Extended the sunset date for the government's energy cost support powers by six months to 25 April 2027.

These Regulations extend the period during which the Secretary of State may exercise powers under section 13 of the Energy Prices Act 2022 to provide financial support for energy costs.

By moving the expiration date from 25 October 2026 to 25 April 2027, the instrument allows the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to continue funding a portion of the Renewables Obligation costs normally passed to consumers.

This authority applies to the Secretary of State and affects domestic electricity suppliers who receive grant funding to lower household energy bills.

Extended the period for exercising Northern Ireland energy price powers from 26 months to 6 years.

These Regulations extend the timeframe during which certain ministerial powers under the Energy Prices Act 2022 can be exercised in Northern Ireland.

Specifically, it amends Schedule 5 of the Act to change the period of 26 months to 6 years, calculated from when the First Minister and deputy First Minister first held office. This extension applies to the Secretary of State's ability to act in relation to energy price support and regulation within the Northern Ireland jurisdiction.

Extended the Secretary of State's legal authority to provide energy cost support by six months until October 2026.

These Regulations extend the period during which the Secretary of State may exercise powers under Section 13 of the Energy Prices Act 2022 to provide financial support for energy costs.

The initial statutory deadline for these powers was set to expire on 25 April 2026, three years and six months after the original Act was passed.

This instrument moves that expiration date forward by six months to 25 October 2026, applying to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Amendments were made to the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme regulations, clarifying supplier discount duties and dispute resolution, and a timeframe was altered in the Energy Prices Act 2022.

These regulations amend the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme Regulations, clarifying and limiting supplier obligations to provide energy discounts after a defined date.

The amendments also adjust processes for dealing with disagreements between energy suppliers and customers and extend a specified timeframe within the Energy Prices Act 2022.

The changes primarily aim to streamline administration and provide clarity for energy suppliers while maintaining the targeted provision of energy support to customers.