Rules and Regulation News: page 38
- May 2023
Government responds to petition on unmetered tariff for elderly and disabled
The Government told petitioners on 11 May 2023 that it intends to consult on options for consumer energy protection in summer 2023, for measures applying from April 2024.
Ofgem opens consultation on administration of Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 amendments
Ofgem opened a five-week consultation on 11 May 2023 on how it would administer the Great British Insulation Scheme and amendments to ECO4, closing on 16 June 2023.
MCS expanded the scope of the Solar Mounting Product Standard
MCS widened its Solar Mounting Product Standard in May 2023 to cover flat roof mounting systems, and has since extended the interim compliance route installers use while certification catches up.
Energy Bill second reading in House of Commons
The Energy Bill reaches its second reading in the House of Commons on 9 May, with campaigners pressing MPs to add powers banning the forced transfer of households onto prepayment meters.
New inquiry launched on sustainable electrification of the UK economy
The Environmental Audit Committee has opened an inquiry into the barriers stopping low-carbon technologies connecting to the grid, with written evidence due by 17:00 on Thursday 1 June.
MPs call for grid improvements and affordable household loans for solar
The Environmental Audit Committee has urged the Government to consult on affordable household loans for solar and extend the VAT discount to household battery storage, while warning that grid connection delays are holding back progress.
Ofgem publishes policy consultation on consumer standards options
Ofgem has published a Stage 1 policy consultation on options to address priority customer service issues, the first step in a process that led to new supply licence conditions.
Ban on traditional house coal sales in England takes effect
Selling traditional house coal for use in English homes became illegal on 1 May 2023, under rules that also restrict wet wood and set emission limits for stoves.
CMA publishes findings on consumer protection in the green heating and insulation sector
The Competition and Markets Authority found in May 2023 that households buying green heating and insulation face a complex and confusing standards landscape and gaps in consumer protection.
Digital service updated so all application stages can be completed digitally
Ofgem has reported that further improvements to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme digital service in May 2023 allow installers to complete every stage of an application online.
New energy price cap set at £2,074, below the price guarantee level
Ofgem has confirmed a new energy price cap of £2,074 for an average annual bill, below the £2,500 level of the Energy Price Guarantee, cutting household costs by around £420.
Ofgem commits to central role in grid connection reform
Ofgem has committed to taking a central role in driving progress on reform of grid connection arrangements, the Welsh Government's draft heat strategy records.
Ofgem issues Call for Input relevant to debt-related cost allowance
Ofgem has opened a consultation on the operating cost allowances inside the energy price cap, including the debt-related costs allowance, with responses due by 14 June 2024.
Ofgem signals holistic review of operating cost allowances
Ofgem has concluded its first full review of the operating cost and debt allowances inside the energy price cap, cutting the total allowance by an average of £8 per customer.
UKGBC publishes consultation response on VAT energy saving materials relief
The UK Green Building Council has responded to an HM Treasury call for evidence on VAT relief for energy saving materials, welcoming the expanded relief and pressing for it to cover more technologies.
- April 2023
Consultation on Great British Insulation scheme LA and Supplier Flex administration closes
Ofgem's consultation on how the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 Flex will be administered closed on 28 April 2023, drawing 16 responses from local authorities, suppliers and others.
Citizens Advice published its application to intervene in the RIIO-ED2 appeal
Citizens Advice has applied to intervene in a Competition and Markets Authority appeal by Northern Powergrid over the RIIO-ED2 energy licence modification, arguing the appeal would raise consumer bills without improving service.
Energy Bill passes latest House of Lords stage with hydrogen levy amendment
The House of Lords has backed an amendment stopping energy firms passing hydrogen development costs to bill payers, but rejected a ban on forced entry to convert homes to hydrogen.
All British domestic suppliers sign updated Code of Practice on involuntary prepayment meter installations
Ofgem has published an updated voluntary Code of Practice on involuntary prepayment meter installations, signed by all British domestic suppliers, with tougher oversight and new protections for high-risk households.
NEA warns many vulnerable groups still face uncertainty under new prepayment meter code
National Energy Action has welcomed Ofgem's new prepayment meter code of practice as much needed, but warns that many vulnerable groups still face the threat of forced installation or remote switching.
Voluntary Code of Conduct to prevent forced PPM installations announced
Energy suppliers signed a voluntary code of conduct on 18 April 2023 intended to stop the forced installation of prepayment meters, a measure campaigners say does not go far enough.
Government launches Clean heat market mechanism consultation
The government has opened a consultation on its Clean heat market mechanism, seeking views on a market-based scheme intended to grow the number of heat pumps installed in existing premises.
Survey finds 9 in 10 rural off-gas-grid homes say green heating plans treat them unfairly
A survey of 1,500 oil-heated homes finds 90 per cent believe the government's green heating proposals treat off-gas-grid households unfairly, as trade bodies press for a choice of low carbon options.
Government publishes heat pump net zero investment roadmap
The government has published a heat pump investment roadmap setting out an expectation of at least 600,000 installations a year by 2028 and up to £28 billion of supply chain investment.
Ofgem consults on Great British Insulation scheme LA and Supplier Flex administration
Ofgem has opened a three-week consultation on how it would run Local Authority and Supplier Flex under the Great British Insulation Scheme, and on possible changes to ECO4 Flex administration.
Additional wholesale risk allowance to revert to single 1% value
Ofgem has confirmed that the additional wholesale risk allowance in the energy price cap will revert to a single 1% value from 1 April 2023, ending a temporary split introduced to prevent supplier over-recovery.
BEAMA publishes Phase 1 Future Homes Standard impact report
BEAMA has published Version 1.1 of its Phase 1 Network-to-Emitter Impact Report, setting out the technologies expected in new homes under the 2025 Future Homes Standard.
Deadline for Government to renew net zero policies after court ruling
The UK Green Building Council says the Government has until April 2023 to renew and reissue net zero policies found unlawful by the courts, and that most built environment policy areas are failing.
Energy price cap falls to £3,280 for a typical dual fuel direct debit household
The energy price cap for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit fell to £3,280 on 1 April 2023, down almost £1,000 from the previous level.
Energy price cap support level changes from 1 April
Research for the Warm This Winter campaign finds 29 per cent of people in debt to their energy supplier as the Chancellor's price cap extension takes effect on 1 April.