The Energy Independence Bill was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The Government describes it as a major overhaul centred on affordability and public control of energy costs.

What the Bill does

The Government will bring forward amendments to scrap standing charges on household gas bills, the daily charge paid even when no gas is used. Around 23 million households are to gain greater control over energy costs, and around 60% of gas account holders are expected to save an average of £45 a year.

The Bill also puts on a lasting legal footing the shift of 75% of domestic Renewables Obligation costs from energy bills to public spending, for the period to March 2029. The standing-charge plan itself was announced earlier, and this site reported it on 28 October; the Bill is the step that puts the package before Parliament, and it is not yet law.

What came before

The Bill follows the Budget announcement of a £100 payment for up to 20 million households in England this winter. It also delivers the manifesto commitment of no new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea. The GOV.UK release names Miatta Fahnbulleh as Energy Secretary.

Sources: GOV.UK, energy reforms to cut bills and put power back in people's hands, 4 November 2026; reNEWS, UK Energy Independence Bill introduced to Parliament.