Rules and Regulation news, page 6
- March 2026
Energy Ombudsman publishes guidance on energy bill debt support
The Energy Ombudsman has published guidance for households struggling with energy bills, setting out how financial difficulty is defined, what suppliers must offer and how to escalate a complaint.
Future Homes Standard full technical specification published
The full technical specification of the Future Homes Standard was published on 24 March 2026, setting low carbon heating and solar requirements for new homes in England from 2027 and 2028.
GOV.UK publishes RPC opinion on Future Homes and Buildings Standards impact assessments
The Regulatory Policy Committee rated the impact assessments behind the Future Homes and Buildings Standards as not fit for purpose, publishing its opinion on 25 March 2026.
Government announces acceleration of plug-in solar plans
The government published the Future Homes Standard on 24 March 2026 and said it would accelerate plans to make plug-in solar panels available in the UK within months.
Government confirms final tumble dryer standards with single 10 month transition
The government has confirmed final ecodesign and energy labelling rules for household tumble dryers in Great Britain, with a single 10 month transition and a review due by 9 December 2032.
NAPIT welcomes Future Homes Standard announcement
NAPIT has welcomed the Government's Future Homes Standard, saying it could create significant opportunities for members installing solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
Energy digitalisation framework published
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem have published a joint framework setting out how digitalisation of the energy system will be coordinated across England, Scotland and Wales.
Which? publishes response to DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model for EPCs
Which? has published its response to the government's consultation on the Home Energy Model for Energy Performance Certificates, welcoming reform while warning that accuracy problems and the 10 year validity period remain unaddressed.
Government response to tumble dryer product standards consultation published
The government has confirmed new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for household tumble dryers in Great Britain, phasing out less efficient vented, gas and condenser models in favour of heat pump machines.
Citizens Advice responds to DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model: EPCs
Citizens Advice has responded to the DESNZ consultation on the Home Energy Model for EPCs, backing the modular approach in principle while raising concerns on data standards, costs and electric storage heating.
Energy Systems Catapult publishes response to DESNZ load control licence consultation
Energy Systems Catapult has published its response to the government's consultation on draft load control licence regulations, calling for a proportionate, risk-based approach that targets only those who control load.
Government to explore regulation of the heating oil market
The Government has committed over £50 million to help low-income households that use heating oil and will explore regulating a market it says is not functioning properly.
CMA announces detailed examination of the whole heating oil market
The Competition and Markets Authority will take forward a detailed examination of the whole heating oil market at pace, the government has confirmed alongside over £50 million of support for households.
Welsh Government sets out support for householders affected by ECO closure and CES ceasing trading
The Welsh Government has set out support routes for households affected by the closure of the Energy Company Obligation scheme and the collapse of installer Consumer Energy Solutions.
CCC publishes report on cost of Net Zero versus fossil fuel price shocks
The Climate Change Committee says the total extra cost of reaching Net Zero by 2050 is likely to be no larger than the cost of one fossil fuel price shock on the scale of 2022.
Ofgem announced approval of Tesla Energy Ventures Limited's electricity supply licence
Ofgem has granted Tesla Energy Ventures Limited a licence to supply electricity to households and businesses across Great Britain, effective from 11 March 2026.
Smart Metering Policy Framework Post 2025 laid before parliament
The government has published its response to the 2025 smart metering consultation, confirming a 90-day supplier duty on non-communicating meters and rollout completion by the end of 2030.
Energy Secretary and Minister Shanks write to heating oil industry warning of increased prices
The Energy Secretary and Minister Shanks wrote jointly to the heating oil industry on 9 March warning of increased prices and of action to protect consumers.
Partial government response published
The government has published its partial response to the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings consultation, confirming four new headline metrics for domestic EPCs and changes to when certificates are required.
Transition of existing businesses begins
NICEIC began moving certified installers onto the redeveloped MCS Installer scheme on 9 March 2026, with all new applicants assessed under the new rules from the same date.
Welsh Government issued circular WGC 003/2026
The Welsh Government has issued circular WGC 003/2026, setting out Building Regulations amendments that will require on-site renewable electricity generation on new homes in Wales from March 2027.
Launch of Future Homes Standard Ready campaign
The Future Homes Hub has launched a campaign to prepare homebuilders for the Future Homes Standard, which will be mandatory on homes where construction starts after March 2028.
Consultation response published and implementing regulations laid in Parliament
The Government has published its response to the 2023 Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation and laid regulations amending the Building Regulations 2010, with the standards due to come into force on 24 March 2027.
Electrical Safety First publishes statement on plug-in solar following Future Homes Standard announcement
Electrical Safety First has published a statement on plug-in solar after the Government announced plans to widen their availability, warning that such systems are not currently permitted by regulations.
Energy Digitalisation Framework published
The government and Ofgem have published an Energy Digitalisation Framework, set out in a July 2026 update to the Clean Flexibility Roadmap, to coordinate the digital programmes underpinning household and business energy flexibility.
Future Homes Standard announced
The Future Homes Standard for new homes in England was published in March 2026, with a coming-into-force date of 24 March 2027 and a twelve-month transition period to March 2028.
Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard regulations announced
Regulations giving effect to the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard were announced in March 2026, requiring low-carbon heating and solar panels in most new buildings in England from 2027 or 2028.
Government announced plug-in solar available in UK shops within months
The government said in March 2026 that plug-in solar kits would reach UK shops within months, with regulations to be updated so households can connect sub-800W systems.
Government to consult on reforming consumer protection for energy installations
The government will consult in 2026 on bringing oversight of energy efficiency and microgeneration installations for its schemes under closer government control, and on the role of the Warm Homes Agency.
Government publishes response to Approved Document O call for evidence
The Government has published its response to a call for evidence on Approved Document O, which covers overheating in homes, and announced a review of Part O alongside new building standards for England.