The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption from the requirement for Spiorad na Mara Limited to hold an electricity transmission licence for the transmission of electricity from its offshore generating station in the Isle of Lewis to an onshore substation.

The Secretary of State made the order under powers granted by the Electricity Act 1989, after consultation with Scottish Ministers, based on the unique circumstances of the offshore project.

The exemption applies to Scotland only, takes effect on May 7, 2025 and does not require a full impact assessment due to the anticipated lack of significant impact on the public or private sectors.

These regulations establish charges for the certification of wood fuel, manufactured solid fuels, and fireplaces in England, under the Clean Air Act 1993 and the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.

The regulations detail the specific charges for various application types and supplier categories, including initial applications, recertification, compliance checks, and audits.

These are payable to appointed assessment bodies and are intended to fund the certification process, which helps enforce smoke control measures and contributes to cleaner air, in line with the UK's obligations under the Gothenburg Protocol.

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2025 establishes 500-meter safety zones around five offshore installations in UK waters.

Two installations were already in place when the Order was made and two more will be in place from March or April 2025.

The order is based on the Petroleum Act 1987 and proposals from the Health and Safety Executive, aiming to enhance maritime safety by preventing vessels from entering or remaining in these zones without consent or in accordance with regulations.

This order extends the Excise Duties (Surcharges or Rebates) (Hydrocarbon Oils etc.) Order 2022 until March 22, 2026.

The 2022 Order adjusts excise duty liabilities and rebates for hydrocarbon oils.

This extension ensures continued regulatory stability and predictable tax revenue while maintaining existing legal frameworks.

It builds upon previous continuation orders issued in 2023 and 2024.

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.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Electricity Capacity (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2014 Electricity Capacity Regulations to improve the UK's Capacity Market.

Key changes include introducing 9-year capacity agreements for certain low-carbon generating units, clarifying eligibility criteria, and simplifying some administrative procedures.

These amendments seek to enhance the market's efficiency, promote low-carbon investment, and improve regulatory clarity.

Several subsections clarify existing ambiguities and align the regulations with ongoing updates to the Capacity Market Rules.