BEAMA urges changes to proposed smart energy appliance rules
11 February 2026
Manufacturers are urging the UK government to amend proposed rules for smart energy appliances, warning that the current plans could raise costs and disrupt product development.
Trade body BEAMA has submitted technical feedback to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) following its Energy Smart Appliances (ESA) consultation, part of the Smart and Secure Electricity Systems Programme. The organisation said the scale of responses from its members shows the regulations are not ready to be implemented as drafted.
BEAMA’s submission covers electric vehicle (EV) charging, heating, energy storage and other smart technologies. It cautions that similar challenges to those seen during the introduction of EV charge point regulations in 2022 could be repeated across a wider range of devices, including electric heating appliances and battery systems, which it says are important for Clean Power 2030.
Paul Lee Pschierer-Barnfather, EV charging solutions expert at Zaptec Charger AS, comments:
“The SSES regulations are an important milestone on the road to decarbonising the UK economy. It’s essential we get this right, and I’m grateful to BEAMA for their efforts to help equipment manufacturers deliver on this vision.”
BEAMA identified the policy areas it believes need adjustment:
• Align EV charging rules. Two sets of smart charging regulations are due to come into force within 18 months of each other. This could confuse customers and increase costs for manufacturers. Aligning the timelines would reduce disruption and expense.
• Use randomised charging delays only when necessary. The proposals include up to a 10-minute random delay to stop many EVs charging at once. BEAMA supports the principle but says the delay should only be used where there is a real risk to the local electricity network, to avoid frustrating consumers.
• Do not apply random delays to home heating. BEAMA opposes random delays for smart heating devices, arguing they are impractical for equipment that is often needed continuously and could put households at risk during extreme weather.
• Set realistic implementation timelines. The proposed 18-month compliance window for new rules on heating, EV charging and storage is too short, BEAMA says. Product development typically takes 24–32 months. The association recommends a voluntary two-year phase before mandatory compliance to avoid higher prices, reduced innovation and slower investment in UK manufacturing.
These recommended policy adjustments have been developed in consultation with BEAMA members, including a diverse range of the UK’s leading EV charging, heating and cooling, and smart energy devices.
Stuart Callow, new technologies standards expert, Worcester, Bosch Group:
“To deliver products that meet consumers’ needs and are proven, reliable and long-lasting, manufacturers need time to develop, test and bring these new solutions to market. The requirements proposed under Energy Smart Appliance policy are considerable, and still unconfirmed, which means development work cannot start. The likely circa 18-month window between government’s confirmed requirements and the deadline for compliance is simply not enough, given most manufacturers require 2 to 3 years for new product developments.
“The risk is that existing products may have to be removed from the market before new compliant versions are available because of this compressed timeline. This will only serve to restrict consumers’ choice and slow-down the transition to electrification. We hope Government listen to the significant concerns raised across the varied sectors BEAMA represent and choose to engage constructively on a pragmatic, more secure, way forward.”
Matt Adams, head of electrical transport systems for BEAMA:
“These regulations have the potential to play a crucial role in ensuring uptake of Smart Energy Appliances, protecting our grid, and supporting consumers through the transition to electrification and lowering energy bills. It’s vital then that the regulations are workable. BEAMA calls for industry members to be vocal and join us in support of the principles and push for changes to the implementation to ensure what is delivered creates a positive change for industry, the grid, and consumers.”
