Story perspectives

England's Future Homes Standard Excludes Battery Installations, Experts Warn

1/2/2026

27 5

Summary

Story summary

Ministers in England will release the future homes standard (FHS) in January, regulating new home construction.
Experts criticize the decision to exclude mandatory battery installations, despite their energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits.
Jess Ralston of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns that excluding batteries may raise energy bills and gas imports.
Heat pumps will remain mandatory.
Housebuilders oppose battery requirements due to upfront costs.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ministers in England will release the future homes standard (FHS) in January, regulating new home construction.
Experts criticize the decision to exclude mandatory battery installations, despite their energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits.
Jess Ralston of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns that excluding batteries may raise energy bills and gas imports.
Heat pumps will remain mandatory.
Housebuilders oppose battery requirements due to upfront costs.