Rules and Regulation News: page 23
- October 2024
Scottish Government publishes Heat in Buildings progress report 2024
The Scottish Government has published its 2024 Heat in Buildings progress report, showing over £210 million of delivery scheme funding in 2023-24 and rising heat pump installations.
Consultation on Support for Low Carbon Heating in Residential Buildings published
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister has published the response to a consultation on support for low carbon heating in homes, setting out findings that will shape a future support scheme.
Welsh Ministers approve amendments to Approved Document J on carbon monoxide alarms
The Welsh Ministers have approved amendments to Approved Document J, extending carbon monoxide alarm guidance to new or replacement fixed flued combustion appliances of any fuel type in Welsh dwellings from 6 January 2025.
Autumn Budget 2024 increases Energy Security and Net Zero departmental spending
The Autumn Budget raises planned spending for the Energy Security and Net Zero department from £6.4 billion in 2023-24 to £9.0 billion in 2024-25 and £10.3 billion in 2025-26.
Government to consult on private rented sector EPC C standard by 2030
The government has said it will consult by the end of the year on requiring privately rented homes in England to reach EPC C by 2030, as analysis puts the winter bill gap between efficient and inefficient homes at £385.
Ofgem minded to remove ban on acquisition-only tariffs from 1 October 2024
Ofgem has said it is minded to lift the ban on acquisition-only tariffs from 1 October 2024, prompting a coalition of consumer groups and suppliers to urge it to reconsider.
Price cap changes allow suppliers 11% more profit on standard variable tariffs
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition says price cap changes from October let suppliers earn 11% more profit on standard variable tariffs, part of £483 billion in profits since the bills crisis began.
Private Members' Bill on Lithium-ion Battery Safety introduced at second reading
Lord Redesdale has introduced a Private Members' Bill on lithium-ion battery safety in the House of Lords, carrying clauses proposed by Electrical Safety First, with committee stage set for 22 October.
Research finds 84% of disabled pensioners expect to lose Winter Fuel Payments
Opinium research reported by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition finds 84% of older people with a long-term health condition or disability say they will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments.
Second phase of debt cost levelisation proposed no earlier than October 2024
Ofgem has opened a statutory consultation on levelling debt-related costs between standard credit and direct debit customers, with a second phase proposed no earlier than October 2024.
TrustMark notifies DESNZ of non-compliant external wall insulation installations
TrustMark told the government in October 2024 that a high share of external wall insulation installed under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme failed to meet the required quality standard.
Winter Fuel Payment means testing proceeds despite campaign concerns
The UK Government is proceeding with means testing the Winter Fuel Payment, as charities warn up to 970,000 eligible older people miss out on Pension Credit and will lose the payment.
- September 2024
NIA responds to BS 40104 retrofit assessment code of practice
The National Insulation Association has published its response to the BS 40104 retrofit assessment code of practice, welcoming better quality assessments but warning of significant cost, time and workforce impacts.
Citizens Advice published its response to Ofgem's initial policy consultation
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem that its proposed review mechanism for the opex escalator under RIIO-T2 is not in consumers' interests because it could only ever raise allowances.
Citizens Advice publishes report on targeted bill support across essential markets
Citizens Advice has published a report finding that targeted bill support across energy, water, broadband and motor insurance is failing low-income households, and setting out short-term actions for government.
ECO4, ECO Flex and GBIS closed pending Warm Homes Plan announcement
Act on Energy has reported that ECO4, ECO Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme are closed, with all three waiting on the next UK Government announcement of the Warm Homes Plan.
Ofgem opens call for evidence on ECO4 and GBIS evidencing routes
Ofgem has opened a call for input on how eligibility is evidenced under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering data-matching and benefit letter routes.
Ofgem consults on refreshing the Consumer Vulnerability Strategy and launches Consumer Confidence programme
Ofgem consulted on refreshing its Consumer Vulnerability Strategy in September 2024 and set out a Consumer Confidence programme to raise customer service standards across the energy market.
SSEN publishes SDP methodology consultation and opens Fawley Grid Supply Point consultation
SSEN Distribution has opened a consultation on how it will draw up its Strategic Development Plans, alongside a second area-specific consultation covering the Fawley Grid Supply Point.
Product Regulation and Metrology Bill published
The Government published the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill on 5 September 2024, with a safety charity welcoming its scope on online marketplace goods and e-bike battery risks.
Cadent publishes consumer insights ahead of RIIO-GD3 Business Plan submission
Cadent has published consumer research gathered over 24 months, saying the findings will shape the RIIO-GD3 Business Plan it will submit to Ofgem later in 2024.
Analysis estimates NHS cost of winter fuel payment cut
Analysis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that pensioners pushed into cold damp homes by the winter fuel payment cut could cost the NHS more than £169m a year.
BSI PAS 63100:2024 released for battery storage fire safety in dwellings
The Electrical Contractors' Association has reported the release of BSI PAS 63100:2024, a fast track specification setting good practice for fire protection of battery energy storage systems in dwellings.
Chancellor refuses to reverse Winter Fuel Payments cut
Rachel Reeves has refused to reverse cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, as the Energy Secretary announced plans to force landlords to meet stricter energy efficiency standards for rented homes.
Draft BS 40104:2024 retrofit assessment standard opened for national consultation
A draft British Standard setting out how domestic retrofit assessments should be carried out has been published for national consultation, with public comment invited before 22 September 2024.
Energy Secretary announces warm homes plan for renters
The Energy Secretary has announced plans to ban landlords from renting out properties that fail stricter energy efficiency standards, covering private and social rented housing in England.
Ofgem signals new smart meter Guaranteed Standards
Ofgem has confirmed new Guaranteed Standards of Performance for smart meter installation and fault handling, with consumer compensation starting on 23 February 2026.
Which? publishes consumer research on EPC reform
Which? has published consumer research based on 18 in-depth interviews with UK owner-occupiers, setting out six principles for reforming the content and design of Energy Performance Certificates.
Winter Fuel Payment backlash enters fourth week
The campaign against the removal of Winter Fuel Payments from millions of pensioners has entered a fourth week, with the Prime Minister defending the decision as petitions pass 700,000 signatures.
- August 2024
ECIU analysis finds EPC band F homes face bills around £330 a year higher than band C under October price cap
ECIU analysis of Ofgem's October 2024 price cap finds homes rated EPC band F pay around £330 a year more for gas than band C homes, and around £630 more across both fuels.