Chancellor's Plan for Growth adds £1bn to the Energy Company Obligation over three years from April 2023, targeted at vulnerable households in the least efficient homes.
Mini-Budget ends effective ban on onshore wind in England
The Chancellor's mini-Budget of September 2022 ended the effective ban on building onshore wind in England and added GBP1bn to a scheme that installs energy saving measures in fuel poor homes.
Revised electricity storage requirements came into effect
Revised technical and compliance requirements for electricity storage in EREC G98 and G99 took effect from September 2022, aligning storage with other generating units on Great Britain's distribution networks.
Warm This Winter petition passes 110,000 signatures shortly after launch
The Warm This Winter petition passed 110,000 signatures within days of launching, as the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimated 12 million UK households would face fuel poverty this winter.
- August 2022
JRF publishes energy price analysis of August 2022 price cap and Cornwall Insight forecasts
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a briefing on the August 2022 Ofgem price cap and new Cornwall Insight forecasts, warning that low-income households face severe financial harm.
Ofgem publishes default tariff cap levels for cap period 9a
Ofgem has set the default tariff cap for 1 October to 31 December 2022 at £3,549 a year for a typical dual fuel direct debit household, an increase of 80 per cent.
Period 9a cap level announced with separated additional risk allowance approach
Ofgem has set out how it split the wholesale additional risk allowance into two parts for the October to December 2022 price cap, to prevent suppliers recovering more than the efficient cost of hedging.
Resolution Foundation publishes report on policy options for soaring energy prices
The Resolution Foundation has published a report setting out policy options for soaring energy prices, proposing either a social tariff for poorer households or universal price cuts recouped through income tax.
Nesta calls for COVID-style government response to cut household gas use 20% by next winter
Nesta has urged the government to set a target of cutting household energy demand by 20% by next winter, through boiler settings, smart thermostats and insulation.
Resolution Foundation calls on politicians to promote energy demand reduction ahead of winter crisis
The Resolution Foundation has urged UK political leaders to promote household energy demand reduction, citing French and Dutch guidance, alongside existing bill support measures, ahead of a winter crisis.
Scottish Government publishes analysis of domestic EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to a 2021 consultation on reforming domestic Energy Performance Certificates, with broad support for new ratings on cost, carbon and energy use.
Updated IWI moisture guidance distributed by TrustMark at BEIS request
Guidance clarifying that moisture-closed internal wall insulation is not prohibited on solid walls has been released by Dr Sarah Price and distributed by TrustMark at the request of BEIS.
Ofgem decides against moving supplier failure costs out of standing charges
Ofgem has decided not to move the costs of supplier failures out of electricity standing charges and onto unit prices, saying high energy users including disabled and elderly consumers would be unfairly disadvantaged.
Which? responds to Ofgem decision to continue recovering supplier failure costs via standing charge
Which? has responded to Ofgem's decision to keep recovering the costs of supplier failures through the standing charge, calling for an urgent review of how bills can be made fairer.
OPSS issues safety warning on gas grills in GDHA range cookers
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has warned that using the gas grill with the door closed on certain Belling, Stoves and New World range cookers can build up dangerous carbon monoxide.
Ofgem moves default tariff cap to quarterly updates
Ofgem confirmed in August 2022 that the default tariff cap would be updated every three months instead of every six, changing how often household energy prices are reviewed.
Government decides not to double ECO scheme
The Government decided not to double the Energy Company Obligation, an industry-developed proposal, as analysis showed poorly insulated homes facing gas bills almost £1,000 higher than band C homes.
Ofgem decides to extend MSC and BAT until March 2023
Ofgem has decided to extend the Market Stabilisation Charge and the Ban on Acquisition-Only Tariffs until March 2023, with a further consultation proposing an extension to March 2024.
Ofgem decides not to apply proposed offsets against the unexpected SVT demand adjustment
Ofgem has confirmed a £41 per customer cap adjustment for unexpected standard variable tariff demand from 1 October 2022, and declined to offset it against other allowances.
Ofgem decides to use a lower quartile benchmark for unexpected SVT demand costs in the default tariff cap
Ofgem has decided to add £41 to the default tariff cap for typical dual fuel non-prepayment customers from 1 October 2022, using a lower quartile benchmark for unexpected standard variable tariff demand costs.
- July 2022
Government response to EBSS technical consultation published
The government has published its response to the Energy Bills Support Scheme consultation, confirming £400 per household in six instalments from October 2022.
Scottish Government launches New Building Heat Standard Part II consultation
The Scottish Government has opened a 12 week consultation on plans to stop direct emissions heating systems being installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024.
New Build Heat Standard Part 2 consultation opens
The Scottish Government opened a second consultation on its New Build Heat Standard on 28 July 2022, setting out plans to ban direct emissions heating systems in new buildings from 2024.
BEIS Committee publishes report on energy pricing and the future of the energy market
The BEIS Committee has published a report on energy pricing and the future of the energy market, calling for regulatory reform of Ofgem, a social tariff and a home insulation programme.
Which? responds to concerns that support on energy bills is outdated
Which? has called on Ofgem to penalise underperforming energy suppliers and to work with government and suppliers on targeted bill support, saying customers are struggling to understand bills and pricing.
OPSS safety notice issued for Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers with gas grills
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a safety notice covering 127 Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers, requiring their withdrawal from the market over carbon monoxide risk when grills are used with the door closed.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer guidance published
Ofgem has published version 1.0 of its installer guidance for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, setting out eligibility rules, grant values and the voucher process for MCS certified installers in England and Wales.
NEA publishes response to Ofgem retail financial resilience and Direct Debit consultation
The National Energy Action charity has told Ofgem that proposed financial resilience rules for suppliers should only go ahead if they do not push up the price cap, while backing stronger Direct Debit rules.
High Court found the Net Zero Strategy unlawful
The English High Court ruled in July 2022 that the government's 2021 Net Zero Strategy was unlawful and inadequate for meeting the UK's legally binding 2050 emissions target.
JRF publishes energy price analysis of July 2022 price cap
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a briefing on the July 2022 Ofgem price cap and new Cornwall Insight forecasts, setting out what low and middle income families are expected to spend on gas and electricity.
CREDS publishes report on distributional effects of net-zero pathways
CREDS research finds that all modelled net-zero pathways hit vulnerable UK households hardest on energy and motor fuel costs, with low-income groups spending over twice the share of income that high earners do.
Grand Committee considers the Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022
The House of Lords Grand Committee approved the draft Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022 on 12 July 2022, extending and expanding the ECO4 scheme in Great Britain until March 2026.
Ofgem CEO tells MPs October cap rise will exceed previous prediction
Ofgem's chief executive told MPs the October price cap will rise by more than the £800 previously predicted, as forecasters put winter bills near £3,300.
Citizens Advice publishes research on consumer impact of energy supplier failures
Citizens Advice research published on 10 July 2022 finds 28 energy supplier failures since August 2021 affected over 4 million customers and calls for reform of failure and Special Administration processes.
Ofgem launches review of arrangements for recovering the costs of supplier failure
Ofgem has closed its review of how the costs of supplier failure are recovered, deciding to keep the existing methodology rather than move recovery onto unit rates.
UK renewables auction secures 11 GW at record low prices
The UK's seventh contracts for difference auction on 7 July 2022 secured 11 GW of renewable capacity at the lowest wind and solar prices recorded, according to the energy think tank Ember.
Energy Bill [HL] 2022-23 introduced in the House of Lords
The Energy Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 6 July 2022, with measures on heat networks, smart appliances, building energy performance and business energy audits.
Ofgem published ECO4 New Measures and Products draft guidance
Ofgem has published draft guidance for comment on how it will administer the new measures and products routes under ECO4, with responses due by 18 July 2022.
BEIS publishes Energy Bill summary impact assessment
BEIS has published a July 2022 summary impact assessment for the Energy Bill, setting out net present values, business costs and consumer bill impacts across 30 measures.
ECO4 policy guidance published
The government published policy guidance for the Energy Company Obligation 2022 to 2026 in July 2022, setting out how suppliers, manufacturers and installers can apply for innovation and alternative measure routes.
Government launches GOV.UK digital energy advice service
The government launched a digital service on GOV.UK in summer 2022 to help householders find ways to save energy in their homes, according to a later review of retrofit barriers.
Ofgem announces urgent review of direct debit increases
Ofgem has announced an urgent review into energy direct debits rising faster than the price cap, finding flawed processes and weaknesses in how suppliers set customer payments.
Protected development eligibility period ended
The protected development provision, which kept certain proposals eligible for permitted development rights for a further year, reached its end date of July 2022.
Scottish Government publishes New Build Heat Standard Consultation: Part II
The Scottish Government has opened a second consultation on its New Build Heat Standard, proposing to ban direct emissions heating systems in new buildings applying for a building warrant from 1 April 2024.
- June 2022
Technical Booklet F1 June 2022 edition came into effect
The June 2022 edition of Technical Booklet F1, the guidance on conserving fuel and power in dwellings in Northern Ireland, took effect on 30 June 2022 and replaced the 2012 version.
CCC annual progress report criticises energy efficiency programmes
The Climate Change Committee's annual progress report, published on 29 June 2022, said sharply rising fuel costs should have accelerated home energy efficiency work, but the necessary programmes are not in place.
CCC publishes 2022 Progress Report finding current programmes will not deliver Net Zero
The Climate Change Committee's 2022 Progress Report finds credible plans for only part of the emissions reductions needed, with home energy efficiency singled out as a major delivery gap.
Ofgem publishes RIIO-ED2 Draft Determination for SSEN Distribution
Ofgem has published its Draft Determination on SSEN Distribution's RIIO-ED2 business plan, proposing an 18% increase on its RIIO-ED1 allowances, with a Final Determination due later in 2022.
Ofgem decides CfD cap allowance will be updated quarterly
Ofgem has decided that the Contracts for Difference allowance within the default tariff cap will be updated quarterly, keeping the calculation method unchanged.
Ofgem decides to remove £0/MWh floor from CfD allowance in default tariff cap
Ofgem has decided to remove the £0/MWh floor from the Contract for Difference allowance in the default tariff cap, replacing the published Interim Levy Rate with an expected levy payment from 1 October 2022.
Citizens Advice responds to BEIS consultation on changes to the Energy Bills Support Scheme
Citizens Advice has backed the government's decision to raise the Energy Bills Support Scheme payment to £400 and make it a grant, while warning that prepayment meter customers and those in arrears could miss out.
NAO publishes report on the energy supplier market
The National Audit Office has published a report on the energy supplier market, finding that Ofgem allowed suppliers with weak finances to enter and that consumers bore the cost of 29 failures.
Approved Document F ventilation rules come into force
Building regulations known as Approved Document F took effect on 15 June 2022, requiring extra background ventilation in habitable rooms when more than 30% of a property's windows are replaced.
Approved Document L restructured into two volumes
From 15 June 2022 Approved Document L is restructured into two volumes covering dwellings and other buildings, replacing the four parts L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B in England.
Approved Document S takes effect
Approved Document S, the technical guidance on electric vehicle charge point infrastructure in the Building Regulations, takes effect in England on 15 June 2022.
New Building Regulations parts F, L and O come into force
Revisions to Parts F and L and the new Part O of the Building Regulations took effect on 15 June 2022, cutting carbon emissions in new homes and non-domestic buildings and adding ventilation and overheating rules.
Building Regulations require thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced in England
New building regulations in England from 15 June 2022 require thermostatic room controls, including TRVs, to be added to heating systems when a boiler is replaced.
Changes to Approved Documents F and L take effect and new Approved Documents O and S introduced
Changes to Approved Documents F and L took effect on 15 June 2022, alongside two new documents covering overheating in homes and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Part L uplift and Part O came into effect
The 2021 uplift to Part L of the Building Regulations and the new Part O overheating requirement took effect on 15 June 2022, setting fabric and ventilation standards for new homes in England.
Insulation and GlazingYour Type of HomeCooling and Air Conditioning
New ventilation standards introduced through Approved Document F
Approved Document F, introduced on 15 June 2022, set new Building Regulation ventilation standards and made compliance the explicit responsibility of contractors, sub-contractors and installers.
UK government publishes Storm Arwen action plan ordering network operators to improve storm responses
The UK government has published an action plan ordering electricity distribution network operators to improve storm resilience, communications and compensation after Storm Arwen left around one million households without power.
E3G publishes Home Energy Security Strategy calling for national retrofit mission
E3G has published a Home Energy Security Strategy urging the government to launch a national retrofit mission, warning that 15.3 million households face an inefficiency penalty of £916 a year.
Scottish Government publishes quality assurance policy statement for Heat in Buildings strategy
The Scottish Government has published a quality assurance policy statement for its Heat in Buildings strategy, setting out plans for approved suppliers, retrofit standards, installer skills and enforcement against scams.
Amended building standards for new buildings published
Amended Scottish building standards for new buildings, applying to all building warrants applied for on or after 1 December 2022, were published in June 2022 and include provisions supporting the New Build Heat Standard.
Building Regulations require thermostatic room controls on boiler replacement in England
Building Regulations changes mean each room in an existing English dwelling must have thermostatic room controls when a boiler is replaced, a requirement applying from June 2022.
Climate Change Committee publishes 2022 Progress Report to Parliament warning of major failures in home energy efficiency delivery
The Climate Change Committee's 2022 Progress Report to Parliament identified "major failures in delivery programmes" on home energy efficiency and called for more homes to be insulated.
Energy Advice Service to launch on GOV.UK by summer 2022
The government's British Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022, commits to launching a comprehensive Energy Advice Service on GOV.UK by summer 2022 to help consumers improve their homes' energy performance.
Energy firms made 187,000 PPM warrant applications in six months
Freedom of information requests showed energy firms applied for 187,000 warrants to force households onto prepayment meters in the first six months of 2022, part of 500,000 since lockdown ended.
Government introduces four-year smart meter regulatory framework
The government introduced a four-year regulatory framework with binding targets for suppliers in 2022, as the National Audit Office reports the rollout remains years behind its original completion date.
Guidance updated for Part L 2021 and Part O 2021
The Greater London Authority has updated its energy assessment guidance for planning applications, setting out how London Plan carbon targets apply now that Part L 2021 and Part O 2021 are in force.
Interim Part F and Part L building regulation changes take effect
Interim changes to Parts F and L of the building regulations have applied since June 2022, requiring new homes in England to produce 31 per cent less carbon dioxide than previous standards.
Northern Ireland introduced Phase 1 interim uplift
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance has confirmed that Phase 1 of its building regulations review delivered an interim uplift to energy efficiency standards from June 2022, ahead of further planned phases.
Ofgem confirms CfD allowance methodology from cap period nine onwards
Ofgem has confirmed how the Contracts for Difference allowance inside the default tariff cap will be calculated from cap period nine, removing the £0/MWh floor that stopped negative scheme costs reaching household bills.
Part L compliance date for heating controls takes effect in England
BEAMA guidance confirms that Part L of the Building Regulations applies to heating controls installed with gas or oil boilers in England from June 2022, with Wales following in November 2022.
Part S of the Buildings Regulations comes into force
Statutory guidance requiring at-home electric vehicle charging provision in all new residential buildings in England came into force in June 2022, with further security rules following that December.
Scottish Retrofit Standards Working Group to be set up by Summer 2022
The Scottish Government's May 2022 quality assurance policy statement commits to a Scottish Retrofit Standards Working Group by summer 2022 to oversee PAS 2035/30 standards in Scotland.
Updated ventilation standards enacted
Ventilation standards introduced on 15 June 2022 place explicit responsibility on contractors, sub-contractors and installers to ensure work complies with Part F of the Building Regulations.
- May 2022
Ofgem announces administration of Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Ofgem has taken over administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which opened to applications on 23 May 2022 and offers grants towards heat pumps and biomass boilers in England and Wales.
Chancellor outlines financial support following Commons BEIS Committee appearance
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to Ofgem's chief executive asking for five urgent energy market reforms, citing the Chancellor's 26 May 2022 support announcement that followed his Commons committee appearance.
Government announces cost of living package funded partly by windfall tax
The Chancellor announced a £15bn package of support for households on 26 May 2022, including a £400 energy grant, a £650 payment for means tested benefit claimants and a 25% levy on oil and gas profits.
Government announces energy bills support measures in House of Commons
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the Chancellor listing ten unanswered questions about the energy bills support announced in the House of Commons on 26 May 2022, warning it will not fix fuel poverty.
Ofgem chief tells MPs October price cap likely to rise to about £2,800
Ofgem's chief executive told MPs the household energy price cap is likely to rise to about £2,800 in October, an increase of roughly £800 on the level then in force.
Outcome documents published for Part L review
The Welsh Government has published the summary of responses and final impact assessment from its review of Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations, two years after the consultation closed.
Ofgem opens consultation on possible wholesale cost adjustment to the default tariff cap
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether suppliers face extra efficient wholesale costs beyond the default tariff cap, covering cap periods eight and nine, with responses due by 14 June 2022.
Ofgem publishes statutory consultation on wholesale methodology changes
Ofgem has published a statutory consultation proposing quarterly updates to the energy price cap's wholesale methodology, a change it later confirmed would take effect from October 2022.
LCCC updated its Q2 2022 forecast
Ofgem has confirmed it will remove the £0/MWh floor from the Contracts for Difference allowance in the default tariff cap from 1 October 2022, after recalculating the supplier benefit at £11.44 per customer.
Consultation launched on proposed expansion of Warm Home Discount in Scotland
The UK government has opened a consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount in Scotland, proposing £49 million a year in support, £150 rebates and 50,000 more households.
NEA responds to BEIS consultation on Energy Bills Support scheme
National Energy Action has told BEIS that its Energy Bills Support scheme has significant deficiencies, warning that the poorest households may receive less or no benefit while paying for it.
Oxera publishes review of Ofgem's role in retail market collapse
An Ofgem-commissioned review by consultancy Oxera, published on 3 May 2022, examined the regulator's role in the collapse of 29 Great British energy suppliers between July 2021 and May 2022.
Ecodesign requirements for stoves due to come into force in the UK
Ecodesign emission and efficiency requirements for wood burning stoves are due to come into force in the UK in 2022, with all stoves placed on the market after January 2022 required to comply.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition writes to Chancellor over ten failures in energy bills plans
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the Chancellor listing ten unanswered questions about the Government's 26 May energy bills support and asking for a meeting to discuss them.
Energy Profits Levy introduced on UK oil and gas companies
The government levied an Energy Profits Levy on UK oil and gas companies in May 2022, after record industry profits and rising household energy costs that followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Government announced intention to legislate to extend price cap beyond 2023
The government said in May 2022 that it intended to legislate to allow the default tariff price cap to continue beyond 2023, as the National Audit Office counted 29 supplier failures since July 2021.
Government publishes response to market-based mechanism consultation
The Government has published its response to the consultation on the market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat, a scheme obliging fossil fuel heating manufacturers to meet rising low-carbon sales targets.
Ofgem announces plans for quarterly price cap review
Ofgem has announced plans to move the price cap to a quarterly review, so that changes in wholesale gas and electricity costs, including falls, reach customer bills sooner.
Ofgem consults on wholesale cost adjustment design for cap periods eight and nine
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether suppliers need an extra wholesale cost adjustment in the default tariff cap for periods eight and nine, with a decision due in August 2022.
Sale of traditional house coal banned in England
The sale of traditional house coal has been banned in England since 1 May 2022, under air quality rules that also cover wood moisture and stove emissions.
Scottish government proposes Passivhaus standard for all new-build housing
The Scottish government has proposed that all new-build housing in Scotland meet the Passivhaus standard or a Scottish equivalent, under a Member's Bill lodged in May 2022.
Scottish Government publishes quality assurance policy statement for heat in buildings
The Scottish Government has published a quality assurance policy statement for heat in buildings, setting TrustMark and MCS supplier requirements for its schemes and a timetable of actions through 2022.
Third support package against rising energy prices announced
A GBP 650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for 8 million low-income households formed part of a third support package against rising energy prices announced in May 2022.
Wales published changes to Part L
Wales published changes to Part L, the building regulation covering the conservation of fuel and power, in May 2022, according to a UK government research report updated in December 2022.
- April 2022
Ready to Burn deadline ends for small wood suppliers
Small wood suppliers in England selling under 600 cubic metres a year must meet Ready to Burn certification from 1 May 2022, ending the extra year given to them to prepare.
Product recall issued for the Smart Energy Saver UK
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has required the recall of a plug-in energy saving device sold as the Smart Energy Saver UK after tests found a serious risk of fire and electric shock.
UK Government consulted on clean heating market mandate earlier in 2022
The UK Government consulted earlier in 2022 on a policy to obligate boiler manufacturers to match fossil fuel boiler sales with heat pump installations, Nesta reported on 20 April 2022.
Nesta and BIT publish report assessing the UK Government's boiler manufacturer mandate for heat pumps
Nesta and the Behavioural Insights Team have published a report assessing the UK Government's proposed mandate requiring boiler manufacturers to match fossil fuel boiler sales with heat pump installations.
Ofgem publishes decision on ECO4 scoring methodology consultation
Ofgem has confirmed how ECO4 energy efficiency measures will be scored, keeping intermediate SAP bands, four floor area segments and a 10% correction factor in its final decision.
BEIS to publish proposals on rebalancing energy bill costs in 2022
The government's Energy Security Strategy commits to rebalancing costs on energy bills away from electricity, with BEIS to publish proposals in 2022, alongside VAT-free home energy saving measures for five years.
CCC responds to UK Government's Energy Security Strategy
The Climate Change Committee welcomed the British Energy Security Strategy's offshore wind, nuclear and hydrogen commitments but said the absence of household energy efficiency measures was disappointing.
Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes to new applicants
Ofgem has closed the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive to new applicants after eight years, with existing members continuing to receive payments for up to seven years.
Ofgem publishes decision on BUS administration
Ofgem has set out its final administrative position for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, confirming installer account opening on 11 April 2022 and applications from 23 May 2022.
Technical ZEV mandate consultation opened
The Department for Transport opened a technical consultation on 7 April 2022 on how a zero emission vehicle mandate for new cars and vans should be designed, running until 10 June.
British Energy Security Strategy published with accelerated clean energy targets
The government has published the British Energy Security Strategy, setting higher targets for nuclear, offshore wind, solar and hydrogen and confirming a five-year VAT cut on energy saving materials.
BEIS decides not to apply English Boiler Plus standard across Great Britain under ECO4
BEIS has decided not to make the English Boiler Plus standard a specific requirement throughout Great Britain under ECO4, so installations will follow each nation's building regulations instead.
British Energy Security Strategy published
The British Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022, set out extra support for home energy efficiency, including five years without VAT on energy saving materials.
Civil nuclear deployment ambition raised to up to 24GW by 2050
The government has raised its civil nuclear deployment ambition to up to 24GW by 2050, three times current capacity and up to a quarter of projected electricity demand.
Conservative government launches REMA electricity market review
The Conservative government launched a review of electricity market arrangements in April 2022, with a first consultation that July, examining the rules that set wholesale power prices.
Domestic energy cap rise worsens household energy bills
The Welsh Government extended its Fuel Support Scheme to more than 400,000 low-income households with £90m, citing higher bills worsened by the April domestic energy cap rise.
Electricity standing charges jumped by more than 80% in April 2022
Electricity standing charges under the price cap rose by more than 80% in April 2022, driven mainly by supplier of last resort costs added to network cost allowances.
Energy Security Strategy published with home energy efficiency largely absent
The UK Green Building Council said the government's Energy Security Strategy was "deeply disappointing" on home energy efficiency, with four policy measures announced but no comprehensive plan for upgrading the country's 29 million homes.
Final impact assessment published for Wales Part L, Part F and Part O changes
The Welsh Government has published its final impact assessment for changes to Parts L, F and O of the Building Regulations for residential buildings in Wales.
Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandInsulation and GlazingCooling and Air Conditioning
Four energy efficiency policy elements announced alongside the strategy
Four home energy efficiency measures accompanied the Energy Security Strategy, including an advice service by summer, energy performance standards detail in May, £10m for green finance and a £30m heat pump competition.
UK Government announces energy support package for Great Britain households
The UK Government announced a package of support for almost all households in Great Britain in April 2022, including the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme and an Energy Price Guarantee capping a typical bill at £2,500.
Government commits to 2035 phase-out of new and replacement gas boiler sales
The government has set 2035 as the date by which it intends to phase out the sale of new and replacement gas boilers, in its British Energy Security Strategy.
Government launches REMA programme
The government has launched the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, a programme to reform Great Britain's electricity markets for a secure, low carbon system.
Government renames Energy Bills Discount as the Energy Bills Support Scheme
The Government published an explainer on 1 April 2022 renaming the Energy Bills Discount as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, the £400 grant later paid to households over winter 2022-23.
Government response to ECO4 consultation published
The government published its response to the ECO4 consultation on 1 April 2022, setting the Energy Company Obligation's rules for April 2022 to March 2026 and confirming a £4 billion scheme across Great Britain.
Great Britain introduced a temporary zero rate for energy-saving material installations
From 1 April 2022, Great Britain introduced a temporary zero rate of VAT on installing energy-saving materials in homes, reversed the 2019 restrictions and reinstated wind and water turbines as qualifying materials.
Great Britain reversed the legislative changes
VAT relief on installing energy-saving materials that had been narrowed in 2019 was reinstated in Great Britain from 1 April 2022, with Northern Ireland following on 1 May 2023.
Great British Nuclear Vehicle to be set up this year
The government's British Energy Security Strategy sets out plans to set up a Great British Nuclear Vehicle this year and expand nuclear, hydrogen and renewables capacity.
Group 23 period begins in England, Wales and Scotland
Zero rating for VAT on installing energy-saving materials in homes in England, Wales and Scotland applies to supplies made from 1 April 2022, under a group running to 31 March 2027.
MIS 3005 standards due to come into force
The MCS heat pump standard MIS 3005 splits into separate design and installation standards on 1 April 2022, the same day the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes.
Offshore wind ambition raised to up to 50GW by 2030 including up to 5GW floating
The UK government has raised its offshore wind ambition to up to 50GW by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating wind, in its British Energy Security Strategy.
Ofgem decides to remove the wall type distinction for heating measures in ECO4
Ofgem has confirmed it will remove the wall type distinction for heating measures under ECO4, publishing its final decision on the scheme's scoring methodology in April 2022.
Ofgem decides to split the standard heating control measure in ECO4
Ofgem has decided to split the standard heating control measure in ECO4 into two separate measures, a programmer and room thermostat measure and a TRV measure, in its final scoring methodology decision.
Ofgem introduces pitched roof insulation, hybrid wall insulation and district heating connection measures in ECO4
Ofgem has confirmed its final ECO4 scoring methodology, adding pitched roof insulation, hybrid wall insulation and district heating connection measures with partial project scores.
Ofgem price cap increase to coincide with predicted rise in child fuel poverty to over 2.5m households
End Fuel Poverty Coalition calculations predict more than 2.5 million households with children will be in fuel poverty from 1 April 2022, when the next Ofgem price cap increase takes effect.
Ofgem publishes ring-fencing proposals
Ofgem published proposals in April 2022 to ring-fence customer credit balances and Renewables Obligations payments, part of a financial resilience push after 29 supplier failures.
Prepayment meter average bills set to rise to £2,017
Average prepayment meter bills under the price cap were set to rise from £1,309 to £2,017 from 1 April 2022, as Ofgem raised the cap by 54 per cent.
The split heat pump Standards became mandatory
The MCS heat pump Standard MIS 3005 split into separate design and installation Standards on 1 April 2022, making both mandatory for certified contractors in the UK.
- March 2022
Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022, though accreditations have continued since, mainly through transfer of ownership applications.
Four SEG licensees exited the market due to insolvency during SEG Y2
Ofgem's second Smart Export Guarantee annual report shows four licensed suppliers left the electricity market through insolvency during 2021-22, so no data was received from them.
Proposed backstop date for all Scottish private rented dwellings to reach EPC of E
Scottish Government proposals would require every private rented home in Scotland to reach EPC band E by 31 March 2022, with a higher D standard proposed from 2022 and by 2025.
Single unit properties become ineligible for Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
The government has ended Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme support for single unit properties such as bungalows, detached, semi-detached and terraced housing from April 2022, replacing it with grants aimed at renters, flat owners and landlords.
Government releases EV infrastructure strategy
The Government has released an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy that aims to build charging provision ahead of need, a plan the motor industry trade body says points in the right direction.
Shell UK announces £20 to 25 billion energy sector investment over the next decade
Shell UK will invest between £20 billion and £25 billion in the UK energy sector over the next decade, with more than 75% of the funding directed at low carbon technologies including electric mobility.
SSEN publishes first DSO Action Plan
SSEN Distribution has published its first DSO Action Plan, covering flexibility products, markets and connections over an initial two-year period, with £73m of investment planned to 2028.
Fuel duty cut took effect UK-wide
The government cut petrol and diesel duty by 5p per litre for 12 months from 6pm on 23 March 2022, alongside a five-year VAT cut to 0% on home energy saving materials.
E3G publishes ten facts on home energy security ahead of expected UK energy security strategy
E3G has published ten facts on home energy security, covering gas-driven bill rises, cuts to insulation programmes and the case for a national retrofit programme, ahead of an expected UK energy security strategy.
Welsh Government called for cost of living action in the Spring Statement
The Welsh Government has written to the Chancellor before the Spring Statement, asking for a full crisis response to the cost of living emergency and setting out measures it says would help households pay bills.
Solar Energy UK and industry groups write to Chancellor urging 0% VAT on domestic renewables
Solar Energy UK and a group of industry and environmental bodies have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to cut VAT on domestic renewable and energy efficiency technologies to 0% in the Spring Statement.
CCC publishes independent assessment of the UK Heat and Buildings Strategy
The Climate Change Committee has published an independent assessment of the UK Government's Heat and Buildings Strategy, finding ambition but gaps in funding, policy detail and supply chain capacity.
European Commission announces REPowerEU plan to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels
The European Commission has set out REPowerEU, a plan to cut demand for Russian gas by two thirds before the end of 2022 through diversified supplies, faster renewables and less gas in heating.
Scottish Government publishes easy read version of Heat in Buildings Strategy
The Scottish Government has published an easy read version of its Heat in Buildings Strategy, restating the goal of zero emissions buildings and plans for a National Public Energy Agency.
European Commission publishes REPowerEU
The European Commission published REPowerEU in March 2022, a week after the International Energy Agency set out a ten-point plan to cut reliance on Russian fossil fuels.
Government committed to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022
The government has said it will phase out imports of Russian oil and oil products by the end of 2022, working with industry through a new Taskforce on Oil.
Ofgem publishes single decision covering consultation parts 1 and 2
Ofgem has published its single decision on the ECO4 scoring methodology consultation parts 1 and 2, setting out how energy efficiency measures will be scored under the scheme from 2022.
- February 2022
US and allies impose severe sanctions on Russia
The US and its allies announced severe sanctions on Russia's largest financial institutions and technology exports after the invasion of Ukraine, with energy markets and household bills in focus.
Statutory instrument closed the DRHI to new applications
Regulations laid in February 2022 closed the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive to new applications and new metering package applications from midnight on 31 March 2022, ending a scheme that had paid support since 2014.
Whoop Energy and Xcel Energy cease trading
Whoop Energy and Xcel Energy ceased trading on 18 February 2022, and Ofgem appointed Yu Energy to take on their customers, the Energy Ombudsman has confirmed.
BEAMA publishes white paper on ventilation and indoor air quality
BEAMA has published a white paper calling on the Government to raise ventilation standards in newbuild homes, pair energy efficiency retrofits with ventilation measures and treat poor indoor air quality as a public health emergency.
Hero Renewables removed from MCS scheme entirely
MCS has removed Hero Renewables Limited from its certification scheme after an investigation into complaints found significant failings, meaning the company is no longer MCS certified.
Price cap increase announced to apply from April
Energy UK has noted the announcement of an increase in the energy price cap that will apply from April, published alongside a parliamentary inquiry into decarbonising heat in UK homes.
MPs call for road pricing to replace fuel duty
The Commons transport select committee has told MPs that road pricing is the only workable replacement for fuel duty, warning of a £35bn shortfall as drivers switch to electric vehicles.
Ofgem decides to include Green Gas Levy allowance in default tariff cap from cap period eight
Ofgem has decided to add a Green Gas Levy allowance of about £2.69 per gas meter to the default tariff cap from April 2022, recovering scheme costs dating back to October 2021.
Ofgem decides to proceed with licence modification enabling in-period adjustments to the default tariff cap
Ofgem has confirmed it will change supply licences so it can recalculate the default tariff cap inside a cap period, under five tests, in exceptional circumstances.
Ofgem publishes policy consultation on medium term price cap changes
Ofgem has published a policy consultation on medium term changes to the energy price cap, proposing quarterly updates, a reduced notice period and a backwardation mechanism.
BEIS Committee publishes report on decarbonising heat in homes
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has published a report finding the Government is not on track to decarbonise residential heating and calling for a heat road map, sector deal and public awareness campaign.
Energy price cap increase announced
Turn2us has responded to the announcement of a higher energy price cap, warning that millions of households face uncertainty over their finances and calling for more targeted government support.
Energy price cap increase announced
Nesta has responded to the announcement of an increase to the energy price cap, calling the UK's energy price crisis a global gas crisis and pointing to home heating as the source of the solution.
Government announces £693 energy price cap rise and bill support measures
Citizens Advice has called the government's package of support for a £693 rise in the energy price cap strange, complicated and untargeted, as record numbers seek crisis help.
MPs warn UK lacks clear plan to decarbonise heating and insulate homes
The Commons business, energy and industrial strategy committee has said the government's approach to decarbonising home heating lacks clear direction and that current policies are not on the scale required.
OFGEM announces 54% energy price cap rise
Ofgem has confirmed a 54% rise in the energy price cap, taking average direct debit bills to as much as £1,971 from April and prepayment bills to £2,017.
Levelling Up White Paper published
The Levelling Up White Paper of 2 February 2022 sets out funding for energy efficiency in the worst performing homes and cites over 240,000 low carbon jobs by 2035.
Additional tolerable standard requirement delayed
Scottish Ministers have delayed by one year the date on which fire and carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment becomes part of the tolerable standard for housing in Scotland.
Additionality assumption revised from 100% to 70%
The final impact assessment for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cuts the assumed additionality of its grants from 100 per cent to 70 per cent, meaning fewer installations are counted as extra.
BEIS to lay amended legislation for DRHI closure
BEIS intends to bring the closure of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive into effect through amended legislation due to be laid before Parliament in February 2022, Ofgem has said.
Bulb collapse takes households affected by failed suppliers above 3.7 million this year
Green Alliance says 21 energy suppliers have collapsed since the start of September, and that Bulb's failure has taken the number of households affected by a failed supplier above 3.7 million this year.
UK Government releases new fuel poverty statistics for England
New government fuel poverty statistics for England show a lack of progress towards statutory commitments, with charities warning it will take over 60 years to meet them.
Ofgem decides to add SoLR charge to domestic gas unit rates
Ofgem confirmed in February 2022 that the costs of supplier failures would be recovered through a volumetric charge on domestic gas unit rates, adding to household bills.
Ofgem decides in-period adjustments to the Default Tariff Cap will be forward looking only
Ofgem has decided that any in-period adjustment to the Default Tariff Cap will apply only for the remainder of the cap period, not retrospectively, under a new licence power.
Ofgem previously set a £12 additional electricity shaping and imbalance allowance
Ofgem concluded in its February 2022 wholesale decision that electricity shaping and imbalance costs exceeded the price cap methodology, adding a £12 allowance recovered across cap periods eight and nine.
PAS 2030 and 2035 2022 iteration issued
The 2022 amendment to the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 retrofit standards was issued in February 2022, adding a fully detailed Scottish matrix for retrofit skills and competencies.
Scottish homes required to have carbon monoxide alarms
Since 1 February 2022 every Scottish home has been required to have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance or flue, under rules now being publicised across the UK.
- January 2022
Consultation deadline on Ofgem's administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Ofgem's consultation on how it will run the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed on 27 January 2022, covering the technical administration of the grant rather than who qualifies for it.
Consultation on Ofgem's administration of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closes
Ofgem's consultation on how it will run the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closed on 27 January 2022, with a decision published and the scheme due to launch in Spring 2022.
MCS announces changes to the Heat Pump Standard
MCS has split its Heat Pump Standard into separate design and installation standards, mandatory from 1 April 2022, the day after the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes.
NEA publishes policy briefing on supporting vulnerable energy customers this winter
National Energy Action has published a policy briefing calling on the UK Government and Ofgem to act on the energy crisis and support vulnerable customers this winter.
New Approved Document Part O on overheating introduced
The government's Approved Document Part O, covering overheating in new homes and buildings where people sleep overnight, has been introduced, with two routes to compliance and implications for apartment and communal heating schemes.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to off-gas-grid fossil fuel heating consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has published its response to a government consultation on phasing out fossil fuel heating in homes off the gas grid, backing a heat pump first approach from 2026.
NEA publishes response to BEIS energy retail market call for evidence
National Energy Action has published its response to the government's call for evidence on the future of the energy retail market, recommending a social tariff and extra protections for vulnerable households.
Government response published on NDRHI commissioning deadline extensions
The government has published its response to proposals to extend commissioning deadlines for existing Tariff Guarantee and extension applications under the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.
Together Energy exits the market with British Gas as Supplier of Last Resort
Together Energy (Bristol E.) ceased trading on 18 January 2022 and its customers were moved to British Gas under the Supplier of Last Resort process, Ofgem's Warm Home Discount report confirms.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem consultation on short-term interventions to address market volatility
Citizens Advice has opposed Ofgem proposals to allow exit fees on default tariffs, while backing a requirement for suppliers to offer new tariffs to existing customers.
REA drafts member response to Ofgem BUS administration consultation
The REA has drafted a member response to Ofgem's consultation on how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be administered, with member feedback due by 24 January 2022.
NEA responds to Ofgem consultation on short term price cap changes
National Energy Action has told Ofgem that doing nothing is the best of the short term price cap options for fuel poor households, opposing exit fees on standard variable tariffs.
Citizens Advice responds to BEIS consultation on market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat
Citizens Advice has told BEIS that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme needs wider financial support, a single mandatory accreditation body and clearer guidance for manufacturers if low-carbon heat is to work for households.
NEA publishes response to BEIS consultation on phasing out fossil fuel heating in off gas grid homes
National Energy Action has told BEIS that phasing out fossil fuel heating off the gas grid must come with adequate funding and advice for low income households, including support for hybrid systems.
Consultation on market-based mechanism for low-carbon heat closes
A government consultation on a market-based mechanism to expand heat pump installations in existing UK properties closed on 12 January 2022, with the scheme proposed to start in 2024.
CE markings no longer recognised in Great Britain
From 1 January 2022 solid fuel heating products and other goods sold in Great Britain must carry the UKCA mark, with the CE mark no longer recognised in the GB market.
Compensation window opens for forced prepayment meter installations
Ofgem has opened a compensation route for households forced onto prepayment meters between 1 January 2022 and 21 January 2023 where suppliers broke the installation rules.
Ecodesign limits become mandatory for new stoves
New wood-burning and multifuel stoves sold in the UK have had to meet mandatory Ecodesign limits on four pollutants and a minimum real-world efficiency since 1 January 2022.
Ecodesign regulations apply to solid fuel room heaters sold in the UK
Ecodesign rules have applied since 1 January 2022 to new solid fuel room heaters sold in the UK, a change the Office for Environmental Protection credits with cutting domestic combustion emissions.
Renewable Heat Incentive ended, replaced by Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closed at the end of March 2022 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme took its place, offering upfront grants of £5,000 or £6,000 towards heat pumps in England and Wales.