The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the consultation on proposed amendments to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes, the ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. The response lays out mid-scheme amendments to the ECO schemes which will run until March 2026. It confirms that legislation will be amended to bring the schemes into closer alignment with wider industry practice on how energy efficiency ratings are determined. It also details requirements for when each version of Standard Assessment Procedure and Reduced Data SAP must be used within the ECO schemes and sets out how the transition will be managed.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the consultation on consumer engagement for consumer-led flexibility (CLF), confirming that it will not introduce a formal consumer engagement framework at this stage. Instead, the government will adopt a light-touch approach, concluding that consultation responses did not provide sufficient evidence to justify greater intervention beyond the current market-led model. To support consumer engagement, the government will establish a biannual consumer engagement forum, led by Ofgem from autumn 2026, to improve coordination and keep the need for further intervention under review. It will also work with Ofgem to promote consistent CLF terminology, integrate CLF information into existing government advice services and engagement initiatives, explore expanding impartial consumer advice through organisations such as Citizens Advice and keep the need for wider national communications under review as the market develops.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its government response to a call for evidence on improving the visibility of distributed energy assets (DEAs). The DESNZ received 43 responses from a diverse range of stakeholders, including distribution network operators (DNOs), independent DNOs, manufacturers and installers, electricity suppliers and generators, industry trade associations, local authorities and academics. Stakeholders identified several barriers to asset visibility, such as unclear obligations and fragmented processes, while also offering a variety of policy options. The response summarises these insights and outlines a strategic approach for enhancing asset visibility. It details the government's position and next steps for ongoing policy development aimed at optimising DEA management.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the response to its July 2025 consultation on raising product standards for household tumble dryers. DESZN confirmed, it will proceed with new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling regulations for Great Britain, broadly as consulted-upon. Key refinements include: (1) extending the ecodesign transition period to 10 months; (2) making the rescaled energy label, including the repairability icon, mandatory from the end of the transition period and (3) setting a post-implementation review date of 9 December 2032. Minor drafting corrections have also been made to align the final SI with EU Regulations 2023/2533 and 2023/2534. The regulations introduce a new minimum performance standard that phases out inefficient gas-fired, air-vented and condenser models. Only tumble dryers with an Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) below 85 will remain on the market.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the Nuclear Regulatory Review 2025, accepting the findings of the independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce led by John Fingleton and setting out a programme of reforms to overhaul nuclear regulation, planning and delivery. The government will implement all recommendations by the end of 2027, introducing a more proportionate, risk-based regulatory system to reduce delays and costs while maintaining safety and environmental protections. The reforms aim to accelerate civil and defence nuclear projects, strengthen energy security, support economic growth, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Central measures include restructuring regulation by strengthening and expanding the role of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, merging it with the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator, establishing a Nuclear Commission to resolve disputes, and introducing a lead regulator model to improve coordination and decision-making.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a response to a consultation on developing local partnerships for onshore wind in England. The consultation sought views on potential improvements to the existing onshore wind system in England, aiming to improve community engagement and the community benefits of hosting onshore wind projects. The proposals included embedding best practice principles of community engagement into official planning guidance, and updating the Community Benefits Protocol for Onshore Wind in England. The consultation received 76 responses, from a variety of stakeholders including industry professionals (36%), local government representatives (21%) and public and commercial bodies (21%). The majority of respondents supported the proposals, and the government intends to take these forward.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the policy framework and government response to its consultation on the management of radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning. The consultation ran from 1 March 2023 to 24 May 2023, and received 330 responses. Based on the responses, DESNZ has made a number of amendments to the draft framework and has published the final UK-wide policy framework.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published responses to two consultations on Capacity Market reforms ahead of Prequalification 2026, confirming changes to strengthen delivery assurance, improve auction processes and support low-carbon technologies. The reforms will be implemented through amendments to the Capacity Market Rules 2014 and related regulations before prequalification opens in July 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published responses to three consultations on proposed expansions of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). These include a full response to the greenhouse gas removals (GGRs) consultation, launched in May 2024, along with interim responses to the energy from waste (EfW) and waste incineration consultation, also launched in May 2024, and the maritime sector consultation, launched in November 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a review of the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA) programme, examining its benefits, impact on operator investment decisions, decarbonisation options and stakeholder feedback. The review found that the CHPQA programme has encouraged organisations to invest in more efficient energy systems. The programme has reduced energy use and carbon emissions while supporting reliable heat and power generation across a range of sectors. The review also found that CHPQA has influenced investment decisions and improved the efficiency of participating schemes.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to consultation and laid revised National Policy Statements for energy infrastructure before Parliament. The updated statements cover EN-1 (overarching energy policy), EN-3 (renewable energy infrastructure) and EN-5 (electricity networks infrastructure), which will come into force following a 21-sitting day parliamentary consideration period. The revisions follow a consultation that received 189 responses and are intended to support delivery of Clean Power by 2030 and net zero targets.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published a roadmap for the expansion of nuclear generation in the UK, in an effort to reduce electricity bills, aid jobs and strengthen Britain's energy security. The plan includes exploring the construction of a new power station, an investment of up to £300m into the production of nuclear fuel needed to power high-tech nuclear reactors and plans to introduce smarter regulation, including enabling regulators to assess projects while designs are finalised and improving collaboration with oversees regulators assessing the same technology.