Energy License Modification Appeals 2026
On August 14, 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority published a summary of its provisional determinations on energy license modification appeals.
On August 14, 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom (CMA) published a summary of its provisional determinations on energy license modification appeals. These modifications affect various companies in the energy sector and are based on the RIIO-3 price control decisions by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA), established on December 4, 2025.
Appeal Process Timeline
The administrative timetable began on April 10, 2026, in accordance with Rule 13 of the Energy License Modification Appeal Rules (CMA70). Permits to appeal were granted on March 31, 2026, while the deadline for final determinations is September 30, 2026.
The key dates are:
- March 3, 2026: Five license holders applied for appeal permits.
- April 23, 2026: GEMA responded to the appeal notifications.
- May 2026: Joint responses from the appellants to GEMA.
- August 14, 2026: Publication of the summary of provisional determinations.
Responses and Provisional Decisions
In May 2026, appellants, including Southern Gas Networks plc and Scotland Gas Networks plc, submitted joint responses to GEMA's proposals. The main hearings took place in June 2026, and provisional decisions were issued in August.
"The CMA has published a summary of its provisional determinations in the Energy License Modification Appeals 2026."
Citizens Advice Intervention
On April 29, 2026, the CMA received and approved a request for intervention from Citizens Advice. This intervention focuses on the appeal grounds related to Continuous Efficiency.
Granting of Appeal Permits
On March 31, 2026, the CMA granted appeal permits to several companies, subjecting the appeals regarding Continuous Efficiency to joint analysis. The companies involved include Cadent Gas Limited, Northern Gas Networks Limited, and others.
License Modifications Based on RIIO-3
The proposed modifications to gas distribution licenses by GEMA in February 2026 are based on the RIIO-3 price control decisions made in December 2025. These controls define the rates that energy companies can set for their customers.
The CMA may collect and use personal data for these appeals, in accordance with the Gas Act 1986, the UK General Data Protection Regulation, and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For further details on how the CMA handles personal data, please refer to our privacy notice.
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Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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