Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Legislation

81 statutory instruments made by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, newest first. Each one is explained section by section in plain English.

The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 20th Jul 26 Came into force: Fri 10th Jul 26

Updated nuclear material reporting deadlines, extended record retention to 30 years, and revised facility design questionnaires to align UK safeguards with international obligations.


These Regulations amend existing nuclear safeguards and fee structures to update reporting requirements, terminology, and administrative timelines for operators of qualifying nuclear facilities in the United Kingdom.

They direct operators to provide more detailed design information, extended records retention, and adjusted notice periods for the import and export of nuclear material while authorizing the Office for Nuclear Regulation to recover costs for its expanded oversight activities.

These rules apply to all nuclear facility operators, carriers, and agents handling qualifying nuclear material across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Fri 17th Jul 26 Came into force: Thu 27th Aug 26

Authorized the use of standard plugs for plug-in solar microgenerators up to 800 watts and mandated compliance with a new interim product specification.


These Regulations permit the use of standard plugs for plug-in solar microgenerators with a maximum output of 800 watts, provided they meet specific safety criteria.

They authorize notified bodies to approve plugs that do not fully conform to British Standard BS 1363 solely because they facilitate electricity generation.

The instrument applies to manufacturers of plug-in solar devices, notified bodies responsible for safety certification, and consumers in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (though grid-related amendments apply only to Great Britain).

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The Electricity Capacity (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026

Published: Fri 17th Jul 26 Came into force: Fri 17th Jul 26

Increased Capacity Market termination fees and credit cover requirements while updating rules for insolvency-related payment withholding and supplier reconciliation schedules.


These Regulations amend the framework governing the UK Electricity Capacity Market to increase financial security requirements and update administrative procedures.

The instrument raises the rates for termination fees and applicant credit cover, introduces new protocols for withholding payments following insolvency events, and permits the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to alter the timetable for supplier charge reconciliation.

The measures apply to the Delivery Body (National Energy System Operator), the Settlement Body (Electricity Settlements Company), and all capacity providers and electricity suppliers participating in the Capacity Market in England, Wales, and Scotland.

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The Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 16th Jul 26 Came into force: Fri 17th Jul 26

Expanded the definition of eligible generators under the Contracts for Difference scheme to include operators of existing nuclear power stations.


These Regulations amend the Contracts for Difference (Definition of Eligible Generator) Regulations 2014 to include the continued operation of existing nuclear power stations within the definition of an eligible generating activity.

This change allows operators of current nuclear facilities to qualify as 'eligible generators' for the purposes of the Contracts for Difference scheme, a mechanism that provides price certainty for low-carbon electricity producers.

The instrument applies to persons intending to carry out electricity generation in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The Climate Change Agreements (Administration, Energy-intensive Installations and Eligible Facilities) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026

Published: Wed 15th Jul 26 Comes into force: Fri 1st Jan 27

Revised the eligibility criteria and sectors for Climate Change Levy discounts and updated the buy-out fee calculation formula.


These regulations update the administrative framework and eligibility criteria for the Climate Change Levy (CCL) reduction scheme, effective from 1 January 2027.

The instrument defines which energy-intensive installations and processes, ranging from chemical manufacturing to data centers and battery production, qualify for climate change agreements.

It directs the Treasury and the Secretary of State to oversee a revised list of eligible facilities while amending the formula used to calculate buy-out fees for participants who fail to meet energy efficiency or emissions targets.

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The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (Barred List and Advisory List) Regulations 2026

Published: Tue 14th Jul 26 Came into force: Mon 21st Sept 26

Established the administrative rules and publication requirements for the Civil Nuclear Police Authority's barred and advisory lists regarding dismissed personnel.


These regulations require the Civil Nuclear Police Authority to maintain and manage a barred list and an advisory list for constables and civilian employees.

The instrument specifies what information must be recorded—such as names, ranks, and reasons for dismissal—and mandates the publication of certain details regarding dismissed constables for a five-year period, provided national security or personal safety is not compromised.

It establishes procedures for automatic removal from the lists in cases of death, successful appeal, or the passage of time, and creates a process for individuals to apply for removal after a minimum period of three or five years.

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The Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026

Increased the hourly fee rates for specialist and non-specialist officers involved in the environmental regulation of offshore oil and gas activities.


These Regulations increase the hourly rates used to calculate fees for environmental regulatory activities performed by the Secretary of State in Relation to the offshore oil and gas industry.

The instrument amends the rate for specialist officers from £210 to £256 and for non-specialist officers from £114 to £130 across several statutory frameworks, including those governing habitat conservation, offshore safety, and environmental impact assessments.

These changes apply to operators and entities subject to UK offshore licensing and environmental compliance monitoring in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 6th Jul 26 Came into force: Mon 27th Jul 26

Amended ecodesign rules to recognize newer EU sustainability frameworks and corrected errors in the 2026 household tumble dryer regulations.


These Regulations amend existing ecodesign and energy information frameworks to integrate recognition of the EU's 2024 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and to rectify errors in previous legislation concerning household tumble dryers.

The instrument permits manufacturers, importers, and authorized representatives to meet British market obligations by complying with specific European Union requirements, provided declaration documents are translated into English.

Furthermore, it establishes precise commencement dates for tumble dryer regulations and inserts missing technical definitions and Calculation methods into existing schedules.

The regulations apply to any entity placing energy-related products, specifically household tumble dryers, on the market or putting them into service in Great Britain.

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