Rules and Regulation News: page 21
- December 2024
DESNZ publishes call for evidence on review of Ofgem
The government published a call for evidence in December 2024 reviewing Ofgem's role, including a proposal to extend the regulator's remit to enforce consumer law for low-carbon technologies.
Energy UK joins Electrifying our Future as strategic partner
Energy UK has joined the Electrical Contractors' Association's Electrifying our Future campaign as a strategic partner, the trade body announced on 1 December 2024.
Fuller TrustMark audit concludes on solid wall insulation quality
A fuller TrustMark audit into solid wall insulation installed under two government schemes concluded in mid-December 2024, after routine checks found significant work that did not meet the required standard.
UK government launched consultation on the ZEV transition
The government has opened an eight-week consultation on proposals to support the shift to zero emission vehicles, alongside confirming the 2030 end of sales of new purely petrol and diesel cars.
Government proposes minimum EPC C for rental properties by 2030
The UK government has proposed raising the minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC band C by 2030, with new tenancies required to comply by 2028.
Government published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
The government published the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan in December 2024, setting an accelerated timeframe for decarbonising the UK's energy and power sectors.
Government published an updated National Planning Policy Framework
The Government published an updated, growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024, part of a wider push to speed up clean power projects and reach net zero.
Government sets out plan for a new era of clean electricity
The government set out plans in December 2024 for a "new era of clean electricity", as official figures show gas demand at its lowest level since the early 1990s.
National Planning Policy Framework reformed
England's National Planning Policy Framework was reformed in December 2024 after a consultation, with the government stating that delivery of net zero infrastructure at the required pace depends on addressing planning system delays.
Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard launched
The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, launched in late 2024, sets operational energy limits and on-site renewable generation targets for all building types, according to the UK Green Building Council.
Ofgem consults on delivery, funding and eligibility options for an energy debt relief scheme
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether to create an energy debt relief scheme, setting out delivery, audit, funding and eligibility options for support aimed at crisis-era arrears.
Ofgem consults on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme
Ofgem consulted in December 2024 on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme that could support up to 2.3 million customers and write off between £0.5bn and £1bn of crisis-era energy debt.
Ofgem launches energy price cap consultations
Ofgem opened consultations in December 2024 on the energy price cap, including one on supplier operating costs and debt allowances, drawing a response from the British Gas Energy Trust.
Ofgem published its Debt Strategy
Ofgem has set out how it will reset historic crisis debt, raise debt standards and reform debt management, with a Debt Relief Scheme expected to help up to 200,000 households.
Ofgem Review launched with call for evidence
The government has opened the first comprehensive review of Ofgem in its 25-year history, calling for evidence on the regulator's powers, duties and consumer protection role.
Oxford smoke control area expands to cover the entire city
Oxford's smoke control area replaced its existing zones and expanded to cover the whole city from 1 December 2024, following a consultation in which 51.92% of respondents backed the change.
REMA autumn update rules out separate renewables market options
The government's December 2024 REMA autumn update ruled out the green power pool and split market options, ending proposals for a separate market for renewables in Great Britain.
Requirements commence for other private tenancies
Alarm requirements under the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 now apply to all private tenancies in Northern Ireland, having commenced for new tenancies on 1 September 2024.
Statutory consultation on operating cost and debt allowances published
Ofgem has published its December 2024 statutory consultation on four new operating cost and debt allowances for the energy price cap, setting out its minded-to positions.
- November 2024
Citizens Advice urges Ofgem to limit back-billing to six months for smart meter customers
Citizens Advice has called on Ofgem to cut the back-billing window to six months for smart meter customers, after helping with more than 52,000 energy billing problems in 2024.
DESNZ publishes options assessment on raising heat pump minimum energy performance standards
DESNZ has set out proposed minimum energy performance standards for heat pumps in Great Britain, with higher seasonal space heating efficiency thresholds from 2027 and again from 2029.
MCS published an update on scheme redevelopment
MCS has set out what its redeveloped certification scheme will contain when documents are published in January 2025, with a transition period expected to run for 12 to 18 months.
SMMT calls for urgent government intervention due to weak EV demand and ZEV Mandate costs
The UK automotive trade body has called for urgent government intervention on the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, saying weak electric vehicle demand will cost the industry almost £6 billion in 2024.
Clean Heat Market Mechanism implementation confirmed from 1 April 2025
The Government has confirmed the Clean Heat Market Mechanism will be implemented from 1 April 2025, alongside Warm Homes Plan funding of about £1bn for retrofit in 2025/26.
Ofgem approved REC Change Proposal R0209
Ofgem has approved a Retail Energy Code change proposal setting out how Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement arrangements will be implemented across the electricity retail market.
MCS publishes response to MCS 020 consultation and sets out key changes to the standard
MCS has published its response to the MCS 020 consultation, confirming a split into two standards, a 37 dB(A) overall sound limit and publication of sound power levels on its Product Directory.
Ofgem sets price cap for 1 January to 31 March 2025
Ofgem has set the energy price cap for 1 January to 31 March 2025 at £1,738 a year for a typical Direct Debit dual fuel household, a rise of £21 or 1.2% on the current level.
DESNZ announces further £30 million for BUS in 2024/25, raising Year 3 budget to £180 million
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has added £30 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for 2024/25, taking the Year 3 budget to £180 million.
DESNZ announces measures to support low-carbon heating
DESNZ has added £30 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme this financial year, set a reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism for 1 April 2025 and removed the one metre boundary rule for air source heat pumps in England.
The autumn 2024 energy price cap disclosure consultation closed
Ofgem's call for input on disclosure arrangements for the autumn 2024 energy price cap consultation closed on 20 November 2024, covering how models and data are shared with stakeholders.