Rules and Regulation News: page 17
- April 2025
Energy Saving Trust publishes response to future default tariffs consultation
The Energy Saving Trust has told a government call for evidence that suppliers should be obliged to place households on default tariffs that suit their circumstances, and that the default price cap should be reformed.
Welsh Government opens consultation on changes to permitted development rights in Wales
The Welsh Government consulted on changes to permitted development rights for air source heat pumps and off-street electric vehicle charging, opening on 8 April 2025 and closing on 1 July 2025.
ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme administration consultation opened
Ofgem opened a consultation on 7 April 2025 on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, publishing its decision on 26 June 2025.
Ofgem publishes draft guidance update summary
Ofgem has published draft guidance and a consultation on how it will administer mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, with responses due by 12 May 2025.
Trading Standards in Scotland report short weight solid fuel packs
Trading Standards officers in Scotland found short weight packs in 28 of 70 solid fuel product lines checked at retail outlets, with the worst deficiencies reaching 3.52kg on a 14kg pack of logs.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 were revoked
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 were revoked on 6 April 2025 by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with Part 4A continued under transitional provisions.
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ceased to exist
Ofgem's ECO4 delivery guidance confirms Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ceased to exist on 5 April 2025, with receipt remaining valid evidence of eligibility until 4 April 2026.
Citizens Advice opposes Ofgem's zero standing charge price cap variant proposals
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem it does not support proposals for a zero standing charge variant of the energy price cap, citing complexity, implementation challenges and risks of consumer harm.
Citizens Advice responds to the fuel poverty strategy consultation for England
Citizens Advice has backed the retention of England's 2030 fuel poverty target and called for a second affordability measure alongside the existing LILEE metric.
ClimateXChange publishes study on housing market impacts of Scottish heating and energy efficiency regulations
A study published on 3 April 2025 models how the proposed Heat in Buildings Bill could affect the Scottish housing market, finding slower activity, higher rents and possible landlord exits.
Minister confirms Heat in Buildings Bill and PRS MEES commitment
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will bring forward a Heat in Buildings Bill and introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes using existing powers in the Energy Act 2011.
Clean Power Action Plan updated with 2030 clean power ambition
The Clean Power Action Plan, updated in April 2025, sets out the government's ambition to reach a clean power system by 2030, according to a House of Commons Library briefing on the future of the gas grid.
DESNZ consulted on proposed changes to the BUS
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted in April 2025 on proposed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a formal decision expected later in the year.
Employer National Insurance Contributions increase took effect
The employer National Insurance Contributions increase that Ofgem allowed suppliers to recover through the energy price cap took effect in April 2025, as part of a wider review of operating cost allowances.
Government published its Energy Smart Appliance consultation response
The government has accepted all 14 recommendations of the National Infrastructure Commission's study on electricity distribution networks, published in April 2025, covering flexibility, reliability, planning and price controls.
MCS launches four-week consultation on financial protection requirements
MCS opened a four-week consultation in April 2025 on proposed financial protection requirements for its redeveloped scheme, drawing over 30 responses including from the CMA and DESNZ.
Ofgem publishes refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy
Ofgem has published a refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy setting out four themes and a cross-cutting theme for protecting consumers in vulnerable situations, with a first progress report following in July 2026.
Restriction on re-letting below EPC band D begins
Social landlords in Scotland should not re-let social housing below EPC band D from December 2025, under guidance supporting the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020.
Scottish Government announces PoP requirement likely dropped from Heat in Buildings Bill
The Scottish Government has said the point of purchase clean heating requirement is likely to be dropped from the Heat in Buildings Bill due in the Scottish Parliament later in 2025.
Third version of DNOA suite of documents published
UK Power Networks has published the third version of its Distribution Network Options Assessment documents, setting out how it recommends and approves investment in its electricity network.
VED Expensive Car Supplement becomes applicable to many new EVs
Vehicle Excise Duty changes from 1 April 2025 brought the Expensive Car Supplement into scope for many new electric cars, and the SMMT links the change to a fall in April registrations.
- March 2025
Ofgem energy price cap rises 6.4% and Clean Heat Market Mechanism launches
Ofgem's energy price cap rose 6.4% on 31 March 2025, the same day the Government's Clean Heat Market Mechanism began requiring large boiler manufacturers to sell a share of heat pumps.
Price cap for average dual fuel Direct Debit households increased to £1,849
Ofgem's price cap for average dual fuel Direct Debit households rose 6.4 per cent to £1,849 a year on 1 April 2025, a third consecutive increase driven by higher wholesale costs.
Reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism to launch on 1 April 2025
The reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism takes effect on 1 April 2025, obliging heating manufacturers to meet rising heat pump installation targets as part of the government's Warm Homes Plan.
PAS2030:2019 and PAS2035:2019 cease to be applicable
Ofgem has confirmed that from 30 March 2025 only the 2023 versions of the PAS retrofit standards may be used for work under ECO4 and GBIS, replacing the 2019 editions.
Updated PAS 2035/2030:2023 standard comes into force
An updated version of the PAS 2035/2030:2023 retrofit standard took effect on 30 March 2025, requiring Retrofit Coordinators to visit sites and raising qualification standards for Retrofit Designers.
Ofgem opens consultation on smart meter guaranteed standards
Ofgem has opened a consultation on updating the 2015 Guaranteed Standards of Performance so they clearly cover smart meters and on adding four new standards for smart metering problems.
Consultation on raising product standards for space heating closes
A government consultation on tighter ecodesign and energy labelling rules for space and combination heaters closed on 25 March 2025, with the outcome still to be published.
E3G publishes report on enforcing energy efficiency standards for private renters in England and Wales
E3G has published a report finding that enforcement of energy efficiency standards for private renters in England and Wales is undermined by underfunding, weak legislation and inaccessible data.
Regulatory Review Group considers EPC reform Government Response
Scottish Government officials presented the EPC reform Government Response to the Regulatory Review Group on 25 March 2025, setting out five recommendations ahead of regulations due in Autumn 2026.