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Renewables Obligation Guidance for 2027 to 2028 Remains Pending

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes annual Renewables Obligation guidance.
  • Guidance for the 2026 to 2027 period was released in September 2025.
  • Guidance for 2027 to 2028 has not been published as of September 2026.

The Renewables Obligation sets annual requirements for renewable energy generation in the UK, with guidance published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The department is responsible for releasing these levels six months ahead of each obligation period.

As of September 2026, the department has not yet issued the Renewables Obligation level calculations for the 2027 to 2028 period. The most recent available guidance covers the 2026 to 2027 period and was published on 29 September 2025.

Each year, the Renewables Obligation level is set in units of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) per megawatt hour (MWh). The department is required to publish this information in advance to inform electricity suppliers and other stakeholders.

In addition to the standard obligation level, an estimate addressing adjustments for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) exemption is planned. According to the BICS consultation document, this estimate will be released either alongside or shortly after the 2027 to 2028 obligation level guidance.

What the numbers show

  • The 2026 to 2027 Renewables Obligation guidance was published on 29 September 2025.
  • The department must publish obligation levels six months before each period.
  • The 2027 to 2028 guidance had not been released as of September 2026.

The obligation level calculations provide a framework for how much renewable energy must be sourced by suppliers in England, Wales, and Scotland. These calculations are updated annually to reflect policy changes and market conditions.

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is expected to affect the obligation levels for certain sectors. The department has stated that an estimate of the impact of this exemption will be made available in connection with the 2027 to 2028 guidance.

Official guidance documents and estimates are published on the UK government’s website, where stakeholders can review the latest requirements and any planned adjustments related to industrial exemptions.

The department’s process for setting and publishing these levels is designed to provide advance notice and clarity for electricity suppliers and market participants. This approach supports compliance with renewable energy targets and regulatory requirements.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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