Energy & Utilities

Second Preliminary Strategic Direction Statement for Energy Industry Codes

Ofgem published a consultation on the draft second preliminary Strategic Direction Statement (SDS) for energy industry codes. The consultation seeks feedback on the proposed categorisation of policy areas and whether any key areas requiring code changes are missing from the assessment. Comments are due by 28 May 2026. This follows the first preliminary SDS published in August 2025 and supports transition to a new code governance framework under the Energy Act 2023.

Renewables Obligation Supplier Guidance - CPI Replaces RPI

Ofgem has updated its Renewables Obligation (RO) supplier guidance to replace the Retail Prices Index (RPI) with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for calculating annual adjustments to the buyout price and mutualisation ceiling. The guidance applies to all licensed electricity suppliers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This is a technical update to the inflation indexation methodology used in the scheme.

Guidance for Agents on Renewables Obligation for Microgenerators 50kW or Less

Ofgem updated guidance for agents acting on behalf of operators of renewable microgenerators (≤50kW) under the Renewables Obligation scheme. The guidance reflects a change in the inflation index used for annual adjustments to buyout prices and mutualisation ceilings, switching from Retail Prices Index (RPI) to Consumer Prices Index (CPI). Minor operational process updates for Northern Ireland and Great Britain agents are also included.

DOE Implementation of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act Evaluation

The DOE Office of Inspector General published Evaluation DOE-OIG-26-28 finding that the Department of Energy took necessary actions to implement the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015. The evaluation, conducted as part of a joint review with the Intelligence Community IG covering seven executive agencies, confirmed DOE's policies and procedures for sharing cyber threat indicators were sufficient, including requirements for PII removal. No formal recommendations were made due to satisfactory compliance.

Eaton Fiber Idaho CPCN Application Conditional Denial

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission issued Order No. 36986 conditionally denying Eaton Fiber Idaho, LLC's application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to provide resold and facilities-based local exchange telecommunications services. The Commission found the application deficient under IDAPA 31.01.01.114 and granted the Company 21 days from service date to submit additional documentation for further consideration. No public comments were received.

SOS hearings, cases 9056/9064, Type I/II procurement

SOS hearings, cases 9056/9064, Type I/II procurement

Public Hearing Notice for Kent County Solar Project CPCN Application

The Maryland Public Service Commission announced a public hearing for April 16, 2026, regarding TPE MD KE77, LLC's application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct a 5.0 MW solar generating facility on 53 acres in Kent County. Turning Point Energy submitted the CPCN application in July 2025 under Case No. 9799.

Benefit Trucking LLC - Apparent Violation and Forfeiture Assessment Prehearing

Ohio PUCO scheduled a prehearing conference for April 2, 2026 regarding Benefit Trucking LLC, Case No. 26-88-TR-CVF. The case involves a Notice of Apparent Violation and Intent to Assess Forfeiture. The teleconference will be presided over by Administrative Law Judge Ian Kieffer at 10:30 AM.

Direct Leveraging of Prior Demonstration Reactor Authorizations into NRC Licensing Reviews

The NRC is proposing to revise its regulations to allow reactor applicants to directly leverage prior U.S. Department of Energy or Department of War authorizations of demonstration reactors into NRC licensing reviews for commercial reactor applications. This would establish a new regulatory pathway for demonstrating reactor design safety functions, with public comments due by May 4, 2026.

Holtec HI-STORM UMAX Spent Fuel Storage Amendment 5

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing Amendment No. 5 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1040 for the Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System. This amendment adds two new design versions (B1 and B2) to the list of approved spent fuel storage casks. The NRC is seeking public comments on the proposed amendment by May 4, 2026.