Energy Efficiency

UK Updates Tumble Dryer Energy-Label Enforcement Easement To Include Repairability Options

In April 2026 the UK updated its ecodesign guidance to expand a temporary enforcement easement, allowing GB suppliers of household tumble dryers to use EU-style rescaled energy labels and product information sheets, including versions with detailed repairability information, without routine enforcement action. Strategically, manufacturers placing tumble dryers on the GB market can now align labels and repairability disclosures across EU/GB during the transition, but should plan for the easement’s expiry 10 months after the forthcoming GB tumble-dryer energy-labelling statutory instrument is made and budget for a second label change.

10 Apr 2026, 16:08gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Germany: Government Submits Draft Law Modernising Ecodesign and Energy Consumption Labelling

Germany’s Federal Government has submitted to the Bundestag a draft framework law to modernise national implementation of EU ecodesign and energy-consumption labelling rules, replacing the current product law and updating the Energy Consumption Labelling Act, with main application foreseen from August 2026.[^1^](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/21/051/2105141.pdf) If adopted broadly as proposed, manufacturers, importers and distributors of energy-related products in Germany will face tighter market surveillance, expanded resource-efficiency and repair obligations, and higher sanction and reputational risk for non-compliant or incorrectly labelled products, requiring early compliance planning across portfolios.[^1^](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/21/051/2105141.pdf)

10 Apr 2026, 15:31dserver.bundestag.deGermany

Upper Austria Adopts 2026 Amendment to Air Pollution and Energy Technology Act

Upper Austria has adopted a 2026 amendment to its Air Pollution and Energy Technology Act that from 1 May 2026 creates a central heating and cooling installation database, tightens acceptance and inspection sequencing, and modernises reporting duties in line with EU energy‑efficiency and climate frameworks.[^1^](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/LgblAuth/LGBLA_OB_20260326_30/LGBLA_OB_20260326_30.html)[^3^](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1275/oj)[^4^](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/1791/oj)[^5^](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1119/oj) Strategically, companies and public bodies operating or servicing heating and cooling plants in Upper Austria must prepare for new four‑week data‑entry and update deadlines, permanent plant labelling, re‑use of federal combustion‑plant inspection results and expanded administrative‑offence risks linked to incomplete or late database records.

10 Apr 2026, 12:52ris.bka.gv.atAustria

Greece Announces Modernisation Fund Support Package for Industrial Energy Costs

Greece has launched a multi-year industrial support package including CO2 compensation, a 50% reduction in electricity public-service charges from July 2026, and €700 million in decarbonization funding. This initiative provides significant operational cost relief and investment incentives for energy-intensive sectors, directly supporting long-term competitiveness and decarbonization targets.

9 Apr 2026, 14:28ypen.gov.grGreece

Malta MCCAA Webinar on Energy Labelling Rules for Smartphones and Tablets

Malta's MCCAA is intensifying enforcement outreach for EU energy labelling requirements on smartphones and tablets, which became mandatory in June 2025. Businesses must ensure compliant labelling across all sales channels, including digital platforms and advertising, to mitigate market surveillance risks.

9 Apr 2026, 09:53eur-lex.europa.euMalta

Italy Adopts Decree-Law 3 April 2026 No. 42 On Fuel Excise Cuts And Energy Support For Businesses

Italy has enacted Decree-Law 42/2026, introducing immediate fuel excise reductions and expanded tax credits for decarbonisation and renewable energy investments. Businesses should leverage the short-term fuel cost relief and the increased budget for green transition financing to offset energy volatility and support long-term sustainability projects.

6 Apr 2026, 20:26gazzettaufficiale.itItaly

US Senate Bill S.4175 Proposes Extending Clean Energy Tax Credits and Removing Leasing Restrictions

US Senate Bill S. 4175 proposes linking the duration of clean energy tax credits to national electricity price and demand metrics rather than fixed expiration dates. If enacted, this shift would provide long-term financial certainty for renewable energy investments and broaden project eligibility by removing current leasing restrictions.

6 Apr 2026, 19:00govinfo.govUnited States

Greece Opens Consultation On Draft Law To Modernise Renewable Energy And Energy Market Rules

Greece has opened a consultation on a draft law to transpose EU renewable energy and hydrogen market directives, running until April 14, 2026. This modernization will reshape market participation for energy storage and EVs while streamlining permitting for offshore wind and renewable infrastructure.

6 Apr 2026, 16:14ypen.gov.grGreece

Minnesota House Committee To Hear Bills On Wastewater Heat Capture Pilot And Building Energy Performance Standards

Minnesota is advancing legislation to establish mandatory building energy performance standards and pilot wastewater heat recovery programs, with committee hearings scheduled for April 2026. Building owners and operators should prepare for long-term energy-use intensity (EUI) targets and potential retrofitting requirements to meet a 90% emissions reduction goal by 2045.

6 Apr 2026, 16:05revisor.mn.govUnited States

Spain: Navarra Opens Consultation on Draft Foral Decree Setting Minimum Housing Habitability Standards

Navarra has proposed updated minimum housing habitability standards, with a public consultation running through April 30, 2026. The decree will introduce stricter technical requirements for building safety, energy efficiency, and ventilation, impacting residential design and refurbishment compliance.

5 Apr 2026, 19:36participa.navarra.esSpain

South Carolina Proposes Energy Affordability Act (H5484) For Utilities And Data Centres

South Carolina introduced the Energy Affordability Act (H5484) in April 2026, proposing strict new operational and financial requirements for large-scale data centers and utilities. Data center operators face imminent deadlines in May 2026 to secure tax exemptions, alongside new mandates for water reporting, decommissioning bonds, and long-term utility cost-recovery contracts.

5 Apr 2026, 18:52scstatehouse.govUnited States

Oregon Governor Signs HB 4060 On Fluorescent Lamp Ban Exemptions

Oregon has enacted HB 4060, granting temporary sales ban exemptions for fluorescent lamps to large-scale facilities and care homes until 2030. This provides a critical compliance buffer for manufacturers and distributors serving large commercial accounts while signaling a firm final deadline for the transition to LED alternatives.

4 Apr 2026, 10:28olis.oregonlegislature.govUnited States

Belgium: Flanders Extends EPB Final Declaration Deadline To Six Years

Flanders has extended the final deadline for submitting Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) declarations from five to six years, effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment offers increased flexibility for large-scale renovations, though firms must upgrade to 64-bit reporting software by July 2026 to maintain compliance.

2 Apr 2026, 17:44vlaanderen.beBelgium

US District Court Upholds D.C. Clean Buildings Gas Appliance Ban Against EPCA Challenge

A US District Court has upheld Washington D.C.’s net-zero building mandate, confirming the District’s authority to effectively ban gas appliances in new construction and major renovations by 2027. This decision creates a critical legal precedent for local electrification policies, requiring developers and appliance manufacturers to accelerate the transition to all-electric building systems in the D.C. market.

1 Apr 2026, 14:33govinfo.govUnited States

England And Wales Update Medium Combustion Plant Permit Guidance For Hydrogen And Gas Oil Substitutes

UK regulators have updated environmental permitting guidance for medium combustion plants (MCPs) to include specific screening rules for hydrogen and gas oil substitutes. Operators of new hydrogen-fired plants may benefit from simplified air impact assessments, while existing hydrogen facilities face more rigorous stage 2 screening requirements.

31 Mar 2026, 21:27gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Commission Clarifies Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Rules for Incomplete Refrigeration Cabinets

The European Commission clarified that ecodesign and energy labelling rules for refrigeration cabinets apply only upon final assembly or "putting into service." This interpretation shifts manufacturer-level compliance and conformity assessment obligations to installers or retailers who assemble incomplete units on-site.

31 Mar 2026, 19:25europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

US DOE Proposes Determination Not To Amend Fluorescent Lamp Ballast Standards

The US DOE proposed on March 31, 2026, to maintain existing energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts without further amendments. This decision provides regulatory stability for legacy lighting manufacturers as the market shifts toward LED technology, reflecting a policy focus on cost-effectiveness over marginal efficiency gains.

31 Mar 2026, 18:46public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

California Energy Commission Files CEQA Notice of Exemption for Propane-Based Ultra-Low GWP Heat Pump Demonstration

The California Energy Commission has exempted a pilot project for propane-based, ultra-low GWP heat pumps from environmental review, accelerating field testing in residential buildings. This signals California's intent to transition residential HVAC toward natural refrigerants, potentially influencing future building codes and phase-outs of traditional fluorinated gases.

29 Mar 2026, 18:34ceqanet.lci.ca.govUnited States

Lithuania Environment Minister Order D1-24 Updates EU ETS Free Allocation and Aviation Rules

Lithuania has implemented stricter EU ETS rules (Order D1-24) effective February 2026, linking free emission allowances to energy audit compliance and climate-neutrality planning. Industrial and aviation operators face a 20% reduction in free allowances for failing to implement efficiency measures, necessitating tighter integration of energy management and decarbonization strategies.

29 Mar 2026, 17:51e-tar.ltLithuania

France Adopts Decree 2025-1343 Modifying Deadlines for Tertiary Building Automation and Heating System Obligations

France has revised the implementation timeline for building automation, temperature regulation, and pipe insulation obligations via Decree No. 2025-1343. Asset managers and developers must adjust compliance roadmaps to meet new 2026, 2027, and 2030 milestones, noting both extended deadlines for existing buildings and specific accelerated requirements.

29 Mar 2026, 17:47legifrance.gouv.frFrance