The UK government introduced the Energy Independence Bill to Parliament on Wednesday 4 November 2026, according to a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release. The government plans amendments to scrap standing charges on household gas bills, saying around 23 million households would gain greater control over costs, with around 60% of gas account holders expected to save an average of £45 a year. The release says the Bill would also place on a lasting legal footing the shift of 75% of domestic Renewables Obligation costs from energy bills to public spending.

The Bill proposes stronger consumer protections, including tougher Ofgem powers over energy companies and regulation of brokers and price comparison services, which the government estimates could save businesses around £100 million a year. It would give local authorities stronger enforcement powers against landlords failing energy efficiency standards, with fines of up to £30,000, and establish the Warm Homes Agency in law. Developers of new renewable projects would be required to offer communities up to a 20% stake.

On the North Sea, the Bill would end new licences to explore new oil and gas fields while supporting continued production from existing licensed areas. The release says Transitional Energy Certificates could unlock around 60 million barrels of oil and support hundreds of jobs, backed by a £2 billion Energy Wealth Fund.