The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has opened a consultation on tighter rules for how much electricity household and office equipment can use when it is switched off, on standby or waiting for a network signal. The consultation opened on 16 October 2026 and closes on 24 December 2026. The proposals cover Great Britain.
The new standards would replace two ecodesign regulations from 2008 and 2009 and bring GB in line with the EU’s 2023 standby regulation. DESNZ estimates the change would save about 11.5 TWh of electricity between 2027 and 2050, plus around 234 ktCO₂e of emissions.
The proposed limits
The main changes, according to the consultation document:
| Mode | Current GB limit | Proposed limit |
|---|---|---|
| Off mode | 0.5 W | 0.3 W |
| Standby with reactivation | 0.5 W | 0.5 W |
| Standby with a display | 1.0 W | 0.8 W |
| Networked standby, high network availability | none | 7.0 W |
| Other networked standby | none | 2.0 W |
The new networked standby caps are aimed at connected devices that stay partly active while idle. DESNZ notes that many electronic products still draw between 0.5 W and 1 W or more on standby, which adds up across millions of devices. The proposals would also require devices to drop into low-power modes automatically.
There is also an anti-circumvention clause. Manufacturers would not be allowed to design products, for example with special firmware, so that they use less power during testing than in normal use.
Timing
The EU brought in its rules in two stages, in May 2025 and May 2027. The government proposes doing it in a single step for Great Britain from the second quarter of 2027. It is asking industry whether that gives enough lead-in time.
What it means for households
Do not expect a big change on your bill. DESNZ expects the overall effect on a typical household to be broadly neutral. Upfront product prices may rise by an estimated £1.48 to £5.55 per product, and the department expects electricity savings to cover that over time.
According to the impact analysis, homes with only core appliances are likely to see a small net saving. Homes with many devices could see a small net cost. Automatic low-power modes save energy without anyone having to switch devices off, which DESNZ says matters most for vulnerable households.
For more on how appliance efficiency affects home energy use, see our article on energy-efficient appliances and household consumption. For the wider picture on bills this winter, see our price cap and January forecast explainer.