Renewal of Ban on Acquisition-only Tariffs (BAT) after March 2027

Details of outcome 

We have considered all the responses and have made the decision to retain the BAT until at least 31 March 2028, together with the Market-wide Derogation. 

Feedback received on the merits of exploring possible reforms to the BAT will be taken into consideration in our ongoing work on the future of price protection, in which an enduring BAT is one potential option. 

Read the full outcome 

Original consultation

Consultation description

The Ban on Acquisition-only Tariffs can be extended on an annual basis through a written notice which retains the relevant part of the licence in place (SLC 22B). The current extension will end on 31 March 2027. If no further action is taken, it will no longer exist past this date.

We are proposing to temporarily extend the Ban on Acquisition-only Tariffs and its associated market-wide derogation from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028. Before we do this, we want your feedback on this proposal.

Who should respond

We would like views from people with an interest in the domestic retail energy supply market such as: 

• energy suppliers
• third party intermediaries
• consumer groups
• the public

Consultation document