Consumer

DESNZ and Ofgem propose mandatory baseline cyber security requirements for all 1,400+ Ofgem licensees through licence conditions, using Cyber Essentials certification as the starting point. The proposal also expands Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations to capture more distributed energy operators deemed critical to system stability. NESO will provide independent advice on which services and operators should fall under the enhanced NIS framework.

Ofgem proposes adapting the energy price cap wholesale allowance methodology to accommodate Market Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS), which changes how suppliers are settled when purchasing electricity to match customer demand. The consultation seeks views on setting wholesale allowances that track efficient costs, accounting for cost differences across customer groups, and developing time-of-use price cap variants. Responses are due by 5 May 2026.

DESNZ proposes a bill discount scheme offering households within 500 metres of new transmission infrastructure £250 annually for 10 years, funded by an obligation on all electricity suppliers who will pass costs to all customers via bills. The scheme covers new overhead lines and substations from 2027, with eligible households identified automatically via their MPAN, plus an opt-in route for those on commercial meters or off-grid. Administrative costs are socialised across all billpayers while benefits flow only to those hosting infrastructure.

Government introduces regulations requiring majority of new homes in England to have solar panels fitted as standard from 2028 under the Future Homes Standard, removes regulatory barriers for plug-in solar panels under 800W to connect via domestic sockets without electrician installation, and launches trial allowing suppliers to offer discounted electricity on windy days in constrained areas instead of paying wind farms to switch off. The Future Homes Standard also mandates low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps in new builds, while plug-in solar will be available in shops within months through retailers like Lidl and Amazon.

DESNZ proposes creating a new Load Control Licence regime, making it illegal to control customer electricity loads without Ofgem authorisation from end-2026. The licence covers load controllers and Flexibility Service Providers, with cyber security requirements for the former and consumer protection rules for the latter. A 12-month transition period runs from licence applications opening to enforcement.

Ofgem reviews how energy system costs are allocated and recovered across electricity and gas consumers. Examines whether the current split of network, policy, and balancing costs between fuels and customer groups is fit for purpose.

Ofgem opens review of energy system cost allocation and recovery, examining how network, wholesale, policy, and retail costs are recovered from domestic and non-domestic consumers. The review considers alternatives to current standing charge structure, including block tariffs, time-of-use charging, location-based pricing, and ability-to-pay options. Consultation closes 24 September 2025 with policy options expected end-2025.

CMP453 proposes to charge BSUoS on net rather than gross flows for BSC Trading Units, meaning customers who export more than they import would not pay system balancing costs. The CUSC Panel recommended the change by majority on 31 October 2025, with the Final Modification Report sent to Ofgem on 11 November 2025. The modification follows Standard Governance through a Workgroup process.

Ofgem consults on introducing a zero standing charge variant of the energy price cap. Would allow suppliers to offer tariffs with no daily fixed charge, recovering all costs through the unit rate.

DESNZ launches a review of Ofgem's role and powers, citing consumer protection concerns and the need for higher standards in energy markets. The review will examine the regulator's functions and delivery mechanisms. No specific timeline or scope limitations are provided.

Ofgem consults on options for reforming domestic standing charges in the retail market. Examines the balance between fixed daily charges and volumetric unit rates.

Ofgem proposes reducing domestic standing charges by £20-£100 annually by moving supplier operating costs to unit rates, while exploring tariff diversification options. The consultation seeks views on rebalancing the £135 annual operating cost allocation between fixed daily charges and consumption-based rates. Responses close September 20, with potential implementation April 2025.

CUSC modification CMP440 removes the zero price floor from demand TNUoS locational tariffs, reintroducing negative prices as investment signals. Negative tariffs apply over extended consumption measurement periods to prevent gaming. Code Administration Consultation runs 9 February to 3 March 2026.

Ofgem reviews the operating cost allowances within the energy price cap methodology. Examines whether the amounts allowed for supplier operating costs (billing, metering, customer service) reflect efficient costs.

OpTIC replaces the Transport component of TNUoS with an economic market model that creates transmission charges based on assumed optimal network investment in a zonal market structure. The proposal aims to charge generators and suppliers as if they operated in a zonal wholesale market rather than the current uniform pricing system. Workgroup activity starts Spring 2025 after the CUSC Panel prioritised it as Medium.

Ofgem and DESNZ propose new licences for the National Energy System Operator (NESO), which will combine electricity system operation and gas system planning functions. NESO will hold both an Electricity System Operator licence and a Gas System Planner licence when designated as the Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP). The consultation also proposes modifications to transmission, distribution, generation, supply, interconnector, smart meter communication, and gas transporter licences to accommodate NESO's expanded role.

Ofgem opens consultation on reforming the default tariff price cap, acknowledging current limitations in a dynamic retail market. The cap has reduced supplier costs but requires evolution to handle market volatility and future energy market changes. Consultation closes 10 May 2024 with response form and email options available.

Ofgem decision on urgency for CMP430, which adjusts TNUoS charging from 2025 to support Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement implementation. Changes how transmission charges interact with the move to half-hourly settlement.

Ofgem decision on adjusting standing charges for prepayment customers. Addresses the historic premium that prepayment meter users pay in fixed daily charges compared to direct debit customers.

Ofgem decision on the additional debt costs review within the energy price cap. Determines how much suppliers can recover for the elevated bad debt levels arising from the energy crisis.

Ofgem decision on additional wholesale cost allowances within the energy price cap. Addresses whether suppliers need extra headroom for wholesale energy procurement costs beyond the standard methodology.

Ofgem removes BSUoS charges from generators from 1 April 2023, shifting system balancing costs entirely to demand. CfD projects in Allocation Round 4 will have strike prices adjusted downward from that date to reflect the removal of this cost. The change implements code modification CMP308.

CMP375 proposes changes to how the Expansion Constant and Expansion Factors are calculated in TNUoS charging, affecting how transmission network investment costs are recovered from users. The modification received unanimous Panel support for the Original solution and majority support for WACM2 in January 2024. Ofgem's decision date has slipped repeatedly from September 2024 to February 2025, with the current expected decision date to be confirmed.

DESNZ evaluates the smart metering roll-out covering research, monitoring and future evaluation plans for GB smart meter deployment.

Domestic energy price index series for electricity and gas. Tracks household energy cost trends over time as index numbers.

Annual domestic energy bill statistics showing typical household electricity and gas costs by payment method and consumption level.

Quarterly statistics on domestic energy supplier switching rates. Tracks the number of electricity and gas customers changing supplier.

Quarterly statistics on domestic energy customer numbers by supplier and payment method. Tracks market share distribution.

Quarterly Energy Prices statistical release covering domestic and non-domestic electricity and gas prices across GB. Includes unit rates, standing charges, and price index trends.

Government promotes its Fuel Finder tool for drivers to compare petrol and diesel prices at forecourts.

Elexon launches a dashboard tracking supplier progress towards Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS). Provides visibility on which suppliers are meeting migration milestones.

NESO expands its Demand Flexibility Service to allow participants to be rewarded for increasing electricity consumption during periods of excess supply, alongside existing rewards for demand reduction. The service threshold drops from 1MW to 0.1MW, opening participation to smaller suppliers and businesses. Over 2.46 million businesses and consumers have already signed up.

NESO has launched a consumer mobile app that shows carbon intensity of the electricity grid in real-time, allowing users to schedule energy usage during periods of low carbon generation. The app, developed with WWF and Oxford University, can link to smart devices for automated load shifting. NESO is seeking user feedback to improve a new version of the app.

NESO establishes a programme to track and enable demand-side flexibility participation in its balancing services markets, targeting 10-12 GW of demand flexibility by 2030. The programme includes quarterly reporting of participation levels and a Routes to Market Review to remove barriers for demand-side participants. Data relies on self-reported confirmations from asset owners, with NESO encouraging non-respondents to contact them for comprehensive representation.

The BSC Panel is consulting on code changes to establish governance arrangements for the Smart Data Repository, scheduled to launch later in 2026. The repository will centralise smart meter data to support market operations and grid management. This is implementation detail for an already-decided policy rather than a new structural reform.

DESNZ and Ofgem propose mandatory baseline cyber security requirements for all 1,400+ Ofgem licensees through licence conditions, using Cyber Essentials certification as the starting point. The proposal also expands Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations to capture more distributed energy operators deemed critical to system stability. NESO will provide independent advice on which services and operators should fall under the enhanced NIS framework.

Ofgem and DESNZ propose baseline cyber security requirements for all energy licensees, plus expanded Network and Information System Regulations coverage. The consultation seeks to standardise cyber resilience across downstream gas and electricity sectors through mandatory minimum requirements. No specific thresholds, costs, or implementation dates are provided.

DESNZ launches new self-assessment portal for Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA) scheme, replacing legacy digital service. CHP operators must register on the new portal to submit certification applications. Four existing forms (F1-F4) are now redundant.

DESNZ provides worked example for calculating Z-ratios through plant performance testing for combined heat and power qualification assessment. The example demonstrates solving simultaneous equations from three test conditions to determine specific electricity generation rates for different steam extraction points. This determines the Z-factor that measures efficiency loss when diverting steam for heat rather than electricity generation.

DESNZ guidance explains how CHP schemes with CHPQA certification can claim exemption from business rates on specific plant and machinery. The exemption covers power generation equipment (turbines, generators, engines) and accessories but excludes heat recovery plant and buildings. Schemes must hold a Secretary of State CHP Exemption Certificate and follow prescribed procedures with local Valuation Officers.

DESNZ published guidance for combined heat and power schemes under 2MW to achieve CHPQA certification, which unlocks various government benefits including tax reliefs and exemptions. The guidance simplifies the assessment process for small schemes, requiring only three data sets: fuel used, electricity generated, and heat supplied. A streamlined submission journey applies to single reciprocating engine schemes using conventional fuels.

DESNZ publishes guidance on calculating Z ratios for Combined Heat and Power schemes with steam turbines, defining how to measure the trade-off between power generation and heat supply when steam is extracted at different pressures. The guidance provides reference tables showing Z ratios from 3.9 to 8.1 depending on turbine size (2-50+ MWe) and steam pressure (2.4-21.7 bar). Operators must determine their specific Z ratio through measurement or calculation, with fallback to tabulated values if testing is not feasible.

DESNZ updates guidance on calculating qualifying power capacity for combined heat and power schemes under the CHP Quality Assurance programme. The guidance sets minimum operational hours required for different scheme types (500-1000 hours annually) and establishes calculation methods for schemes that fail to meet quality index thresholds. This determines what proportion of CHP capacity qualifies for support mechanisms.

DESNZ updated guidance on calculating qualifying power output for CHP schemes that fail to meet minimum quality index thresholds. Schemes must achieve QI of 100 (or 95 for new schemes) for all power output to qualify as Good Quality CHP. Those below threshold must calculate reduced qualifying output using heat-to-power ratios and efficiency formulas.

DESNZ updates guidance on calculating Quality Index for Combined Heat and Power schemes under CHPQA certification. The Quality Index measures overall energy efficiency of CHP schemes, accounting for relative values of power and heat output. Schemes must achieve QI of 100 (95 for new schemes) and 20% power efficiency to qualify as Good Quality CHP.

DESNZ has updated its Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA) guidance note 0 (version 8), which provides instructions for operators to self-assess CHP schemes for certification. The guidance enables access to fiscal benefits including Climate Change Levy exemption, business rates relief, and carbon price support exemption. Certification requires annual submissions through an online portal, with simplified procedures for schemes under 2MWe using single reciprocating engines.

CHPQA eligibility guidance covers which technologies, fuels, and heat uses qualify for the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance programme. Eligible technologies include reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, fuel cells, and organic Rankine cycles. Schemes under 2MWe using conventional fuels can use a simplified application process.

Ofgem reviews the temporary debt cost allowance it added to the energy price cap between April 2022 and June 2025, comparing actual supplier debt costs against the allowances received. The consultation closes 16 June 2026 and focuses specifically on whether the temporary allowance was set correctly, with potential price cap adjustments if not. The review excludes broader debt strategy considerations.

Ofgem proposes adapting the energy price cap wholesale allowance methodology to accommodate Market Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS), which changes how suppliers are settled when purchasing electricity to match customer demand. The consultation seeks views on setting wholesale allowances that track efficient costs, accounting for cost differences across customer groups, and developing time-of-use price cap variants. Responses are due by 5 May 2026.

DESNZ proposes updating ecodesign regulations for local space heating products to align with EU standards, replacing 2015/1188 with requirements based on EU Regulation 2024/1103. The consultation seeks views on improved efficiency standards that would reduce energy demand and cut consumer bills. This affects product standards for heating appliances, not electricity market structure.

DESNZ publishes updated evidence on energy efficiency potential across UK industry, updating 2015 roadmaps that considered efficiency alongside fuel switching and carbon capture. The research covers process-level efficiency measures only, excluding building-level or behavioural interventions.

DESNZ publishes technical documentation for the Home Energy Model methodology that will assess buildings against the Future Homes Standard. The documents provide implementation detail for building energy performance calculations. This is part of ongoing model development for housing energy efficiency standards.

DESNZ proposes a bill discount scheme offering households within 500 metres of new transmission infrastructure £250 annually for 10 years, funded by an obligation on all electricity suppliers who will pass costs to all customers via bills. The scheme covers new overhead lines and substations from 2027, with eligible households identified automatically via their MPAN, plus an opt-in route for those on commercial meters or off-grid. Administrative costs are socialised across all billpayers while benefits flow only to those hosting infrastructure.

DESNZ consults on the Home Energy Model methodology that will replace SAP 10.2 for assessing new dwelling compliance with the Future Homes Standard from 2025. The consultation closes 27 March 2024 and covers methodology still under development.

DESNZ published final reports from its Alternative Energy Markets Innovation Programme, which funded seven projects totalling £11.6m to design and test domestic demand-side flexibility tariffs between 2023-2025. The projects tested Home Energy Management Systems paired with time-of-use tariffs, retrofit programmes with dynamic pricing, and subscription models for smart appliances across various hypothetical future market scenarios.

DESNZ publishes guidance requiring new domestic and non-domestic buildings to be designed with specific spacing and positioning requirements for smart meter installations. Buildings must position electricity and gas meters near the front door, provide minimum 405mm x 405mm clear space for smart electricity meters, and avoid metal obstructions around communications hubs. The guidance is part of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards programme.

Government introduces regulations requiring majority of new homes in England to have solar panels fitted as standard from 2028 under the Future Homes Standard, removes regulatory barriers for plug-in solar panels under 800W to connect via domestic sockets without electrician installation, and launches trial allowing suppliers to offer discounted electricity on windy days in constrained areas instead of paying wind farms to switch off. The Future Homes Standard also mandates low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps in new builds, while plug-in solar will be available in shops within months through retailers like Lidl and Amazon.

DESNZ launches consultation on a £5 billion Warm Homes Fund offering government-backed loans and investments for domestic solar, batteries, heat pumps, and energy efficiency measures. The fund targets upfront cost barriers through financial transactions rather than grants. Consultation closes on an unspecified date seeking views from installers, manufacturers, housing providers, and finance institutions on fund design and target groups.

Feed-in Tariff rates increase by 3.4% from 1 April 2026, following the Consumer Price Index adjustment. The FIT scheme closed to new entrants in 2019, so this affects only existing installations receiving generation and export tariff payments. This is an automatic annual adjustment under existing regulations.

Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement systems went live in September 2025, with first Wave 1 participants completing qualification and beginning migration of 30 million supply points. The programme transitions from implementation to business-as-usual operation of settlement systems and the Data Integration Platform. Elexon served as Implementation Manager rather than Ofgem leading directly, coordinating industry delivery through working groups and volunteer early adopters.

Government and Ofgem establish a data domain model with four coordinators (NESO, RECCo, Elexon) to standardise energy system digitalisation, replacing the current fragmented initiative-led approach. The framework introduces a digitalisation coordination function and mandates interoperability between Data Sharing Infrastructure (DSI) and Consumer Consent Service (CCS). Implementation begins immediately with interim governance, moving to full coordination function by 2028-29.

Ofgem's January 2026 consumer satisfaction survey shows 81% satisfaction with energy suppliers, unchanged from July-August 2025. Customer service satisfaction remains at an all-time high of 77%. Among customers who fell behind on payments, 28% were not contacted by suppliers, up from 20% in the previous survey.

DESNZ publishes statistical collection on household energy efficiency programmes including Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Green Deal measures. The release provides quarterly ECO cost data and annual insulation statistics. Q4 2025 ECO costs will appear in both the detailed annual report on 19 March and regular quarterly statistics on 26 March.

DESNZ published annual statistics on government-funded household energy efficiency schemes through December 2025, covering 4.9 million measures installed in 2.9 million homes since 2013. ECO accounted for 71% of 2025 installations (271,700 measures), while total scheme delivery fell 14% year-on-year to 385,000 measures. ECO costs reached £11.32 billion cumulative, with 2025 delivery costs falling 24% to £1.43 billion.

Ofgem publishes quarterly and annual timetables for the Offtaker of Last Resort levelisation process covering April 2026 to March 2027. The schedule sets deadlines for BPPA generation data submission, invoice distribution, payment collection and distribution across four quarterly periods and one annual reconciliation. Levelisation only occurs if a Backstop Power Purchase Agreement is active in the preceding year.

The Warm Homes Plan commits £15bn over 2025-2028 to upgrade 5 million homes with heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation, targeting 450,000 annual heat pump installations by 2030. The plan combines capital grants for low-income households with minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, funded through general taxation rather than energy bills. The programme represents the largest capital allocation to home energy efficiency to date.

DESNZ published a privacy notice explaining how personal data will be processed when awarding grants to energy suppliers under the ECO4 scheme. The notice covers standard data protection requirements for grant administration, including due diligence checks on directors and shareholders. Data will be retained for up to 6 years following ECO4 closure.

DESNZ proposes extending permitted development rights to allow businesses, schools and farms in England to install onshore wind turbines up to 30 metres without planning permission. The proposal removes the current restriction limiting these rights to small domestic turbines only. Implementation timing is not specified.

DESNZ proposes new permitted development rights for non-domestic wind turbines up to 30m tip height and 200m² swept area, allowing single turbines on farms, businesses and public sites without planning applications. The proposal requires prior approval from local planning authorities for siting and amenity impacts, with buffer distances of tip height plus 10% from site boundaries and ten times rotor diameter from neighbouring homes. Consultation closes 10 June 2026 with policy expected in autumn.

DESNZ mandates suppliers apply £150 average household bill discount from 1 April 2026 through two mechanisms: replacing 75% of domestic RO costs with government funding (2.45p/kWh electricity discount) and ending ECO schemes (0.31p/kWh gas, 0.89p/kWh electricity discount). Government pays suppliers monthly grants based on previous year supply volumes with quarterly reconciliation.

Energy suppliers must reduce domestic tariffs from April 2026, receiving government funding for 75% of Renewables Obligation costs (£1.4bn annually) while removing Energy Company Obligation costs following ECO4/GBIS scheme closure. RO tariff reductions apply via volumetric discounts or automatic adjustments for price-capped customers, with suppliers required to execute deeds and maintain qualifying bank accounts for grant payments. The scheme runs until March 2029 with quarterly reconciliation based on actual versus assumed domestic supply volumes.

Elexon has published draft governance frameworks for Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) and extended the consultation deadline to 31 March 2026. The framework establishes enduring governance arrangements for smart secure electricity systems in Great Britain, including bilateral agreements with cross-references to BSC provisions.

DESNZ announces winners of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund across three phases, providing £265.2 million in grants to 166 industrial energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. Projects range from £7,535 for pump automation to £13.4 million for hydrogen fuel switching, with recipients including manufacturers, breweries, glass works, and data centres. The fund supports deployment of heat pumps, waste heat recovery, fuel switching, and process optimisation across energy-intensive industries.

DESNZ extends a digital energy monitoring tool to 525 hospitality businesses with £350,000 funding, following a trial that reduced energy bills by an average £2,500 per year. The tool provides real-time alerts to reduce overnight energy consumption from fridges, ovens, and extraction systems. Separately, 20 industrial businesses received £23.4 million from the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund for decarbonisation projects.

DESNZ announces plug-in solar panels will be made available in the UK for the first time, alongside bringing forward the next renewables auction to July 2026 and accelerating £130m of devolved funding for home upgrades to additional mayors. The plug-in solar allows households to connect portable panels directly to mains sockets without grid export arrangements.

DESNZ releases statistics tracking energy efficiency installations under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund in England through February 2026. The data monitors retrofit measures in social housing properties. This is routine statistical reporting on a fuel poverty programme.

DESNZ will release data monitoring energy efficiency measure installations in English social housing under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund for January 2026. The release tracks progress of the SHDF scheme which provides grants to housing associations and councils for retrofitting social homes. This forms part of routine monitoring of government-funded decarbonisation programmes.

DESNZ announces March 2026 release date for GBIS installation statistics. The Great British Insulation Scheme monitors energy efficiency measures in domestic properties through obligated energy suppliers. This tracks implementation of an existing consumer support programme.

DESNZ publishes quarterly statistics on UK heat pump installations through March 2026. The release tracks deployment numbers against government targets of 600,000 annual installations by 2028. Heat pump adoption affects electricity demand patterns and peak loads but remains primarily a heating sector metric.

DESNZ published details of 50 projects awarded £27.8 million across three streams of the Heat Pump Ready Programme, part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. Stream 1 supports high-density heat pump deployment trials (£11.8m to 15 projects), Stream 2 develops tools and technology to reduce deployment barriers (£15.0m to 24 projects), and Stream 3 provides coordination and learning support.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant allocates £500m over 3-5 years for local authorities to install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating in low-income homes rated EPC D-G. Applications closed December 2024 with 271 local authorities covering 97% of eligible areas receiving allocations. The scheme requires 50% landlord contributions for private rental properties beyond the first per landlord.

DESNZ expands heat pump deployment statistics to capture all retrofits in the UK, not just those supported by government schemes. The change aims to track total market deployment rather than only policy-supported installations. Data tables provide quarterly counts of hydronic heat pumps up to 45kW capacity.

DESNZ publishes annual statistics on MCS-certified domestic battery installations covering April 2025 to March 2026, including capacity and cost data. The MCS database captures installations eligible for various support schemes and provides the primary dataset for tracking behind-the-meter storage deployment. This data informs policy development on distributed storage and network impact assessments.

DESNZ published monthly cost per kW data for solar PV installations during 2025/26, marking this as 'Official Statistics in Development'. The data covers installation costs by month across the financial year. This provides market intelligence on solar deployment costs as the sector scales.

DESNZ publishes research on homeowners' awareness of green finance products, finding 68% cite upfront costs as the main barrier to green home improvements while fewer than 1 in 5 are aware of available finance options. The study segments homeowners into five groups based on awareness and perceived barriers, with interest in green finance declining sharply as interest rates rise from 0% (76% acceptance) to 5% (8% acceptance).

DESNZ research found that 19% of UK homeowners would take green loans for home energy improvements, rising to 40% if government matched the borrowed amount with grants. Higher earners (£52k+) and younger owners (25-44) showed greatest willingness. Government advice services emerged as the most trusted messenger across all decarbonisation topics except planning permission, where local councils ranked first.

DESNZ commissioned London Economics to review evidence on 'comfort taking' — households heating their homes to higher temperatures after energy efficiency improvements. The review found direct rebound effects of 4-70% across different methodologies, with no methodological consensus. Lower income households, tenants, and less educated households show higher rebound rates.

Research by Energy Systems Catapult maps the customer journey for homeowners seeking energy efficiency advice, identifying barriers including information overload, lack of personalisation, and absence of trusted sources. The study involved qualitative research with energy advice experts and homeowners, including those digitally excluded. Customer personas reveal confusion at each stage from initial trigger through to financing searches.

DESNZ publishes behavioural research identifying consumer typologies for potential green home finance schemes, segmenting owner-occupiers by willingness to use debt and ability to repay. The research tested four finance products: secured green borrowing (0% for 5 years), personal loans (3% interest), point-of-sale finance (5% interest), and heat-as-a-service subscriptions. Secured green borrowing emerged as the preferred option across all consumer groups due to lower interest rates.

Verian research for DESNZ explores barriers to home decarbonisation measures among vulnerable owner-occupiers through focus groups with fuel-poor, older, and health-impaired groups. The study finds universal barriers (lack of awareness, upfront cost focus, installer distrust) with group-specific variations: fuel-poor households prioritise cost concerns, older owners fear contractor fraud, those with health conditions worry about disruption. Participants preferred insulation over heat pumps due to lower perceived cost and complexity.

Suppliers must repair non-communicating smart meters within 90 days or face regulatory penalties. Consumers receive £40 compensation for installation issues. Suppliers must also replace 2G/3G meters before network shutdown by 2033.

MHCLG introduces four headline metrics for domestic EPCs (fabric performance, heating system, smart readiness, energy cost) replacing the single Energy Efficiency Rating from October 2026. Non-domestic EPCs retain the single carbon-based Environmental Impact Rating. EPCs will be required before marketing properties and for HMOs letting single rooms, with heritage exemptions removed.

Elexon and ElectraLink have signed an agreement establishing a daily API for sharing half-hourly settlement data, required to maintain retail market operations during Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) implementation. The framework guarantees data access between the settlement body and the retail market data provider. This prevents disruption to supplier switching and other retail processes that depend on ElectraLink's systems.

DESNZ published February 2026 statistics on Boiler Upgrade Scheme installations, monitoring uptake of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers. The scheme provides grants for low carbon heating technologies to replace gas boilers in domestic properties.

Elexon hosted a webinar on 26 February introducing the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) governance framework and its industry-led arrangements for consumer-led flexibility. This is an explainer session about governance arrangements rather than the framework itself.

NESO publishes BSUoS charging data including fixed tariffs, monthly forecasts, and payment calendars through March 2026. BSUoS charges recover balancing costs and are paid by final demand customers only since April 2023 reforms. Current fixed tariff structure replaced variable charges following CMP308 and CMP361 implementation.

Elexon's CFO highlights that non-commodity costs rather than wholesale prices now drive consumer bill pressure, with Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement progressing from 3 million to target 30 million meters. Smart meter penetration has reached 60-70%, enabling time-of-use tariffs and flexibility services.

Elexon consults on the BSC Performance Assurance Framework for 2026/27, which sets standards and monitoring arrangements for balancing settlement compliance. The consultation appears to be routine framework refresh rather than structural reform. Performance assurance creates costs for non-compliant parties through oversight mechanisms and potential sanctions.

NESO submitted updated Demand Flexibility Service terms to Ofgem on 30 January 2026, with Ofgem decision expected by 30 March. The service transitioned from emergency tool to in-merit margin tool in November 2024, allowing NESO to procure demand reduction alongside other balancing services. Current domestic and business customers can participate through registered providers, earning payments for reducing consumption during called events.

DESNZ consults on reforming Energy Performance Certificates through a new Home Energy Model methodology, expanding calculations to include on-site inspections and introducing four new headline metrics: Fabric Performance, Heating System, Smart Readiness and Energy Cost. The consultation seeks views on how these metrics should be calculated and translated into EPC scoring bands.

DESNZ proposes creating a new Load Control Licence regime, making it illegal to control customer electricity loads without Ofgem authorisation from end-2026. The licence covers load controllers and Flexibility Service Providers, with cyber security requirements for the former and consumer protection rules for the latter. A 12-month transition period runs from licence applications opening to enforcement.

DESNZ proposes moving Warm Home Discount cost recovery from standing charges to unit rates (per-kWh charges) for electricity and gas. The consultation seeks views on impacts for consumers and suppliers, requiring changes to WHD reconciliation regulations. No financial figures or timeline details are provided in the summary.

DESNZ proposes amending ECO4 legislation to allow government grants to fund energy efficiency measures that count toward supplier obligations. Energy suppliers have overspent their anticipated budgets, prompting government to offer Exchequer funding to prevent bill increases. The consultation closes 5 January 2025.

DESNZ proposes mandatory smart functionality for energy smart appliances (ESAs), including minimum requirements for grid stability, cybersecurity, and consumer switching protection. Phase 1 regulations introduce smart mandates for electric heating appliances and consolidate electric vehicle charging point rules into a single ESA framework. Phase 2 regulations, planned for 2027, will add interoperability requirements to prevent consumer lock-in to specific flexibility service providers.

DESNZ consults on operational cost budgets for LCCC and ESC covering 2026/27 to 2028/29, with resulting levy rates to be applied to electricity suppliers. The consultation seeks views on administrative costs for running CfD and capacity market settlement functions. Costs are recovered through levies on licensed electricity suppliers who pass them to consumers.

Government proposes switching inflation indexation for Renewables Obligation buy-out prices and Feed-in Tariff rates from RPI to CPI. Both schemes use inflation adjustments to maintain real value of payments over time. The change would reduce annual increases since CPI typically runs 0.5-1 percentage point below RPI.

DESNZ proposes mandatory smart meter installation for new non-domestic energy contracts from 1 January 2027, with supplier obligations to communicate changes from early 2026 and follow a consumer protection code. Suppliers cannot offer new fixed-term contracts to business customers without smart or advanced meters after the deadline. The consultation closes 16 January 2026.

DESNZ proposes to halve complaint escalation times from 8 weeks to 4 weeks, reduce Ombudsman decision timeframes to 4 weeks, and strengthen enforcement powers against suppliers who fail to implement rulings. The consultation covers domestic suppliers, small enterprise complaints, and heat networks but excludes electricity and gas networks. These are process improvements to existing consumer redress mechanisms rather than market structure changes.

The consultation proposes to continue the Warm Home Discount scheme beyond its March 2026 expiry, maintaining support for around 6 million households through winter 2030/31. The scheme provides annual discounts on electricity bills funded through supplier obligations that socialise costs across all consumers.

Ofgem proposes requiring domestic energy suppliers with over 50,000 customers to offer tariffs with standing charges at least £150 below the price cap nil consumption level. The requirement would apply to all payment methods and meter types, with suppliers able to restrict eligibility to consumers using above minimum consumption thresholds (666kWh electricity, 2,836kWh gas annually). Implementation would begin early 2026 with a two-year sunset clause.

DESNZ proposes extending ECO4 by 6-9 months beyond March 2026 to maintain supplier obligations for installing energy efficiency measures. The extension allows obligated suppliers to deliver beyond their targets and carry delivery forward to future schemes. The consultation runs until late 2025 with implementation details to follow.

DESNZ proposes extending smart meter installation obligations beyond 2025, requiring suppliers to complete domestic rollout by 2030 and improve operational performance. Current annual installation targets end 31 December 2025. Suppliers would submit annual deployment plans and face new obligations on meter functionality.

DESNZ seeks evidence on coordinating smart meter installations with low carbon technology deployments to reduce field capacity constraints and improve consumer experience. The call for evidence focuses on installation efficiency, field capacity constraints in certain locations, and local coordination opportunities in areas with low smart meter penetration. No specific mechanisms or changes are proposed.

DESNZ proposes to transfer governance of technical and security standards for smart energy devices from government to industry-led arrangements under Elexon's management through Balancing and Settlement Code modifications. The governance would manage requirements for domestic EV chargers, heat pumps, and other flexibility devices. Costs would be recovered through BSC levies on industry participants.

Ofgem reviews how energy system costs are allocated and recovered across electricity and gas consumers. Examines whether the current split of network, policy, and balancing costs between fuels and customer groups is fit for purpose.

Ofgem opens review of energy system cost allocation and recovery, examining how network, wholesale, policy, and retail costs are recovered from domestic and non-domestic consumers. The review considers alternatives to current standing charge structure, including block tariffs, time-of-use charging, location-based pricing, and ability-to-pay options. Consultation closes 24 September 2025 with policy options expected end-2025.

DESNZ consults on creating a consumer engagement framework to increase uptake of demand-side flexibility through information campaigns and coordination between existing organisations. The consultation explores government's role in promoting voluntary demand shifting but proposes no specific mechanisms, charges, or market changes. This is a consultation about whether to consult further on detailed proposals.

DESNZ launches consultation on improving visibility of distributed energy assets including EV chargers, solar panels, heat pumps and batteries through better data collection from installation to operation. The consultation seeks views on strategic data flows and options for mandating asset registration. No specific mechanisms or costs are proposed at this stage.

DESNZ proposes minimum energy performance standards that would phase out air-vented, gas-fired and condenser tumble dryers, allowing only heat pump models. The consultation also sets 80% minimum condensation efficiency and introduces circular economy measures including spare parts availability. These changes align with new EU regulations on household tumble dryers.

DESNZ consults on mandating solar canopies on new outdoor car parks above an unspecified size threshold, covering public and private sites. The consultation also seeks views on expanding permitted development rights for EV charging infrastructure to reduce planning barriers. The solar mandate would apply to new car parks, with exploration of retrofitting existing facilities.

DESNZ proposes changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to increase heat pump uptake and mandates MCS as the sole certification scheme across all clean heat programmes. The consultation covers grant mechanics for heat pumps and biomass boilers in England and Wales, alongside certification requirements for ECO4, Social Housing Fund, and Local Grant schemes. Consultation closes on date to be confirmed.

CMP453 proposes to charge BSUoS on net rather than gross flows for BSC Trading Units, meaning customers who export more than they import would not pay system balancing costs. The CUSC Panel recommended the change by majority on 31 October 2025, with the Final Modification Report sent to Ofgem on 11 November 2025. The modification follows Standard Governance through a Workgroup process.

DESNZ proposes removing the high-cost-to-heat threshold from the Warm Home Discount Scheme, making all households on means-tested benefits eligible for the £150 rebate from winter 2025/26. The scheme would also extend to park home residents without direct supplier relationships while maintaining current budget levels. Scotland would receive proportionally increased spending allocation for its Broader Group distribution.

Ofgem consults on introducing a zero standing charge variant of the energy price cap. Would allow suppliers to offer tariffs with no daily fixed charge, recovering all costs through the unit rate.

DESNZ proposes raising minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030, building on a 2020 consultation. The consultation seeks views on increasing the threshold beyond the current EPC Band E requirement. No specific new standards or timelines are detailed in this announcement.

DESNZ opens consultation on updating the fuel poverty strategy, seeking views on priorities for delivering warm homes. The consultation runs until an unspecified date and covers policy approaches to reduce fuel poverty rates. This follows the existing fuel poverty strategy framework established under previous governments.

DESNZ proposes a Smart Data scheme allowing customers to share energy consumption data with authorised third parties for tariff comparison and personalised services. The consultation seeks views on scope, governance, and implementation design. No specific timeline or regulatory framework is outlined.

DESNZ launches a review of Ofgem's role and powers, citing consumer protection concerns and the need for higher standards in energy markets. The review will examine the regulator's functions and delivery mechanisms. No specific timeline or scope limitations are provided.

DESNZ proposes raising minimum efficiency standards for heat pumps, introducing efficiency standards for hybrid heat pumps, and removing lower-performing gas boilers from the market through updated ecodesign regulations. The consultation also proposes simplifying energy labels from the current A to A+++ scale to a clearer A-G scale. These are product standards that affect heating equipment manufacturing and retail, not electricity system operation.

Ofgem consults on draft guidance for AI deployment across energy sector operations, covering safety, security, fairness and sustainability criteria. The guidance aims to streamline regulatory compliance by mapping AI use cases to existing regulatory frameworks rather than creating new rules. Consultation runs until spring 2025 with regulatory laboratory sessions in February.

DESNZ consults on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and GBIS, including pay-for-performance measures. The consultation covers modifications to current requirements and new performance-based elements to help reach the 2030 fuel poverty target of band C homes. Responses close date not specified in the excerpt.

DESNZ proposes establishing a regulatory framework for Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) — price comparison websites, energy brokers, and switching services — in the retail energy market. The consultation closes with no specified date and seeks views on regulatory options including mandatory licensing, voluntary codes, or hybrid approaches. This targets consumer protection rather than market structure reform.

Ofgem refreshes its Consumer Vulnerability Strategy. Reviews how the energy sector identifies and supports vulnerable customers.

Ofgem consulted on refreshing its Consumer Vulnerability Strategy, proposing four core themes with narrowed outcomes and annual supplier vulnerability panels. The consultation received 67 responses across industry groups. Ofgem retained the existing broad vulnerability definition and will implement adapted 'Vulnerability Focus Sessions' rather than formal panels.

Ofgem consults on options for reforming domestic standing charges in the retail market. Examines the balance between fixed daily charges and volumetric unit rates.

Ofgem proposes reducing domestic standing charges by £20-£100 annually by moving supplier operating costs to unit rates, while exploring tariff diversification options. The consultation seeks views on rebalancing the £135 annual operating cost allocation between fixed daily charges and consumption-based rates. Responses close September 20, with potential implementation April 2025.

CUSC modification CMP440 removes the zero price floor from demand TNUoS locational tariffs, reintroducing negative prices as investment signals. Negative tariffs apply over extended consumption measurement periods to prevent gaming. Code Administration Consultation runs 9 February to 3 March 2026.

Ofgem reviews the operating cost allowances within the energy price cap methodology. Examines whether the amounts allowed for supplier operating costs (billing, metering, customer service) reflect efficient costs.

Ofgem reviews operating cost allowances in the price cap, covering core costs, debt-related costs, smart metering costs and industry charges. The review uses 2022-2023 supplier cost data to replace 2017 baselines, with decisions expected by February 2025 for April implementation. Operating costs make up 15-20% of typical bills and vary significantly by payment method.

DESNZ consults on technical and regulatory frameworks to enable flexibility services from domestic devices like EV chargers and heat pumps through the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme. The programme aims to unlock demand-side flexibility to support grid balancing and decarbonisation. This represents implementation planning for already-announced flexibility policies rather than new market design.

OpTIC replaces the Transport component of TNUoS with an economic market model that creates transmission charges based on assumed optimal network investment in a zonal market structure. The proposal aims to charge generators and suppliers as if they operated in a zonal wholesale market rather than the current uniform pricing system. Workgroup activity starts Spring 2025 after the CUSC Panel prioritised it as Medium.

Ofgem requires suppliers to provide formal audit assurance on customer data submitted for the nil consumption price cap levelisation reconciliation, which launched April 1st 2024. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance with the reconciliation mechanism through independent audits of data quality and process adherence. A follow-up letter will specify submission locations and deadlines.

Ofgem grants consent for DCC to participate in additional fuel poverty research projects and disclose smart meter system data to three organisations building on previous MEDApps competition work. This allows access to confidential information that would otherwise be prohibited under DCC's licence conditions. The consent extends DCC's authorised activities beyond core smart meter communications functions.

Ofgem approves BSC Modification P468, enabling Elexon to administer the government's Electricity Support Payments and Levy scheme. The modification allows Elexon to collect industry levies and distribute support payments under draft regulations from DESNZ. This creates new administrative functions for the settlement body without changing market structure.

Ofgem introduces new licence conditions for energy suppliers serving non-domestic customers, including enhanced complaint handling requirements and billing transparency standards. The changes take effect from December 2024 and apply to all gas and electricity suppliers. This follows extensive consultation from February 2023 through December 2023.

Ofgem launched a call for input on AI use in the energy sector, seeking views on how AI should be deployed responsibly to encourage innovation while managing risks. The consultation closed on 17 May 2024 and forms part of Ofgem's response to government AI regulatory principles. This represents regulatory guidance development rather than rule-making.

Ofgem launches a call for input on AI use in the energy sector, proposing regulatory guidance and collaboration frameworks rather than new rules. The regulator concludes existing regulation is adequate to capture AI use but wants to produce risk-based guidance tools. Responses close after an unspecified consultation period.

The RO scheme issued 108.3 million certificates in 2022-23, supporting 80.3 TWh of renewable generation equivalent to 31.8% of UK electricity supply. Suppliers presented 107.7 million ROCs (88.4% of obligation) and paid £748.6 million in buy-out funds to cover the shortfall. The scheme transferred approximately £6.4 billion from electricity bills to renewable generators through certificate values of £59.76 each.

Ofgem finalises revisions to the Operational Performance Regime (OPR) that financially incentivises the Data Communications Company's performance across system operations, customer engagement, and contract management for smart meters. The regime adjusts weighting methodologies and scoring systems rather than changing fundamental incentive structures. This affects smart meter deployment costs allocated across all energy consumers through supplier charges.

Ofgem and DESNZ propose new licences for the National Energy System Operator (NESO), which will combine electricity system operation and gas system planning functions. NESO will hold both an Electricity System Operator licence and a Gas System Planner licence when designated as the Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP). The consultation also proposes modifications to transmission, distribution, generation, supply, interconnector, smart meter communication, and gas transporter licences to accommodate NESO's expanded role.

Ofgem opens consultation on reforming the default tariff price cap, acknowledging current limitations in a dynamic retail market. The cap has reduced supplier costs but requires evolution to handle market volatility and future energy market changes. Consultation closes 10 May 2024 with response form and email options available.

Ofgem rejected DCC's appeal against REC Technical Expert Panel's approval of R0093, which increases Central Switching Service maximum demand volumes during the MHHS migration period. The decision upholds the TEP's original approval, allowing R0093 to proceed to implementation. This affects data processing capacity during the transition to half-hourly settlement.

Ofgem approved UNC0856, enabling trials for demand side response from non-daily metered gas customers. The modification allows gas suppliers and aggregators to test mechanisms for reducing gas demand during peak periods without requiring smart meters. These trials will establish whether existing settlement processes can accommodate demand flexibility from smaller commercial and domestic gas customers.

Ofgem mandates Data Best Practice (DBP) Guidance integration into industry codes, targeting Central System Delivery Bodies, Code Panels, Code Administrators, and licensed entities. The guidance aims to surface, share, and make interoperable data held across the energy sector. Entities handling significant data portions face specific implementation expectations.

DESNZ proposes amending the CfD supplier obligation regulations to enable the electricity supplier levy to fund Dispatchable Power Agreements (DPAs) for power CCUS projects. The amendment would use the existing CfD cost recovery mechanism to collect payments for a new support scheme targeting gas generation with carbon capture. This extends the supplier obligation beyond its original CfD remit.

Ofgem open letter to suppliers on calculating electricity base levelisation rates. Levelisation ensures that policy cost differences between suppliers (from FiT, RO, WHD obligations) are socialised across the market.

Ofgem call for input on affordability and debt in the domestic retail energy market. Examines the scale of energy debt, repayment practices, and support mechanisms.

Ofgem decision on urgency for CMP430, which adjusts TNUoS charging from 2025 to support Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement implementation. Changes how transmission charges interact with the move to half-hourly settlement.

Ofgem decision on the DCC (Data Communications Company) price control for regulatory year 2022-23. Sets the allowed costs DCC can recover for operating the smart metering communications infrastructure.

Authority decision on REC modification R0147 concerning prepayment levelisation. Changes how costs are shared between prepayment and credit meter customers within the retail energy code framework.

Ofgem decision on changes to the timing and availability of price cap inputs. Adjusts the observation windows or publication schedule for wholesale, network, and policy cost data feeding into the cap calculation.

Ofgem decision on the future of the ban on acquisition-only tariffs after March 2024. Determines whether suppliers can offer cheaper deals to attract new customers while charging existing customers more.

Ofgem decision on adjusting standing charges for prepayment customers. Addresses the historic premium that prepayment meter users pay in fixed daily charges compared to direct debit customers.

Ofgem decision on the additional debt costs review within the energy price cap. Determines how much suppliers can recover for the elevated bad debt levels arising from the energy crisis.

Ofgem decision on additional wholesale cost allowances within the energy price cap. Addresses whether suppliers need extra headroom for wholesale energy procurement costs beyond the standard methodology.

DESNZ seeks views on redesigning default tariffs for households who do not actively choose energy suppliers. The call for evidence covers design principles, tariff types, and alternative consumer protections. No specific proposals are presented.

LCCC published updated co-location guidance allowing CfD generators to co-locate with battery storage and hydrogen production facilities under existing contracts. The guidance clarifies permitted metering arrangements and configuration scenarios to support government targets of 1GW hydrogen by 2025 and 10GW by 2030. This implements existing CfD contract flexibility rather than changing the scheme structure.

Ofgem removes BSUoS charges from generators from 1 April 2023, shifting system balancing costs entirely to demand. CfD projects in Allocation Round 4 will have strike prices adjusted downward from that date to reflect the removal of this cost. The change implements code modification CMP308.

National Grid ESO scheduled webinars for CfD Allocation Round 4 applicants and published draft guidance documents for comment by 15 November 2021. Government opened consultation on LCCC and ESC operational cost budgets for 2022/23 to 2024/25, with levies recovered through electricity supplier charges.

CMP375 proposes changes to how the Expansion Constant and Expansion Factors are calculated in TNUoS charging, affecting how transmission network investment costs are recovered from users. The modification received unanimous Panel support for the Original solution and majority support for WACM2 in January 2024. Ofgem's decision date has slipped repeatedly from September 2024 to February 2025, with the current expected decision date to be confirmed.

DESNZ allowed electricity suppliers to defer part of their CfD obligation increases from Q2 2020 to Q2 2021 due to coronavirus measures. The amendment came into force on 8 July 2020, ahead of LCCC's quarterly reconciliation. This shifts supplier payment timing but does not change the total obligation amount.

Government amends CfD supplier obligation regulations to protect suppliers from 80% of COVID-19-driven cost increases (up to £100m loan) and defer full cost recovery by an additional quarter to Q2 2021. Regulations laid 4 June with Parliamentary approval expected before 9 July reconciliation process.

CMP344 fixes transmission owner revenue recovery at the start of each price control period rather than allowing annual adjustments. The modification prevents mid-period revenue changes that currently create unpredictable cost shifts between network users. After multiple Ofgem send-backs since 2021, the CUSC Panel recommended implementation in June 2025, with final decision expected from Ofgem.

BEIS proposes deferring part of electricity suppliers' CfD obligations from Q2 2020 to Q1 2021 while providing a loan to LCCC to maintain generator payments during COVID-19. The consultation closes 19 May 2020 with Parliamentary approval required before 9 July for the reconciliation process. If the proposal fails, suppliers face higher lump sum payments in July's reconciliation.

BEIS provides a temporary loan to Low Carbon Contracts Company to cover CfD payments in Q2 2020 after COVID-19 reduced electricity demand and supplier levy contributions. The loan defers supplier payment obligations from Q2 2020 to Q1 2021 through regulatory changes subject to consultation. LCCC will not increase the Interim Levy Rate or Total Reserve Amount for Q2 2020 as previously warned.

NESO publishes half-hourly BSUoS charges across three run types (Interim Initial, Settlement Final, Reconciliation Final) with daily updates of actual prices and volume data. A system outage paused billing from 26 April to 27 May 2024, with normal publication resuming 28 May 2024. The data provides visibility into balancing service costs allocated to suppliers and generators.

NESO publishes Balancing Services Adjustment Data (BSAD) covering balancing actions taken outside the standard balancing mechanism, updated twice daily. The dataset tracks actions that affect imbalance settlement but fall outside the Balancing Mechanism's Bid-Offer Acceptances.

NESO publishes Balancing Services Adjustment Data (BSAD) twice daily, covering balancing actions taken outside the formal balancing mechanism. This data feeds into the Balancing & Settlement Code for imbalance settlement processes. The dataset provides transparency on system operator interventions that sit outside standard market mechanisms.

NESO publishes half-hourly forecasts for embedded wind and solar generation from same-day to 14 days ahead, updated hourly. The dataset covers distributed renewables connected to distribution networks rather than transmission-connected generation. NESO acknowledges missing archived records and is working to restore them.