Energy Poverty

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

Spanish Congress Validates Royal Decree-Law 7/2026 on Integrated Response to Middle East Crisis

The Spanish Congress has formally validated Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, solidifying the Integrated Response Plan to the Middle East Crisis as a permanent regulatory framework. Businesses must ensure long-term alignment with the decree’s energy, transport, and economic measures as the validation confirms these provisions will remain in force without further amendment.

1 Apr 2026, 14:38boe.esSpain

Italian Council of Ministers Approves Draft Decree Implementing Directive (EU) 2024/1788 on Gas and Hydrogen Markets

Italy has granted preliminary approval to a draft decree transposing EU Directive 2024/1788, establishing the national framework for renewable gas and hydrogen markets. This development signals a shift toward integrated low-carbon infrastructure and enhanced consumer protections, requiring energy operators to prepare for new network access and transparency rules.

29 Mar 2026, 18:32governo.itItaly

Minnesota SF 4281 Proposes Thermal Energy Network Service Plan Requirements for Public Utilities

Minnesota SF 4281 proposes a formal regulatory framework for thermal energy networks, requiring utilities to file comprehensive service plans and gas-to-thermal transition strategies. This transition from pilot programs to a regulated utility model indicates a clear policy path toward mandatory building-level decarbonization and the eventual decommissioning of gas infrastructure.

27 Mar 2026, 20:11revisor.mn.govUnited States

Rhode Island Proposes Clean Heat Standard Act Establishing Tradeable Clean Heat Credits (H 7912)

Rhode Island has introduced legislation (H 7912) to establish a Clean Heat Standard requiring fossil fuel suppliers to retire tradeable emission credits starting July 2028. This signals a shift toward mandatory decarbonization of the thermal sector, forcing fuel distributors to pivot toward heat pump deployment and energy efficiency services to manage compliance costs.

27 Mar 2026, 11:46webserver.rilegislature.govUnited States

Spain: Royal Decree-Law 7/2026 Adopts Energy, Tax and Industrial Decarbonisation Measures in Response to the Middle East Crisis

Spain has enacted Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, a €5 billion emergency package extending energy tax cuts and industrial subsidies through 2026 to mitigate Middle East crisis impacts. Businesses should leverage new decarbonisation funding (FIDI) and streamlined renewables permitting while preparing for stricter grid-access rules and mandatory sustainable mobility planning.

26 Mar 2026, 11:36boe.esSpain

UK CMA Launches Market Study Into Domestic Heating Oil Retail Supply

The UK CMA has initiated a market study into the domestic heating oil retail sector, with initial stakeholder feedback due by April 8, 2026. Suppliers should anticipate heightened scrutiny of pricing transparency and competition, potentially leading to new regulatory requirements or market interventions.

24 Mar 2026, 11:41gov.ukUnited Kingdom

European Commission Issues Recommendation on One-Stop Shops for Building Energy Efficiency and Renovation

The European Commission has issued guidance for Member States to establish 'one-stop shop' advisory services and renovation passport schemes by 2026 to accelerate building energy efficiency. Businesses in the construction, HVAC, and energy services sectors should prepare for increased renovation demand and standardized project pathways as national authorities implement these technical assistance frameworks.

12 Mar 2026, 11:29data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

UK DESNZ Sets Out Warm Homes Plan Transition Support For ECO-Dependent Small Businesses

The UK Government has confirmed the transition from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme to the Warm Homes Plan, earmarking £1.5 billion for low-income household upgrades. Energy-efficiency and construction firms should prepare for a shift toward public procurement frameworks and new regulatory requirements for rental properties and new builds.

8 Mar 2026, 14:42questions-statements.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

Scottish Government Publishes Consultation Analysis For Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040

Scotland has published the stakeholder consultation analysis for its 2026–2040 Climate Change Plan, signaling the next phase in refining its net-zero roadmap. Businesses should prepare for a final plan that likely emphasizes just transition support, regionalized implementation, and more rigorous monitoring of decarbonization outcomes.

6 Mar 2026, 12:04gov.scotUnited Kingdom

EU Parliament ENVI Committee Considers Draft Report On ETS2 Market Stability Reserve

The European Parliament’s ENVI Committee has proposed reforms to the EU ETS2 Market Stability Reserve to mitigate price volatility and social impacts ahead of the system's implementation. Companies in the transport and building sectors should anticipate more reactive price-control mechanisms and potential temporary exemptions as the EU seeks to manage the transition to higher carbon costs.

5 Mar 2026, 06:49oeil.europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Flanders Updates Mijn VerbouwPremie Eligibility and Heat Pump Cooling Rules From 1 March 2026

Flanders is restricting "Mijn VerbouwPremie" grant eligibility for insulation and glazing while tightening heat pump cooling requirements effective March 1, 2026. This shift toward targeted social support and fossil-fuel-free heating signals a narrowing market for subsidized high-end renovations and stricter technical standards for HVAC installations.

4 Mar 2026, 16:58cdn.flxml.euBelgium

US House Resolution 1075 Provides for Consideration of H.R. 4626 and H.R. 4758 on Appliance Standards and Home Electrification Subsidies

The US House has moved to consider legislation that would strictly limit the Department of Energy's power to set new appliance efficiency standards and repeal federal electrification subsidies. This signals a potential shift toward a more industry-favorable regulatory environment, requiring higher economic justification for new standards and reducing immediate pressure for rapid product redesigns.

2 Mar 2026, 13:46govinfo.govUnited States

EU Commission Reviews First Year of Action Plan for Affordable Energy

The European Commission has reviewed the first year of its Action Plan for Affordable Energy, confirming continued focus on grid modernization, state aid for clean industry, and energy governance. Businesses should anticipate more structured support for energy-intensive operations through the Clean Industrial Deal while preparing for tighter energy efficiency and methane reporting requirements.

26 Feb 2026, 20:11energy.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

New Jersey DEP Launches Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form for HPAI and Issues Joint Statement on Executive Order 1

New Jersey has launched an HPAI surveillance system and initiated plans to use Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds to stabilize electricity costs. This signals a shift in state climate funding toward energy affordability and necessitates increased biosecurity awareness for operations exposed to avian influenza risks.

25 Feb 2026, 14:18dep.nj.govUnited States

Netherlands Adopts Energiebesluit on Energy Markets and Systems

The Netherlands adopted the Energiebesluit in November 2025, consolidating energy market regulations and aligning national law with EU electricity and gas directives. Market participants must prepare for stricter licensing, enhanced cybersecurity reporting, and mandatory smart meter rollouts as energy transition infrastructure is prioritized.

24 Feb 2026, 20:12eur-lex.europa.euNetherlands

Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Announces Strategic Renewable Energy Community (CER) Project

Friuli Venezia Giulia has launched a strategic co-design phase for a region-wide Renewable Energy Community (CER), scheduled to run through April 2026. Businesses in the region should monitor this development for opportunities in local energy self-consumption, storage infrastructure, and potential participation in regional decarbonization value chains.

24 Feb 2026, 19:19regione.fvg.itItaly

Wales Senedd Research Highlights Health Harms From Poor-Quality Housing

Senedd Research has highlighted critical health risks from poor-quality housing in Wales, with a new comprehensive Welsh Housing Survey scheduled for 2027–28 to address significant data gaps. Expect increased regulatory pressure on landlords and social housing providers to mitigate hazards like damp and mould as housing is increasingly integrated into public health and NHS cost-reduction strategies.

23 Feb 2026, 18:55research.senedd.walesUnited Kingdom

US House Committee Reports H.R. 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 (House Report 119-480)

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce has recommended the passage of H.R. 1355, reauthorizing and expanding funding for the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program through 2030. This expansion signals sustained federal investment in residential energy efficiency, likely driving demand for building retrofits and energy-saving technologies.

22 Feb 2026, 14:53govinfo.govUnited States

Law Amending Energy Industry Law to Strengthen Consumer Protection in the Energy Sector

Germany has enacted comprehensive amendments to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to transpose EU electricity, gas, and hydrogen market reforms. Businesses face stricter supplier risk management and transparency requirements, while accelerated permitting for storage and grid infrastructure prioritizes decarbonization and energy security.

17 Feb 2026, 11:34eur-lex.europa.euGermany