On Sep. 9, 2026, UK ESNZ published final version of The Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (StIn 2026/979).
Ending on Apr. 25, 2027 rather than Oct. 25, 2026, the regulations extend to England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and come into force on Oct. 24, 2026.
On Jun. 8, UK ESNZ proposed EPA powers extension regulations no. 2.
UK ESNZ issued draft instrument Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 to extend the time limit on the exercise of powers.
Follows UK ESNZ Apr. 2026, instrument re energy prices act extension, see #295351.
The instrument extends a time limit on the exercise of powers, as per Energy Prices Act 2022 (EPA) for the second time, which is extended to Apr. 25, 2027.
UK ESNZ sets out that the powers allow support to be given for meeting the costs of energy, and UK ESNZ has been relying on powers as per s. 13, EPA since April 2026.
This allows UK ESNZ to fund 75% of the Renewables Obligation (RO) cost attributable to domestic energy supply in the UK, as set out in the Autumn 2025 budget.
This RO to Exchequer policy was announced in the Autumn Budget 2025.
According to UK ESNZ, along with discontinuing the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, this has resulted in an average £150 reduction in domestic energy costs.
As such, the time limit on the Secretary of State's power is extended from Oct. 25, 2026 to Apr. 25, 2027, to enable the policy to continue to operate in this period.
Effectiveness
The instrument is proposed to become effective Oct. 24, 2026.
Sep. 9, 2026 Regulations Published
On Sep. 9, 2026, UK ESNZ published final version of The Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (StIn 2026/979).
Ending on Apr. 25, 2027 rather than Oct. 25, 2026, the regulations extend to England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and come into force on Oct. 24, 2026.
