Energy prices and plug-in solar – Spring 2026 Energy News

The impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran is making everyone nervous, and we understand that energy bills are a significant concern. At ivie, we’re fully committed to keeping you informed and helping you navigate this fast-changing situation. From the latest energy price updates to plug-in solar panels becoming legal, we’re covering everything you need to know.

What’s happening in the energy market?

The situation in Iran has, unfortunately, had a direct impact on global oil and gas prices. This instability means we’re seeing continued fluctuations in energy costs. The UK, like many other nations, is working hard to ensure energy security and find alternatives to diversify its supply. This is a dynamic situation, and while there’s no magic wand to instantly fix everything, the long-term focus remains on sustainable solutions that reduce our reliance on imported energy.

The Chancellor has announced that the government is drawing up contingency plans to help homes in need of help with their energy bills. While details are thin on the ground – no word yet on who might fall into this category, or how much assistance they will receive – households whose energy tariffs are expiring in the coming months should start to prep for an expected jump in prices from July.

The energy price cap is set to fall from 1st April, but experts are predicting an inescapable rise for the July price cap.

Good news on the horizon: the Future Homes Standard

In a really positive update, the UK government has just released the final specifications for the Future Homes Standard (FHS), set to fully implement from 2027. This is a major step towards making all new homes incredibly energy efficient and carbon neutral.

Here’s the gist of what this means for new builds:

• Lower energy bills: Homes built from 2028 will be designed to be highly insulated and require very little heating. This will significantly reduce energy consumption and, in turn, lead to much lower bills.

• Lower carbon emissions: These standards will massively reduce the carbon footprint of new housing, making a real contribution to the UK’s climate goals.

• Heat pumps & solar: The FHS strongly encourages the adoption of technologies like heat pumps and solar panels. This is a huge shift away from gas boilers and a fantastic leap towards a cleaner, more independent energy future.

How does the FHS affect you?

While the FHS applies to new homes, the push for energy efficiency and approval of plug-in solar is something we can all be part of:

• Check your home’s efficiency: The ivie app can help you understand how well your home holds onto heat. The Thermal Efficiency Score gives you a starting point, and point you in the right direction for improving insulation, upgrading windows, and draught-proofing your home.

• Explore smart technology: Our ivie Bud smart home display and the ivie app can help you track your energy use in real-time and identify areas where you can save.

• Investigate renewable energy: Plug-in solar panels are about to become legal in the UK, and could be in the shops in a matter of months. These microgeneration panels can be a great way to boost your energy independence and reduce your bills in the long run.

ivie is here to help

We’re dedicated to supporting you with clear information and smart solutions. We know times are tough, but by keeping you up-to-date with the latest energy news and helping you to making informed choices, we’re building a more secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future.

Stay tuned for more updates from us, and in the meantime don’t hesitate to explore our resources here.