Rules and Regulation News: page 22
- November 2024
UKHSA issues first yellow cold weather alert of the year for five English regions
The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first yellow cold weather alert of the season for five English regions, running until 21 November, as National Energy Action warns of fuel poverty risks.
AECB publishes Passive House resource for the UK
The AECB has published a downloadable PDF titled "Passive House low energy low carbon buildings arrive in the UK!", dated 14 November 2024, alongside two further low energy building resources.
DESNZ publishes ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes consultation
DESNZ has opened a consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering installation standards, guarantees and a proposed Pay-For-Performance mechanism.
ECO4A insulation measures per property rules applied retrospectively
Amendments to the Energy Company Obligation orders limit insulation measures per property and apply retrospectively to installations completed on or after 14th November 2024, under an order made on 31st July 2025.
Legislation to allow combined loft and cavity wall insulation and smart thermostats in GBIS from consultation publication date
The government has confirmed it will legislate to let Great British Insulation Scheme projects install two insulation measures together and fit smart thermostats in low-income homes, backdated to 14 November 2024.
Cornwall Council adopts Housing Decarbonisation Strategy
Cornwall Council adopted its Housing Decarbonisation Strategy on 13 November 2024, setting out how it will cut emissions from homes that account for a fifth of the county's total.
AECB warns Government that Renewable Heat Incentive proposals could encourage emissions
The AECB has warned that the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive is so badly designed it can pay people to install systems that burn more fossil fuel and emit more carbon dioxide.
Addendum to BRIA for amended New Build Heat Standard published
The Scottish Government has published an addendum to its impact assessment for an amended New Build Heat Standard, permitting bioenergy and peat heating systems in new buildings from 1 January 2025.
BEAMA publishes position paper urging EPC reform to include indoor air quality
BEAMA has published a position paper calling on Government to widen the Energy Performance Certificate remit so that it assesses the indoor air quality of homes, not only their energy efficiency.
Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem's Consumer Vulnerability Strategy Refresh
Citizens Advice has welcomed Ofgem's refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy but pressed for stronger action on energy debt, back billing, the priority services register and standing charges.
Which? calls on government to tackle cost and other barriers to heat pump and EV switching
Which? has called on the government to remove cost, awareness and infrastructure barriers to heat pumps and electric vehicles, after its annual tracker found most homeowners consider heat pumps too expensive.
Which? survey finds smart meter fix waits exceed seven weeks on average
Which? research published on 7 November 2024 found energy customers wait more than seven weeks on average for a smart meter or monitor fault to be fixed, and nearly 14 weeks where the problem remains unresolved.
Consultation on Consumer Vulnerability Strategy closes
Ofgem's consultation on a refreshed Consumer Vulnerability Strategy closed on 5 November 2024, drawing 67 responses ahead of a final decision published in April 2025.
NEA responds to consultation on refreshing Ofgem's Consumer Vulnerability Strategy
National Energy Action has published its response to Ofgem's consultation on refreshing the Consumer Vulnerability Strategy, arguing the update must change how suppliers, networks and the regulator identify and treat vulnerable consumers.
UK announces second NDC of at least 81% emissions reduction by 2035
The Prime Minister announced in November 2024 that the UK's second Nationally Determined Contribution would require an at least 81% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 against 1990 levels.
Another increase in the energy price cap announced
The energy price cap rose again in the latest announcement, with Energy UK and Ember both linking the increase to rising gas costs and setting it against the Government's Warm Homes Plan.
Clean Heat Market Mechanism introduced
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism, which obliges heating appliance manufacturers to sell a rising proportion of heat pumps, was introduced by the Government in November 2024 in a form much weakened since 2022.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes concluded
The government has concluded its November 2024 consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, confirming rule changes intended to lift delivery before both schemes end in March 2026.
ED3 price control framework consultation published
Ofgem has published a framework consultation for the electricity distribution price control ED3, which will set the rules for network companies from 2028.
England planning rules updated to include heat pumps under permitted development
England's permitted development rules were changed in November 2024 to cover heat pumps, dropping the one metre rule and allowing units that provide cooling as well as heating.
Ofgem opens enforcement investigation into Utilita
Ofgem has opened an enforcement investigation into Utilita's compliance with the rules governing the installation and use of prepayment meters for domestic customers, it disclosed in November 2024.
SMMT warns industry likely to fall short of 22% ZEV target
The SMMT said in November 2024 that electric cars made up 18.7% of sales and the industry was likely to miss the 22% zero emission vehicle target, at a possible £1.8bn compliance cost.
Social tariff working group established
The Scottish Government set up a social tariff working group in November 2024 to co-design a deliverable policy with suppliers and third sector organisations, and sent its recommendations to the UK Government in March 2025.
Updated technical handbooks published
Updated Scottish technical handbooks applying from 1 January 2025 were published in November 2024, amending the New Build Heat Standard and gigabit broadband provision for new homes.
- October 2024
Autumn Budget 2024 published
The Autumn Budget 2024 raises the Energy Profits Levy to 38 per cent, freezes fuel duty for a year and extends the Household Support Fund, with £100 billion of extra capital investment over five years.
Chancellor delivers Labour's first budget since 2009 with climate and energy measures
Rachel Reeves has delivered Labour's first budget since 2009, freezing fuel duty again while raising the windfall tax on oil and gas profits and funding electric vehicle charging and clean energy projects.
Government blog responds to reports solar may be optional under Future Homes Standard
The government has said it wants solar panels on as many new homes as possible, after reports that the Future Homes Standard may make them optional for housebuilders.
IM 026 changed to a substantial innovation measure
Ofgem has approved the standard uplift innovation measure IM 026 as a substantial innovation measure under ECO4, following an application assessed through the TAP process.
MCS published an update on solar PV module fire classifications
MCS has set out how a change to a European standard in September 2023 stopped fire test laboratories issuing fire classifications for solar PV modules, blocking roof-integrated products from Building Regulations compliance and MCS certification.
New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill receives first reading
A private member's bill requiring solar panels on new homes in England from October 2026 has had its first reading in the Commons, with a second reading set for 17 January 2025.