The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the government’s responses to its consultation on the amendments to the Contracts for Difference (Electricity Supplier Obligations) Regulations 2014 (ESO Regulations). The consultation closed on 10 April 2024 and received 14 responses. The responses outline the proposed amendments to the ESO Regulations and related policy rationale. These responses have also been considered in the development of the related statutory instrument, the Contracts for Difference (Electricity Supplier Obligations) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the government's response for the consultation on proposed guidance for the criminal and civil sanctions and on the procedure for entering enforcement undertakings for the core fuel sector resilience measures. The response discusses the summary of responses, key concepts and suggestions as well as next steps including updating the guidance document to reflect the consultation feedback.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its October 2024 consultation on electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland. Following an analysis of stakeholder feedback, DESNZ intends to proceed with the proposed reform package, incorporating modifications to certain proposals. Key reforms include streamlined and strengthened pre-application requirements, the introduction of new time limits for statutory consultees and the Scottish Government during the consenting process, a refined examination process for planning authority objections, and a refined version of the proposal to allow the Scottish Government to vary consents without a formal application. In addition, a process for challenging electricity infrastructure consenting decisions made by Scottish Ministers will be implemented, among other aspects. These reforms will be delivered via measures in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the July 2025 consultation on changes to land rights and consents processes for electricity network infrastructure. The response confirms changes to the process for granting Necessary Wayleaves, including revised application requirements, longer standard wayleave terms and procedural changes to how applications are determined. It also sets out reforms to tree lopping and vegetation management, making licence holders responsible for carrying out works and expanding statutory access rights, alongside compensation and notice provisions for landowners.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its November 2024 consultation on mid-scheme changes to the current Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Following stakeholder feedback, DESNZ has confirmed three key changes: (1) allowing delivery under ECO4 rules to be reassigned to the GBIS target; (2) permitting the installation of two insulation measures in a home under GBIS, instead of just one; and (3) enabling smart thermostat installation in low-income owner-occupied households. DESNZ will now proceed with laying the necessary regulations in Parliament to implement these changes.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a response to its December 2024 consultation on proposed changes to the Capacity Market (CM) Rules. Following stakeholder feedback, DESNZ plans to implement several key changes, including: (1) introducing improvements to clarify the intent of the CM Rules and remove outdated passages; (2) clarifying the powers of the Delivery Body; (3) clarifying that existing units can submit updated Opt-out Notifications if their operational circumstances change; (4) extending eligibility to allow mothballed plants to apply for 2025 prequalification for auctions taking place in 2026; (5) introducing new measures to reduce administrative burdens for CM participants and CM Delivery Bodies in relation to aggregated Demand Side Response (DSR) portfolios, and to strengthen delivery assurance; and (6) introducing a termination fee for failure to demonstrate agreed DSR capacity ahead of Delivery Years. DESNZ intends to lay legislation in Parliament to amend both the CM Rules and Electricity Capacity Regulations 2014, SI 2014/2043, to implement these proposals ahead of the 2025 Prequalification window.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its May 2024 consultation on a new National Policy Statement (NPS) for the siting of fusion energy facilities.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its open letter consultation on new technologies in the Capacity Market (CM) for 2024. The consultation aimed to identify emerging generating technologies, not currently classified as a Generating Technology Class, that could contribute to security of supply and potentially be eligible for future CM auctions. DESNZ received six responses, highlighting various technologies, including Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Offshore Hybrid Assets, smart transformers, Hydrogen-to-Power, flexible nuclear models, and Demand Side Response. DESNZ has committed to ongoing evaluation of these technologies with the National Electricity System Operator to ensure the CM evolves in line with the UK's energy security and clean power objectives. The next annual letter will be published in Autumn 2025.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to its consultation on a policy framework to grow the market for low-carbon industrial products. It confirms that it will introduce a voluntary embodied emissions reporting framework for steel, cement and concrete, initially focused on measuring global warming potential through life cycle assessment-based reporting.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its May 2025 consultation on proposed revisions to the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), ahead of Scheme Year 2 (2026–27). Following analysis of stakeholder feedback, DESNZ has set the heat pump target for Year 2 at 8% of relevant boiler sales and designated the Microgeneration Certification Scheme as the sole certification scheme for the CHMM. DESNZ will proceed with introducing scheme regulations to Parliament to implement these decisions in advance of Year 2, which begins on 1 April 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the Smart Metering Policy Framework – Post-2025 consultation. In its response, DESNZ notes that it plans to strengthen the Operational Licence Condition by requiring suppliers to take all reasonable steps to restore smart meters operating in traditional mode to smart mode within 90 days of identifying an issue. It has also plans to clarify the obligation for suppliers to pre‑emptively replace smart metering assets, including communications hubs, ahead of Wide Area Network (WAN) service closures, with the Data Communications Company (DCC) now required to publish a Statement of Availability of Communication Services clearly setting out the dates from which Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 1 (SMETS1) and 2G/3G services will no longer be supported.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the consultation, confirming its intention to proceed with proposed amendments that would enable existing nuclear generating stations to qualify for Contract for Difference (CfD) support for lifetime-extension activities. The government plans to lay regulations before Parliament to incorporate the consultation's policy proposals into national legislation, subject to Parliamentary approval.