The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on extending the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) beyond the end of Phase 1, which concludes on 31 December 2030. The consultation proposes options on three main areas: extending the UK ETS into a second phase from 1 January 2031, the duration of this post-2030 Phase II, and whether to permit the banking of emissions allowances between Phase I and the proposed Phase II. This initiative fulfils the commitment made in December 2023 as part of the UK ETS long-term pathway. The consultation closes on 9 April 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a call for evidence seeking views on a range of options for improving the visibility of distributed energy assets (DEAs) connected to electricity networks. These include electric vehicle charge points, solar panel installations, heat pumps and domestic-scale electricity storage batteries. The consultation supports the government’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission and the Clean Flexibility Roadmap published on the same date, and aims to inform future policy and regulatory reform.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed mid-scheme changes to the current Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), as well as the introduction of a voluntary Pay-For-Performance mechanism (PFP). The PFP aims to incentivise participating suppliers to deliver higher quality retrofits through additional monitoring.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking views on proposed changes to the Capacity Market (CM) Rules. The consultation aims to modernise the CM Rules and enhance the participation and delivery assurance of consumer-led flexibility, particularly through Demand Side Response (DSR) mechanisms. Key proposals include clarifying existing rules, addressing administrative burdens for CM participants and delivery bodies, and introducing new measures such as a termination fee for failure to demonstrate agreed DSR capacity. This consultation is part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure the Capacity Market remains fit for purpose in securing Great Britain's electricity supply needs while adapting to changing market conditions. The consultation closes on 17 February 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on permitted development rights (PDRs) for onshore wind turbines in England, seeking views on introducing a new PDR for small scale, non-domestic wind turbines, defined as those with a maximum tip height of 30 metres and a rotor swept area of up to 200m², to support deployment of low impact renewable energy infrastructure. The consultation aims to enable businesses, farms and public sector organisations to reduce energy bills, improve energy independence and decarbonise operations through simplified planning requirements. DESNZ is not proposing changes to existing domestic PDRs or the introduction of new rights for repowering or community energy projects, citing the greater impacts and complexities these developments may present. It also seek views on whether larger or multiple turbines could be supported in certain contexts. The consultation closes on 10 June 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation seeking views on whether new or emerging generating technologies could contribute to security of electricity supply and participate in future Capacity Market auctions. DESNZ is seeking evidence on technologies that have emerged since the 2025 review, are not already included in a Generating Technology Class and could support electricity supply during periods of system stress. This may include evidence on their commercial viability, reliability, controllability, energy sources and operating limits, and whether they require a separate technology class. The consultation closes on 4 October 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on its proposed design for the Gas Shipper Obligation (GSO), which is intended to be the long-term funding mechanism for initial hydrogen production projects funded through the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM). The HPBM aims to provide revenue support to hydrogen producers, bridging the operating cost gap between low carbon hydrogen and high carbon fuels. The consultation closes on 9 April 2025. DESNZ has also published an analytical annex assessing the potential impact of the GSO on gas users, including fuel-poor households and small businesses.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposed reforms for Allocation Round 7 (AR7) of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, scheduled to open in summer 2025. Key proposals include: (1) relaxing CfD eligibility criteria for fixed-bottom offshore wind projects to permit projects that have not yet obtained full planning consent to participate in near-term allocation rounds; (2) changing the information used by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to determine the final budget, including providing increased transparency of sealed bid information; and (3) changing CfD contract terms to provide longer market certainty once contracts are awarded, including extending the current 15-year CfD term to reduce overall project costs. The consultation closes on 21 March 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on regulating Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs) in the retail energy market, aiming to enhance consumer protection and facilitate the transition to a cleaner energy system. This consultation responds to instances of consumers and businesses being scammed by unregulated rogue brokers and other TPIs in the market. It forms part of the government's ongoing commitment to assist Ofgem in creating an effective market for non-domestic customers, along with implementing recommendations from Ofgem’s July 2023 non-domestic policy consultation. The consultation closes on 15 November 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the economic regulatory framework for 100% hydrogen pipeline networks, established under the Gas Act 1986 (GA 1986). The consultation seeks views on DESNZ’s proposed approach, as well as further evidence to inform implementation through legislation, licences and codes. The framework is intended to enable the development of low carbon hydrogen infrastructure to help decarbonise dispatchable power, hard-to electrify parts of the UK industrial sector, and heavy transport. The consultation closes on 9 September 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on revised National Policy Statements (NPS) for energy infrastructure, running from 24 April to 29 May 2025. The consultation covers updates to three NPSs: the overarching energy statement (EN-1), renewable energy infrastructure (EN-3), and electricity networks infrastructure (EN-5). Key changes include: alignment with Clean Power 2030 targets, new guidance for onshore wind following its reintroduction to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, requirements for offshore wind wake effects assessment, and endorsement of the Centralised Strategic Network Plan. The statements provide the legal framework for planning decisions on major energy infrastructure in England and Wales.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposals and a draft statutory instrument aimed at improving ecodesign and energy labelling legislation for space heating products. Key proposals include facilitating heat electrification, improving the efficiency of fossil fuel heating systems, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and improving product labelling standards to better inform consumer choices. These proposed changes are intended to reduce carbon emissions, lower consumer bills, drive market efficiency, and provide clarity for consumers when selecting space heating products. The consultation closes on 25 March 2025.