Energy
Recently added legislation
2024
The Energy Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/957 (c 60)).These regulations establish that specified provisions within Part 5 (establishing an Independent System Operator and Planner) of the Energy Act 2023, come into the force on 1 October 2024: subsection (2) of section 166 (amendment of section 4(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 to add prohibition on carrying out unlicensed activity); subsection (2) of section 168 (amendment of section 5 of the Gas Act 1986 to add prohibition on carrying out unlicensed activity); paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 of Schedule 11 (minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 5).
The Energy Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/890). These regulations establish that specified provisions of the Energy Act 2023 come into the force on 10 September 2024: section 156 of the Act (fusion energy facilities: nuclear site licence not required); some sections in Part 6 of the Act (governance of gas and electricity industry codes), including provision for the licensing and selection of code managers for the purpose of managing industry codes in the electricity and gas sectors; section 209 of the Act (power to make consequential etc. amendments in connection with sections 205 to 208); and section 302 (application to the territorial sea of requirement for nuclear site licence).
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Amendment) Order 2024 (SI 2024/634). This order amends The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order 2007 (SI 2007/3072), as a result of which there is financial incentive to suppliers of renewable fuels. The new order extends the scope of fuels that can be rewarded this way, to include recycled carbon fuel (RTC). A RTC is defined as a liquid or gaseous fuel produced wholly from a waste of fossil origin that has been designated as a relevant feedstock.
2023
Energy Act 2023 (2023 c. 52). This Act makes provisions about the energy production, security, regulation, and market in the United Kingdom. It covers topics on, among others: carbon capture and storage; hydrogen production, transport, grid and storage; fusion energy; low-carbon heat schemes; renewable and sustainable fuels; removals of greenhouse gases; heat networks; energy smart appliances and load control; energy performance of premises; energy savings opportunity schemes; core fuel sector resilience; offshore wind electricity generation, oil and gas; the civil nuclear sector; and governance of gas and electricity industry codes.
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2023. The instrument makes changes to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) to strengthen and standardise the requirements for ESOS audits, improve their quality, and require public disclosure of information relating to them. The changes are intended to increase the energy and related carbon savings of the scheme’s participants.
The Climate Change (Targeted Greenhouse Gases) Order 2023. To include nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) as a targeted greenhouse gas – meaning that NF3 emissions will be included within the scope of emissions for the Annual Statement of Emissions
2020
The Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2020. These regulations amend the Energy Information Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1524) in relation to household combined washer-dryers, household washing machines, household dishwashers, household refrigerating appliances and electronic displays.
2018
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Revocation and Savings) Order 2018 SI 841. Makes provision for the early closure of the CRC Scheme. Revokes the CRC 2013 order with savings and amends the CRC 2010 order to extent it continues to operate following its revocation, with savings by the 2013 order. Means that there will still be some obligations to be met up until 2025.
The Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2018. These Regulations amend the Energy Information Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1524) These regulations implement Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting a framework for energy labelling. They alter the domestic enforcement regime for the labelling of energy-related products.
This page provides links to the full text of key pieces of Energy environmental legislation that may affect your business in Northern Ireland. The websites hosting the legislation may list amendments separately.
If you are setting up an environmental management system (EMS) for your business, you can use this list to start compiling your legal register. Your legal adviser or environmental consultant will be able to tell you if other environmental legislation applies to your specific business. Environmental management systems and environmental reports
Energy Act 2023 (2023 c. 52). This Act makes provisions about the energy production, security, regulation, and market in the United Kingdom. It covers topics on, among others: carbon capture and storage; hydrogen production, transport, grid and storage; fusion energy; low-carbon heat schemes; renewable and sustainable fuels; removals of greenhouse gases; heat networks; energy smart appliances and load control; energy performance of premises; energy savings opportunity schemes; core fuel sector resilience; offshore wind electricity generation, oil and gas; the civil nuclear sector; and governance of gas and electricity industry codes.
The Energy Act 2023 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/890). These regulations establish that specified provisions of the Energy Act 2023 come into the force on 10 September 2024: section 156 of the Act (fusion energy facilities: nuclear site licence not required); some sections in Part 6 of the Act (governance of gas and electricity industry codes), including provision for the licensing and selection of code managers for the purpose of managing industry codes in the electricity and gas sectors; section 209 of the Act (power to make consequential etc. amendments in connection with sections 205 to 208); and section 302 (application to the territorial sea of requirement for nuclear site licence).
The Energy Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/957 (c 60)).These regulations establish that specified provisions within Part 5 (establishing an Independent System Operator and Planner) of the Energy Act 2023, come into the force on 1 October 2024: subsection (2) of section 166 (amendment of section 4(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 to add prohibition on carrying out unlicensed activity); subsection (2) of section 168 (amendment of section 5 of the Gas Act 1986 to add prohibition on carrying out unlicensed activity); paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 of Schedule 11 (minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 5).
Capital Allowances (Energy-saving Plant and Machinery) Order 2001 SI 2541. Introduces a scheme for 100% first-year allowances to encourage businesses to invest in energy-saving plant and machinery.
Climate Change Agreements (Eligible Facilities) Regulations 2001 SI 662
Specifies that for an installation or site to be eligible for inclusion in a climate change agreement, it must be likely that at least 90% of the energy supplied to it will be used within the site.
Climate Change Agreements (Energy-intensive Installations) Regulations 2001 SI 1139
Changes the definition of 'Energy-Intensive installations', with exceptions, to include all operations and activities on the same site.
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 SI 768
Establishes for the UK a new energy efficiency scheme designed to reduce carbon emissions through improving energy efficiency in public and private sector organisations that consume large amounts of electricity, gas and other fuels.
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) Order 2011 SI 234
Amends 2010/768 by extending phase one of the trading scheme to 1 April 2014. Reduces the second and sixth phases from seven to six years. The second phase will start on 1 April 2013. Each phase will overlap the previous phase by one year instead of two.
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2013
Introduces a simplified version of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) that will apply following the end of the introductory phase established under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010. It provides for revocations, continuing effect and amendments to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 and the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) Order 2011.
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Revocation and Savings) Order 2018 SI 841
Makes provision for the early closure of the CRC Scheme. Revokes the CRC 2013 order with savings and amends the CRC 2010 order to extent it continues to operate following its revocation, with savings by the 2013 order. Means that there will still be some obligations to be met up until 2025.
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2015
Amend the 2010 and 2011 Regulations to include power transformers from 1 July 2015 and ventilation units from 1 Jan 2016
Regulations to make provision relating to fans driven by motors with an electric input power between 125W and 500kW, directional lamps, light emitting diode lamps, household tumble driers and electrical lamps and luminaires.
Inserts additional products (water pumps, air conditioners and comfort fans) into the table in Schedule 1 of the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010. Amends items in the Energy Information Regulations 2011
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products (Amendment) Regulations 2011 No 2677
Insert two additional products (household dishwashers and household washing machines) into the table in Schedule 1 to the Ecodesign for Energy Related Products Regulations 2010. Amend the Energy Information Regulations 2011 to require persons to make technical documentation available from the time when the person placed products on the market and for 5 years after.
Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 SI 2617
Puts in place a framework for minimum energy efficiency standards for energy-using products. Adds civil sanctions as an enforcement mechanism. Introduces powers to require manufacturers to pay for cost of testing products if shown that they don't comply.
Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 SI 659 (NI 3)
Allows the Department of Economic Development to promote efficient energy use in industry, and the Department of the Environment to promote efficient energy use in residential accommodation and by public bodies.
Energy Efficiency (Refrigerators and Freezers) Regulations 1997 SI 1941
Specifies energy efficiency standards (electricity consumption) for new household electric refrigerators freezers and their combinations.
The Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2020
These regulations amend the Energy Information Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1524) in relation to household combined washer-dryers, household washing machines, household dishwashers, household refrigerating appliances and electronic displays.
The Energy Information (Amendment) Regulations 2018
These Regulations amend the Energy Information Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1524) These regulations implement Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting a framework for energy labelling. They alter the domestic enforcement regime for the labelling of energy-related products.
Energy Information Regulations 2011 SI 1524
Applies to energy-related products which have a significant impact on energy consumption. Requires information to be provided to customers. Includes powers of enforcement to improve the environmental performance of products.
Energy Information (Dishwashers) Regulations 1999 SI 1676
Requires dishwasher suppliers to provide labels showing energy consumption, and dealers to display this information to potential buyers. There are also requirements for mail order and catalogue sales.
Energy Information (Household Refrigerators and Freezers) Regulations 2004 SI 1468
Expands energy efficiency ratings for certain appliances and requires household refrigerator and freezer suppliers to provide energy consumption information to potential buyers.
Energy Information (Refrigerators and Freezers) Regulations 1994 SI 3076
Requires refrigerators and freezer suppliers to provide labels showing energy consumption, and dealers to display this information to potential buyers. There are also requirements for mail order and catalogue sales.
Energy Information (Washing Machines) Regulations 1996 SI 600
Requires suppliers of household washing machines to provide energy consumption information on their products, and dealers to display this information to potential buyers.
Energy Information (Washing Machines) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 SI 803
Updates 1996/600 to exclude washing machines with no internal water heating capacity and defines 'enforcement action'.
Requires building owners to make an energy performance certificate available for buyers or tenants and to inspect air conditioning systems regularly. Also requires public buildings to have a display energy certificate on show within the building.
Amends 2008/170 to change the enforcing authority from the Department of Finance and Personnel(DFP) to District Councils.
Introduce new requirements to implement the recast Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings 2010/31/EU and to clarify some existing provisions.
Amend the 2008 Regulations. Require technically feasible, cost-effective recommendations in the EPC to address improvements that could be carried out with and without major renovations of the building envelope or technical building systems. Requires the display of energy performance certificates in certain buildings where such a certificate has already been issued on construction.
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations 2014
This introduces the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme(“ESOS”) under which all large undertakings must audit their energy use and identify reasonably practicable and cost effective ways in which they can improve their energy efficiency.
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2015
These Regulations amend Schedules 1, 2 and 4 to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations 2014 to correct drafting errors.
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2023
The instrument makes changes to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) to strengthen and standardise the requirements for ESOS audits, improve their quality, and require public disclosure of information relating to them. The changes are intended to increase the energy and related carbon savings of the scheme’s participants.
EU Regulation1369/2017: Setting a framework for energy labelling
Revokes Directive 2010/30/EU. Lays down a framework that applies to energy-related products placed on the market or put into service. It provides for the labelling of those products and the provision of standard product information regarding energy efficiency, the consumption of energy and of other resources, thus enabling customers to choose more efficient products and reduce energy consumption.
EU Regulation on a Revised Community Eco-Label Award Scheme 1980/2000
Sets out a scheme to award an 'eco-label' to manufacturers who want to inform consumers about what they are doing to reduce the environmental impact of their products.
Lists requirements for marketing fluorescent lamps, high intensity discharge lamps, ballasts and luminaires. Also includes benchmarks for office lighting and public street lighting products.
EU Regulation on Eco-design requirements for lamps 347/2010 (Adobe PDF - 892KB)
EU Regulation on Eco-design requirements for lamps 347/2010 (Adobe PDF - 892KB)
Lists requirements for marketing fluorescent lamps, high intensity discharge lamps, ballasts and luminaires. Also includes benchmarks for office lighting and public street lighting products.
Requires tyre suppliers to ensure that the tyres they deliver to distributors and end users are labelled with their fuel efficiency and noise levels from 1 November 2012.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Amendment) Order 2024 (SI 2024/634). This order amends The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order 2007 (SI 2007/3072), as a result of which there is financial incentive to suppliers of renewable fuels. The new order extends the scope of fuels that can be rewarded this way, to include recycled carbon fuel (RTC). A RTC is defined as a liquid or gaseous fuel produced wholly from a waste of fossil origin that has been designated as a relevant feedstock.