The Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) Regulations 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.
Arguments For
The legislation provides a legal basis for the Secretary of State to continue providing financial support for energy costs beyond the original expiration date.
The document states that Section 13 of the Energy Prices Act 2022 grants the Secretary of State powers to mitigate energy costs, which would otherwise lapse without this extension.
Proponents may argue that the six-month extension ensures administrative continuity and allows for the ongoing delivery of energy support schemes if required by economic conditions.
Arguments Against
Legal observers might note that the repeated use of extension powers could bypass original parliamentary intent regarding the temporary nature of emergency energy interventions.
The document notes that a full impact assessment was not produced, which may lead to concerns from transparency advocates regarding the lack of detailed scrutiny of the extension's potential economic effects.
- -(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 24th April 2026.
- (2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This section establishes the official name of the regulations and sets the date they become legally active as 24 April 2026.
It further specifies that the rules apply across all four nations of the United Kingdom.
- The period referred to in paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 6 to the Energy Prices Act 2022 (three years and six months beginning with the day on which that Act was passed)-
- (a) does not end on 25th April 2026, and
- (b) instead ends on 25th October 2026.
This provision alters the expiration date for specific ministerial powers originally granted in 2022 to address energy prices.
It prevents the authority to provide energy support from lapsing on 25 April 2026 and sets a new termination date of 25 October 2026.
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