The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19) and the Nuclear Safeguards (Fees) Regulations 2021. The proposals, which follow recommendations from a 2023 statutory post implementation review of NSR19, aim to improve the effectiveness and operability of the UK's nuclear safeguards regime while maintaining compliance with international obligations. Key proposals include extending record retention periods from five to 30 years for operators, revising notification timings for nuclear material movements and introducing changes to waste reporting requirements. The consultation closes on 24 October 2025, with the amendments to be implemented through the Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

DESNZ has launched a consultation on the design of a bill discount scheme aimed at households located near new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on: (1) the scope of the infrastructure; (2) eligibility criteria for households; (3) methods for different eligible household types to access the benefit; and (4) the role of a centralised administrator in managing the scheme. The consultation closes on 26 September 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), together with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the inflation indexation used in the Renewables Obligation (RO) and Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) schemes. The proposals would replace the Retail Price Index (RPI) with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for calculating both the RO scheme buy-out price and the annual tariff adjustment for the FiT scheme. The changes are expected to take effect from April 2026 and would apply to UK generators participating in the RO and FiT schemes. DESNZ notes that the switch to CPI would lower annual subsidy uplifts for generators and help reduce overall scheme costs for UK consumers.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on the draft of the new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7), applicable to nuclear power stations expected to be deployed beyond 2025. This follows DESNZ’s earlier consultation on the proposed approach to siting new nuclear power stations beyond 2025, which concluded in March 2024, the response to which is included in this consultation document. This consultation closes on 3 April 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on the draft National Policy Statement (NPS) for fusion energy generation (EN-8). The draft, designated under the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008), outlines government policy for development consent decisions on nationally significant fusion energy infrastructure. The draft EN-8 recognises the potential of fusion energy as a transformative source of clean and abundant energy. DESNZ has highlighted that developing the UK fusion energy sector is expected to enhance long-term energy security and deliver significant economic benefits. The NPS is designed to streamline and centralise decision-making on planning proposals for fusion energy infrastructure, aligning its assessment process with that of other energy-generating technologies.  DESNZ is seeking views on whether the draft NPS is suitable for all anticipated fusion energy infrastructure and if it appropriately outlines how planning applications for such infrastructure should be determined.  It is anticipated that EN-8 will come into force in spring 2027.  The consultation closes on 17 August 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on extending recognition of Conformité Européenne (CE) marking for energy-related products that will fall under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)). DESNZ proposes amending the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010, SI 2010/2617, so that CE-marked products compliant with future ESPR requirements can continue to be placed on the Great Britain (GB) market without also needing UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking. Responses are sought by 20 January 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on extending the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme by six to nine months beyond its current end date of 31 March 2026. The consultation also seeks views on allowing obligated suppliers to deliver beyond their current targets, with any additional delivery (carry-over) counting towards future obligation schemes.  DESNZ proposes that suppliers be allowed to carry-over up to 20% of their ECO4 obligation. The consultation closes on 25 September 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking stakeholder views on the strategic and economic value of blending hydrogen into the GB gas transmission network.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on the enduring governance arrangements for the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme, including the associated technical and security functions. DESNZ is seeking views on several proposals, including: (1) its minded-to position for Elexon to be the responsible body for SSES governance through modifications to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC); (2) the management of technical and security governance functions by the SSES Technical and Security Governance Groups; (3) membership arrangements for these groups; (4) cost recovery mechanisms allowing Elexon to recover the costs of managing the enduring governance functions; and (5) modifications to the BSC. The consultation builds on the 2024 SSES consultation and aligns with the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and Clean Flexibility Roadmap, aiming to facilitate flexibility from small-scale devices while maintaining system security. The consultation closes on 29 September 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a consultation on proposed guidance on criminal and civil sanctions for breaches of core fuel sector resilience measures in Part 12 of the Energy Act 2023, and the process for entering into enforcement undertakings. The consultation closes on 8 July 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on implementing the UK government's six principles for voluntary carbon and nature market (VCNM) integrity, considering their applicability across markets of different maturity levels. These principles were introduced by the Minister for Climate Change, Kerry McCarthy MP, at COP29 in November 2024. The consultation also aims to clarify standards for supplier and buyer engagement in VCNMs and explore how these approaches could be incorporated into guidance, policy, and potential regulation, supported by market structures that can embed and scale high-integrity practices. The consultation closes on 10 July 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposals to increase minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector, closing on 2 May 2025. The key proposal is to require all private landlords in England and Wales to meet a higher standard of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties by 2030. The consultation document also includes the summary of responses to DESNZ's 2020 consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes. Additionally, the government is consulting on a new fuel poverty strategy, seeking views on an updated policy plan to support progress towards the fuel poverty target and assist vulnerable households, the future role of the fuel poverty target, and how fuel poverty is measured, closing on 4 April 2025.