regulations

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said there are multiple ways to protect the environment and safeguard public health while pursuing economic growth and energy independence. In a new report, Administrator Scott Pruitt identifies a number of key initiatives to advance these goals and reduce “unnecessary regulatory burdens” on the development and use of […]

Ofgem is inviting firms to trial new business models and products that cannot currently operate under existing regulations. It has launched the second window of the “regulatory sandbox” for businesses looking to introduce innovative or significantly different propositions to the energy sector. To be eligible, businesses must offer innovation that benefits consumers and demonstrate what […]

Ofgem is inviting new ideas to help it simplify, clarify and make its regulations work better. It has launched a consultation for its ‘Simplification Plan 2016-17’ which aims to reduce burdens and allow it to become more consistent, transparent and targeted in its work. The regulator has a legal duty to review its activities and […]

Businesses could save as much as £1.5 billion over five years – or £300 million every year – through reforms to environmental legislation, a new report reveals. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published 336 reform proposals – including improving 428 regulations – that cover sectors including environment, water, marine and […]

New Ofgem rules intended to cut energy bills will leave some SSE customers out of pocket as the supplier plans to scrap its cheaper tariffs, it has been revealed. Regulations imposed by Ofgem’s Retail Market Review limit energy suppliers to offering four different tariffs and were meant to reduce bills by forcing suppliers to put […]

The UK Government is seeking views on the proposed changes to regulations on simplifying the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) penalties for businesses. The ETS was introduced in 2005 to help the EU meet its obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% below the 1990 level under the Kyoto Protocol – the first global […]

The Government of Philippines has announced plans to reduce the annual power usage and carbon emissions of new buildings by up to 20% and 25% respectively. International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, met the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways recently to help the country build and operate more […]

Political intervention through changes to energy policies is seen as the greatest threat to the future of power and utility (P&U) companies, a new poll suggests. Based on a survey of 110 P&U senior executives from 20 countries, the “fast-paced” change of regulations was highlighted as the highest priority of risk. Price volatility and access […]

DECC has scrapped 86 rules and slimmed down 48 others to make life easier for businesses. Part of the Government’s ‘red tape challenge’ which was launched in 2011, it is said the changes could save businesses around £400 million over the next 20 years alongside other reforms to the energy market. This includes simplifications to […]

Environmental campaigners are “delighted” with the Government’s latest plans to change building regulations. One of the proposals would see homeowners extending their properties be required to upgrade the energy efficiency of their house to the same level as their extension. Zoe Leader, sustainable homes policy officer at environmental charity WWF-UK said: “WWF has long argued […]