Energy retail market reform 2017–2026: regulatory updates on price protection, standing charges, BAT, TPIs, MHHS, consumer standards and green tariffs

Published by a LexisNexis Energy expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note outlines several principal aspects of UK energy retail market reform from 2017 onwards, offering concise context and background.

What is the retail energy market?

The UK retail energy market serves as the primary point of contact between users of energy and the wider energy system. It encompasses the provision of electricity by licensed suppliers to final customers—both domestic (for example, households) and non-domestic (for example, businesses). It is separate from the electricity wholesale market, which concerns the sale and purchase of power between generators and suppliers. For further detail on the wholesale framework, see Practice Note: The Great Britain electricity market—an introduction.

Why is retail market reform needed?

Since 2017, the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, operating through the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem—see Practice Note: Ofgem), together with the UK government (initially via the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and later the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)), has examined issues within the retail market and the case for change on an ongoing, coordinated basis.

The principal reasons highlighted by government and Ofgem for reform include:

energy security and protection against disruptive shocks in the wholesale market...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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