The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has updated guidance on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic private rented property to reflect a new service for landlords in England and Wales. The service enables users to search the register for exemptions and penalties related to MEES, including properties with registered exemptions or penalties. Users can search by postcode, street name, town, landlord’s name or exemption or penalty type. Properties requiring an energy performance certificate (EPC) must have an EPC rating of E or above or a valid exemption, with the register showing when a property was registered as exempt and the reason.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published Version 4 of the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, updating the framework used by hydrogen producers to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate compliance with the low-carbon hydrogen definition. The update is intended to improve clarity, simplify processes and reflect lessons learned from the application of Version 3 and stakeholder feedback.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the updated energy balance methodology note alongside the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has updated its guidance on the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), including details on new funding rounds and additional application form guidance. The updated guidance specifies that the final submission date for Round 8 of the HNES applications is 8 November 2024, while the dates for Round 9 are yet to be confirmed.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published updated guidance on domestic energy tariff reductions for energy suppliers. The revised  ‘Renewables Obligation (RO) to Exchequer scheme and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) costs schemes; guidance for suppliers’ includes additional information on unapplied discount adjustments, the monitoring of tariffs not subject to the price cap and compliance processes.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published updated guidance on electricity generation, distribution and supply licence exemptions, revising its frequently asked questions (FAQs) to reflect current policy and legislative requirements. The January 2026 update adds further guidance on ‘Class A: Supply Exemptions’, providing clarification on the operation of the small supplier exemption for generators supplying self-generated electricity.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has updated information on grant size and the duration of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). The HNES provides £107 million in funding covering the years 2023–24 to 2029–30 to support improvements to existing district and communal heating projects operating sub-optimally in England and Wales. It is open to applicants across the public, private and third sectors, with Round 12 applications currently open until 22 May 2026.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has provided updates on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) free allocation review. Following a consultation that closed on 11 March 2024, the UK ETS Authority has confirmed an extension of the first Free Allocation period to 2026, aligning changes with the introduction of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2027. Additionally, new rules have been implemented to ensure proportionate free allocation in participants' final year of operation, with an exemption for sites ceasing activity to decarbonise. These changes aim to support the UK ETS's objective of incentivising carbon-efficient production across UK industrial sectors while addressing the risk of carbon leakage.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has updated the privacy notice contact of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) Round 6 guidance. The privacy notice is effective from 29 January 2024.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has updated its technical adjustment methodology document for de-rating interconnectors in the Capacity Market to clarify the datasets used that were in place when the interconnector de-rating factors were calculated. The updated document specifies that National Demand Outturn Data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) Data Portal is used for High Demand Settlement Period (HDSP) data, while interconnector availability data is taken from a dataset, such as the ENTSO-E Transparency Platform or REMIT, that passes validation checks against independent benchmarks.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has updated its Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) guidance for licensed energy suppliers. The ‘Calculation of Discount for Customers on ‘Blend and Extend’ Contracts’ section, discussing the 'blend and extend' amendment which blend lower energy rates in existing customers’ new contracts prior to their existing contract terms with the rate charged across the extend period, has been updated with illustrative examples to show in practice how the discount should be applied to contracts with the ‘blend and extend’ amendment.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has urged three million low-income households across Great Britain to ensure they get the £150 Warm Home Discount they may be entitled to before the 29 February 2024 deadline. While most who qualify will automatically receive this energy bill support via automatic discounts to their bills or a top-up voucher, some households in England and Wales who received a letter requesting more information need confirm their details by the 29 February 2024 deadline. In Scotland, customers on low incomes who have not received a letter may still be eligible and should apply via a different route, by contacting their energy supplier as soon as possible.