The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened a consultation on proposed legislative amendments to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) supplier obligation to enable implementation of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). The proposals would allow exchequer funding to be channelled through the CfD supplier obligation to prevent BICS implementation from increasing electricity bills for households and other non-exempt consumers. A draft Contracts for Difference (Electricity Supplier Obligations) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 has been published alongside the consultation document. The consultation closes on 9 September 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on the Home Energy Model (HEM) methodology for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in England and Wales setting out proposals for assessing existing dwellings and producing new EPC metrics. The proposals would replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) methodologies with HEM for producing EPCs and introduce a more flexible, modular approach to assessing existing dwellings, allowing assessors to use detailed property data where available and standardised defaults where it is not. The consultation closes on 18 March 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published an open letter as part of its annual consultation under Rule 2.4 of the Capacity Market Rules, seeking stakeholder views on emerging generating technologies that could contribute to UK energy security. Technologies discussed include Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Offshore Hybrid Assets (OHAs), Smart Transformers, Hydrogen to Power (H2P) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). V2X continues to be seen as promising, though concerns remain around grid upgrades and standardisation (paragraph 2). OHAs, combining offshore wind farms with multi-purpose interconnectors, are praised for improving grid flexibility but face coordination and infrastructure challenges (paragraph 3). Smart transformers could reduce demand on the low-voltage network, though deployment is limited by monitoring gaps (paragraph 4). H2P is under active review, with a parallel Call for Evidence launched to assess its categorisation and reliability (paragraph 5). SMRs are proposed for flexible nuclear generation, but face regulatory and cost barriers (paragraph 6). The consultation aims to determine whether these or other technologies warrant inclusion as new Generating Technology Classes (GTCs) in future Capacity Market auctions.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking views on proposed amendments to the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994. The proposals aim to permit consumers to connect plug-in solar systems without batteries directly to standard mains sockets, subject to defined safety requirements. DESNZ is also proposing an interim product specification intended to restrict UK market access to compliant products during a transitional period while enduring standards are developed. Additionally, DESNZ held discussions with retailers and manufacturers on the proposed introduction of plug-in solar products to the UK market. The consultation closes on 30 June 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on policy options to grow the market for low carbon industrial products, with an initial focus on the steel, cement and concrete sectors. The proposed framework aims to provide buyers, including public bodies with substantial purchasing power—with the necessary guidance, tools and levers to identify and compare products based on their carbon content, supporting more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions. The consultation addresses three key issues: (1) how to measure, report and verify product emissions (through an Emissions Evaluation and Reporting Framework (EERF)); (2) how to define a low carbon product (through product classifications); and (3) how to promote the use of this information in greener procurement. It also explores potential future policies beyond the proposed framework, such as eco-labelling and mandatory product standards. The consultation closes on 15 September 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking views on proposed new obligations for energy suppliers to accelerate the uptake of non-domestic smart meters post-2025 and to protect consumers during the transition to smart-contingent contracts. The consultation outlines proposals for the universal implementation and coordinated rollout of smart-contingent contracts. Under the proposed obligations, from 1 January 2027, energy suppliers would be prohibited from entering into new fixed term energy contracts with non-domestic customers unless the customer has, or agrees to have, smart or advanced meters installed. The proposals also include requirements for suppliers to: (1) communicate policy changes to consumers from early 2026, when licence modifications are made; and (2) comply with a legally binding consumer protection code from 1 January 2027 to protect non-domestic consumers against risks associated with smart-contingent contracts. The consultation closes on 16 January 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking views on a package of proposed refinements to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme to support Allocation Round 8 (AR8) and subsequent rounds, aimed at improving scheme efficiency, enabling innovative technologies and supporting timely deployment while maintaining value for money. Proposals include: retaining restrictions on bidding previously surrendered CfD capacity, introducing hybrid metering for single technology/multiple commercial arrangements, contract changes for floating offshore wind (FLOW) (extending the Longstop Period and reducing Required Installed Capacity (RIC)), creating a new ‘Other Deepwater Offshore Wind’ (ODOW) category, strengthening Unilateral Commercial Operations Notice (UCON) provisions for distribution-connected generators, excluding applications with Gate 1 connection offers, removing default bids, adjusting sealed bid visibility. The consultation closes on 30 January 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on amending the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Order. The proposed amendment seeks to clarify which government grants are ineligible for funding ECO4 measures. This change is driven by an unanticipated overspending by energy suppliers, which has necessitated the use of Exchequer funding to mitigate potential bill increases. The consultation will close on 5 January 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened a consultation on reforming consumer protection for home upgrade schemes to support delivery of the Warm Homes Plan. The consultation proposes: (1) creating a single end-to-end consumer protection service accountable to government; (2) using binding agreements to strengthen accountability for delivery, service quality and consumer outcomes; (3) developing a government-owned data system to identify risks, target audits and improve performance and (4) introducing a public register of installers and retrofit professionals approved to work on government schemes. The consultation closes on 10 September 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on regulatory reforms to the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) ahead of Allocation Round (AR) 8 of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. Proposed reforms include: (1) introducing a new criterion to strengthen workforce protection by encouraging developers and suppliers to commit to negotiations on a new offshore wind fair work charter; (2) introducing a criterion to increase skills investment, either through a pooled fund targeting industry-wide needs or through project-level initiatives; (3) extending the CIB to onshore wind; and (4) implementing technical improvements to ensure the scheme continues to operate effectively. In addition, non-regulatory amendments will be made through changes to the CIB Allocation Framework. The consultation closes on 6 October 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation proposing to remove the ability for Capacity Market Units (CMUs) to change their location after prequalification. The proposed rule change would apply to both New Build CMUs and Demand Side Response (DSR) units, covering all existing and new agreements from winter 2025, and would prevent any location changes for Generating Units or DSR CMU Components. DESNZ states that the reform aims to strengthen delivery assurance by ensuring that applicant CMUs represent genuine New Build CMUs capable of contributing to Great Britain’s security of supply. The proposal also seeks to better reflect the CM’s original intent that projects should remain viable at the point of prequalification. The consultation closes on 14 November 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed revisions for Year 2 (2026-27) of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM). The consultation seeks views on setting a Year 2 heat pump credit target within the range of 8–10% of relevant boiler sales and designating the Microgeneration Certification Scheme as the sole certification scheme. The consultation closes on 2 July 2025.