Updating the licence application guidance: decision

In April 2025 we consulted on proposed new licence application guidance and in June 2025 we published this decision to introduce version 2.0 of the guidance.  

Our June 2025 decision

We considered the consultation responses received and made a decision on the new application guidance, which was introduced with immediate effect.   

See the application guidance to understand our current application requirements or read the decision document below to review the responses received, our replies and understand our rationale for the final guidance introduced.

Further changes to the guidance

On 27 February 2026, Ofgem published a document explaining the changes in version 2.2 of the licence application guidance. With this update we implemented a shorter six‑month supply application processing timescale and provided more detailed guidance and assessment criteria for the consideration of individually modified supply licences.

Version 2.2 built on the changes introduced in version 2.1 of the guidance, published on 26 January 2026, which provided a clearer explanation of tacit authorisation and an improved notice of application process. These documents are published on this page.

Read the licence application guidance

Gas and electricity licence application forms