Rules and Regulation News: page 2
- August 2026
Government announces consultation on ZEV Mandate
The government has opened a consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, the rules governing the path to zero-emission driving by 2035, drawing a welcome from the motor industry body SMMT.
UK Government to consult on raising minimum rented EPC rating to C by 2030
The UK Government will consult on raising the minimum energy efficiency rating for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC C or its equivalent by 2030, up from the current minimum of E.
Grace period begins for MCS 005 solar PV products
MCS has opened a six-month grace period for solar PV products that lose certification under updated standards, allowing existing stock to be used in certified installations until 1 February 2027.
Ofgem wrote to 65,000 households over solid wall insulation quality issues
Ofgem has written to 65,000 households that may have had poor-quality solid wall insulation fitted under the Energy Company Obligation and Great British Insulation Scheme since 2022.
Scottish Government published an updated BRIA for amended EPC regulations
The Scottish Government has published an updated impact assessment for amended Energy Performance Certificate regulations, confirming that previously identified impacts stand but their timing has shifted.
- July 2026
Ofgem opens consultation on proposed changes to the CfD cost allowance in the energy price cap
Ofgem has opened a consultation on changing how the Contracts for Difference cost allowance is calculated within the energy price cap, proposing a volume reconciliation from April 2027.
Citizens Advice publishes report recommending a national advice strategy for energy home upgrades
Citizens Advice has called for a national advice strategy covering information, advice and in-home assessments, with a gov.uk hub run by the Warm Homes Agency, to help households navigate energy home upgrades.
HIES unveils refreshed brand identity and new website
HIES, the home insulation and energy systems quality assured contractors scheme, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and new website, calling it the next stage in its evolution.
British Gas Energy Trust calls on Prime Minister to back plan to end fuel poverty
The British Gas Energy Trust has written to the Prime Minister setting out five national priorities it says are needed to end fuel poverty across Britain.
Product Eligibility List updated
Ofgem has published a new version of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Product Eligibility List, the register of heat pumps and biomass boilers that meet the scheme's MCS standards.
Ofgem publishes first Consumer Vulnerability Strategy Progress Report
Ofgem's first Consumer Vulnerability Strategy progress report finds supplier support for vulnerable households improving but uneven, with 58% of customers behind on bills lacking a repayment plan at the end of 2025.
Government response to plug-in solar consultation published
The government has published its response to the plug-in solar consultation, confirming it intends to proceed with regulatory amendments and an interim product specification for compliant devices.
Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification version 2 published
The Secretary of State published version 2 of the Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification on 16 July 2026, alongside regulations that make compliant plug-in solar kits legal to connect through a standard socket.
Citizens Advice responds to consultation on Electricity Bill Discount Scheme cost allowance methodology
Citizens Advice has told a consultation on the Electricity Bill Discount Scheme cost allowance that extra levies should not be added to electricity unit rates and that schemes should be funded from general taxation.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem consultation on price cap debt-related costs
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem that the debt-related cost allowance in the energy price cap was set too high, led to material over-recovery and needs a further downward adjustment.
Ian Rippin announced he will step down as MCS CEO
Ian Rippin will stand down as chief executive of MCS, the UK certification body for small-scale renewables, after more than eight years, with chief operating officer Lisa Cooke named as his successor.
Lisa Cooke appointed MCS Managing Director
Lisa Cooke, currently MCS Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Ian Rippin as Managing Director of the UK certification body for small-scale renewables from 1 August 2026.
Citizens Advice updates RIIO-2 review, estimating network company windfall rising to £7 billion by 2028
Citizens Advice has updated its review of the RIIO-2 price controls to include 2024/25, finding network company windfalls worth around £5 billion to 2025 and up to £7 billion by 2028.
Citizens Advice publishes report on unlocking innovation in the energy retail market
Citizens Advice has published research setting out six policy options for reforming the Universal Service Obligation and the price cap, saying retail market reform has stalled and innovation is progressing slowly.
Updated BUS guidance published reflecting scheme changes
Ofgem published updated Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance for installers and property owners on 2 July 2026, ahead of applications opening on 21 July under amended scheme rules.
Which? publishes response to DESNZ plug in solar consultation
Which? has told the government that safety concerns around plug in solar must be resolved before the products go on sale in the UK, while backing their potential to cut bills.
Government announces summer consultation on permitted development rights for heat pumps
The government has announced a summer consultation on permitted development rights for heat pumps, as analysis suggests households have spent up to £8 million on planning applications that are mostly approved.
Ofgem July price cap rise is the biggest jump in years
Ofgem's July price cap rise is the biggest jump in years, Uswitch says, with 12 million households on standard variable tariffs facing higher bills unless they fix.
Ofgem publishes call for input on Cost Allocation Review
Ofgem's first Consumer Vulnerability Strategy progress report finds support for households in debt is improving but uneven, with 58% of customers behind on bills lacking a repayment plan at the end of 2025.
Ofgem re-publishes price cap levels for July to September 2026 under revised 2026 TDCV
Ofgem has re-published the July to September 2026 price cap levels using new lower typical consumption figures, with the cap for a typical direct debit household rising 13 per cent to £1,663.
Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification Version 2.0 issued
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has issued Version 2.0 of its interim product specification for plug-in solar devices, setting the technical and safety limits that will govern the products.
Trust writes to Prime Minister with five priorities to end fuel poverty
British Gas Energy Trust has written to the Prime Minister setting out five priorities to end fuel poverty, saying immediate help must be paired with action on debt, income and housing.
- June 2026
Deadline for Government and Parliament to decide the Seventh Carbon Budget level
The Government has set a draft Seventh Carbon Budget of 535 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for 2038 to 2042, and Parliament must approve or reject it by 30 June 2026.
Citizens Advice publishes Future of Prepayment discussion paper
Citizens Advice has published a discussion paper on the future of prepayment energy, covering self-disconnection, rising debt and whether current safeguards remain fit for purpose.
Revised Typical Domestic Consumption Values take effect for the price cap from 1 July 2026
Ofgem's revised Typical Domestic Consumption Values took effect on 1 July 2026, restating price cap bill figures at lower assumed electricity and gas use for the July to September quarter.