Forward Work Plan 2026–29 now confirmed
The Forward Work Plan 2026–29 sets out our priorities, workstreams, and delivery focus for the next three years. It’s a key part of how we deliver against our Strategy 2025–30 across the Retail Energy Code (REC) and its supporting services.
Shaped by consultation and engagement
We received six responses to the draft Forward Work Plan, including survey submissions and detailed written feedback. The RECCo Board carefully considered all responses and concluded that no substantive changes to the plan or the 2026 Budget were required. However, stakeholder feedback has informed a number of targeted improvements to how the plan is presented and governed, including:
- Clearer structuring of workstreams across delivery horizons (Act Now, Think & Plan, Listen & Wait)
- Greater transparency on costs and prioritisation, including clearer articulation of cost drivers and mandatory vs discretionary activity
- Improved clarity on how workstreams progress, including defined decision points and triggers
- Enhanced accessibility and communication (i.e., the plan and supporting information)
These updates strengthen transparency and provide clearer insight into how we prioritise activity, manage costs, and progress delivery.
View the Response to the Forward Work Plan 2026–29 Consultation
Forward Work Plan 2026–29: What we’re doing
The Forward Work Plan sets out the key initiatives and activities we will deliver over the next three years. Our focus includes:
Perform — delivering service excellence
- Evolving core REC services — Enquiry Services, the Central Registration Service, Metering Services, and the REC Portal — to improve performance, resilience, and user experience
- Strengthening Code Manager capability, including Code Manager Service Evolution, re-modelled Change Management, and Performance Assurance as we prepare for the Code Manager Licence
Protect — safeguarding consumers and data
- Strengthening consumer protection and trust, including delivery of the Consumer Consent Solution and our Energy Theft Reduction strategy
- Embedding Data Best Practice and strengthening data governance across REC services
- Strengthening metering assurance and the Safe Isolation Provider regime to support the rollout of low-carbon technologies
Progress — enabling market transformation and net zero
- Supporting major market reforms, including Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement and Tariff Interoperability
- Shaping the future retail market through supporting Consumer-Led Flexibility developments and alignment with Ofgem’s Strategic Direction Statement and Code Reform programme
How delivery is structured and prioritised
The plan is built around:
- Alignment with our Strategy 2025–30 and REC objectives
- Consideration of Ofgem’s Strategic Direction Statement
- A focus on prudent service and contract management, alongside directed obligations
Activity is structured across three horizons:
- Act Now: Delivery within the next two financial years (2025–26 and 2026–27)
- Think & Plan: Preparatory work now, with delivery expected within two to three years
- Listen & Wait: Longer-term areas requiring early scoping and monitoring
View the full Forward Work Plan document
Budget 2026–27: How delivery is funded
The Budget supports delivery of the Forward Work Plan, covering the costs of service provision and enabling the progression of agreed workstreams.
It reflects the investment required to maintain and improve services, deliver programmes of work, and support our role in managing services on behalf of the retail energy industry.
The Budget has now been confirmed following closure of the formal appeal window, with no appeals received.
View the full Budget document
Strategy 2025–30: Recap
Our Strategy sets out our long-term direction and the role we play in supporting a retail energy market fit for the future.
It’s structured around three strategic aims:
- Perform: We’re a trusted, expert provider and enabler of code management and services
- Protect: We safeguard consumers’ interests and data through tailored digital services
- Progress:We drive solutions and innovation to support an effective retail energy market
These aims underpin the Forward Work Plan and inform our approach to delivery.
View the full Strategy document
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the Forward Work Plan, Budget, or Strategy, please contact: recco_strategy@retailenergycode.co.uk
Thank you for your ongoing collaboration. We look forward to working together to deliver our commitments.
