On 15 March 2026, the Energy Secretary announced a package of measures to accelerate the UK’s pursuit of national energy security in response to recent events in the Middle East. The plan includes making low-cost, easy-to-install “plug-in solar” panels available for the first time in the UK, allowing households to generate free electricity on balconies, walls, or gardens. The government also plans to bring forward the next annual renewables auction to July, following record-breaking previous rounds that secured enough clean energy to power 23 million homes. Lessons from the Fingleton Review on speeding up nuclear power projects will also be applied to other infrastructure such as renewables.
Immediate consumer protections are being strengthened through close cooperation with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA is stepping up monitoring of the fuel sector, investigating heating oil firms, and ensuring compliance with consumer protection and competition laws, with powers to fine companies if violations are found. The government is also expanding its Fuel Finder price comparison scheme, with almost all petrol and diesel pumps, including Asda forecourts, now included.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized that reducing reliance on fossil fuels is central to energy security. The announced measures aim to fast-track the clean power mission, including the accelerated renewables auction, introduction of plug-in solar, and speeded-up home upgrades through the Warm Homes Plan. These initiatives are intended to help households cut bills while strengthening the UK’s energy independence.
The plug-in solar panels, already widely used in Europe, offer an accessible alternative for renters and flat owners who cannot install rooftop solar. Once plugged into the mains, they reduce grid electricity consumption and energy costs. The next Allocation Round for renewables, scheduled for July 2026, will provide certainty for clean energy investors following the UK’s largest-ever offshore wind procurement.
The Warm Homes Plan, the UK’s largest public investment in home energy efficiency at £15 billion, is being accelerated to support low-income households. Funding has been devolved to mayors in Liverpool, London, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands to upgrade homes with insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. The Minister for Energy Consumers will ensure rapid delivery of these upgrades.
Since July 2024, the government has significantly improved energy security, securing enough clean energy for 23 million homes, fast-tracking planning for solar and wind projects, advancing nuclear power projects including Sizewell C and small modular reactors, investing £15 billion in home upgrades, and ensuring new homes meet the Future Homes Standard with built-in solar technology.
