CMA Considers Energy Licence Appeal Decision Deadline

UK CMA Publications

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 7th, 2026

Summary

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering appeals from 5 energy companies against modifications to gas distribution licences made by Ofgem. The CMA is expected to decide whether to grant permission to appeal by 31 March 2026.

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What changed

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a notice regarding its consideration of appeals from five energy companies against modifications to their gas distribution licences. These modifications stem from Ofgem's RIIO-3 price control decisions, which dictate how much energy companies can charge customers. The CMA is currently deciding whether to grant these companies permission to appeal Ofgem's decision, with a final decision deadline set for 31 March 2026.

This action is significant for the energy sector as it pertains to fundamental aspects of price controls and licence conditions. Regulated energy companies, particularly those involved in gas distribution, should monitor the CMA's decision on granting permission to appeal. While this document itself does not impose new obligations, the outcome of the appeals process could lead to substantial changes in regulatory frameworks and financial expectations for the sector.

What to do next

Monitor CMA decision on permission to appeal by 31 March 2026
Review Ofgem's RIIO-3 price control decisions and associated licence modifications

Source document (simplified)

Energy licence modification appeals 2026

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether to grant permission to appeal to 5 energy companies against modifications made on 3 February 2026 to gas distribution licences, following Ofgem’s RIIO-3 price control decisions.

From: Competition and Markets Authority Published 6 March 2026 Case type: Regulatory references and appeals Case state: Open Market sector: Energy Opened: 4 March 2026

Timetable for applications for permission

| Date | Action |
| --- | --- |
| 3 March 2026 | Permission to appeal sought by 5 parties |
| 17 March 2026 | Deadline for Ofgem to lodge any submissions in relation to the applications for permission to appeal |
| 23 March 2026 | If Ofgem does not lodge any submissions, deadline for CMA to make decision whether to grant permission to appeal |
| 31 March 2026 | If Ofgem does make submissions, deadline for CMA to make decision whether to grant permission to appeal (if Ofgem lodges submissions prior to 17 March, this deadline will be 10 working days starting with the day following lodgement) |

Notices of appeal

3 March 2026: 5 licence holders have sought permission to appeal the decision by GEMA (Ofgem’s governing body) of 3 February 2026 on proposed modifications to the gas distribution licences. These licence modifications are based on Ofgem’s RIIO-3 price control decisions of 4 December 2025, which set out how much energy companies can charge their customers.

The administrative timetable for the CMA’s decision on whether to grant permission to appeal can be found above.