Our reaction to the Energy Independence Bill

We are encouraged by the Energy Independence Bill introduced in Parliament as of 4th November 2026. The proposed creation of the Warm Homes Authority, if it meets its stated aim to ‘simplify the consumer experience whilst providing a trusted source of advice and support’, will be an invaluable aid to many of the clients we see who want their homes to be more sustainable but don’t understand how. New powers for Ofgem to regulate Third Party Intermediaries will make finding reliable information and support easier in the complex modern information environment. We also hope that strengthened enforcement powers against breaches of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will improve conditions for many of our clients.

Efforts to enhance the benefits of renewables for host communities are welcome, but there is still a need to support grassroots community energy projects directly, especially given the new limitations on funding for projects that cannot connect to the grid.