Rules and Regulation News: page 4
- May 2026
Ofgem to announce July price cap level towards end of May
Ofgem will announce the July to September 2026 price cap level towards the end of May, with forecasts pointing to a rise driven by wholesale gas costs after the Iran conflict.
Smart metering regulations signed into force
Regulations and amendments enacting smart metering consumer protection changes were signed into force in May 2026, alongside a wider clean flexibility update covering tariffs, storage and settlement.
- April 2026
Green Pulse Energy listed as inactive by Energy Ombudsman
The Energy Ombudsman now records Green Pulse Energy as inactive, with its membership of the dispute scheme ending on 30 April 2026 after a period beginning 9 April 2025.
Interim evaluation of Warm Home Discount scheme published
DESNZ has published interim findings from its evaluation of the Warm Home Discount scheme, covering recipient and supplier experiences in the 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 scheme years.
EPC no longer required as a standing eligibility criterion from 28 April 2026
Ofgem has removed the requirement for a valid EPC as a standing eligibility criterion for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme from 28 April 2026, with alternative evidence accepted where no certificate exists.
Energy Saving Trust published its response to the Welsh Government’s Building Regulations Part L and F Review: Stage 2B
The Energy Saving Trust has published its response to the Welsh Government's Building Regulations Part L and F Review Stage 2B, covering energy efficiency in non-domestic buildings and overheating in new homes.
Energy Saving Trust publishes response on ecodesign requirements for air heating and cooling products
The Energy Saving Trust has backed UK standards aligning with revised EU ecodesign rules for air heating and cooling products, calling for wider scope, clearer labels and faster access to spare parts.
Product safety report published for Sigenergy SigenStor Energy Controller quick connect AC plug
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has published a product safety report for the Sigenergy SigenStor Energy Controller with quick connect AC plug, citing a risk of burns from overheating.
Government publishes final report of the review of Ofgem
The Government has published the final report of its review of Ofgem, setting out reforms to the regulator's duties, enforcement powers, capability and accountability.
DESNZ announces Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding increase for oil and LPG users
DESNZ has raised the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to £9,000 for oil and LPG heated homes in England and Wales, matching Scotland, with the uplift applying to applications from 21 July 2026.
Energy Secretary sets out clean energy superpower plans
The government has set out the first major reform of Ofgem's remit since 2000, giving the regulator direct consumer law enforcement powers and the ability to ban energy bosses' bonuses.
Energy UK and BFY Group publish Demand Better report calling for retail energy market reset
Energy UK and BFY Group have published Demand Better, a report calling for a reset of the retail energy market to deliver flexibility, dynamic pricing and stronger consumer protections.
Amended Approved Documents published ahead of Future Homes and Buildings Standard
Amended Approved Documents L and F for England have been published ahead of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard, with the main provisions coming into force on 24th March 2027.
Welsh Government publishes Approved Document L 2026 and Approved Document F Volume 1
The Welsh Government has published Approved Document L 2026 Volumes 1 and 2 and Approved Document F, Ventilation, Volume 1, setting new build fabric and ventilation standards for Wales.
Citizens Advice published its response on the future role of DNOs
Citizens Advice has told Ofgem that the evidence does not yet justify giving electricity distribution network operators a bigger role in energy efficiency and low carbon technologies.
Clean Heat Market Mechanism target begins
From 1 April 2026 boiler and heating appliance manufacturers must meet 6% of their sales with heat pumps or buy credits under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
Connections Charging Statement effective from 1 April 2026
Cadent Gas has published a Connections Charging Statement effective from 1 April 2026, alongside standard pricing for domestic gas connection alterations in its East Midlands network.
Energy Systems Catapult responds to DESNZ Home Energy Model consultation
Energy Systems Catapult has told the government that Energy Performance Certificates should use real-world data and report outcomes rather than name specific technologies.
Government moves to break the link between gas and electricity prices
The government has announced voluntary long-term fixed-price contracts for existing low-carbon generators, a move intended to reduce how often gas sets the wholesale electricity price.
MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme rollout began
Ofgem's Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer guidance confirms MCS is rolling out a redeveloped installer scheme through 2026 and into early 2027, alongside rule changes effective 28 April 2026.
Ofgem launches one-year lower standing charge tariff pilot
Ofgem has begun a one-year pilot under which four large suppliers offer eligible households lower standing charge tariffs, testing whether cutting the daily fixed fee changes how customers use energy.
Publication of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026
BSI published BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 on 15 April 2026, adding a chapter on stationary battery storage and giving installers until 15 October 2026 before the previous edition is withdrawn.
Regulations come into force and scheme year 16 begins
The Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2026 came into force on 1st April 2026, continuing the scheme to 2030 with a £150 rebate and a £78 million non-core spending obligation for scheme year 16.
Rolling submissions for ECO4 to GBIS reassignment open
Ofgem will allow energy suppliers to make rolling submissions to reassign ECO4 delivery to the Great British Insulation Scheme from 30 April 2026, under guidance published for the scheme's final year.
Updated Guaranteed Standards of Performance Customer Payment Scheme document published
National Grid Electricity Distribution has published the April 2026 edition of the Guaranteed Standards of Performance Customer Payment Scheme, setting out when households are owed money for lengthy power cuts.
- March 2026
ECO4 Innovation applications stop being accepted
Ofgem has stopped accepting ECO4 Innovation Measure and Data Light Measure applications after 31 March 2026, though applications received before that date will still be considered.
NICEIC stops offering PAS 2030 certification
NICEIC has stopped offering certification for PAS 2030 from 31 March 2026, saying all businesses it previously certified under the scheme have been informed.
Average £150 of costs to come off energy bills from April
The government says policy changes have taken an average of £150 off household energy bills from April 2026, as Ofgem's price cap for 1 April to 30 June 2026 falls 7% to £1,641 for a typical direct debit household.
Warm Home Discount Regulations 2026 made with Treasury consent
The Warm Home Discount (England and Wales) Regulations 2026 were made on 27th March 2026 with Treasury consent, continuing the scheme to 31st March 2030 and setting supplier spending obligations to scheme year 20.
Consultation on updating standards for local space heating products opens
The government has opened a consultation on replacing Great Britain's ecodesign rules for local space heating products, running from 25 March to 20 May 2026.