On 24th March 2026, the Government has published its long-awaited Future Homes Standard, confirming that from 2028 new homes will be built with on-site renewable electricity generation, primarily from solar panels and low-carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks.
The changes are expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 75% compared to 2013 standards and save households up to £830 a year on energy bills, while supporting the UK’s transition to clean, homegrown energy.
For the electrotechnical sector, the announcement represents a major step forward but also reinforces the need for a highly skilled and competent workforce to deliver increasingly complex installations safely and effectively.
As homes become more reliant on electrical systems for heating and energy generation, ensuring installers are properly trained and assessed against recognised standards will be critical to maintaining quality, safety and consumer confidence.
Andrew Reakes, Acting CEO of the JIB, said:
“The Future Homes Standard is a significant and welcome step forward, but delivery will depend on a competent and qualified workforce. For electricians, this is about building on core qualifications through clear ‘Electrician Plus’ routes supporting upskilling in solar PV installation and maintenance, EV charging infrastructure and Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS).
These pathways must align with Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) requirements and sector competence frameworks, ensuring that individuals working on these technologies are properly trained, assessed and recognised. This is how we ensure quality, safety and long-term confidence in low-carbon technologies.”
The JIB will continue to work with industry and Government to support workforce development, promote competence-based standards and ensure the sector is ready to deliver the next generation of low-carbon homes.
To help support the necessary upskilling in the industry on low carbon technologies, the JIB provides direct funding grants of up to £750 per person per qualification for those working for JIB member companies and all 15,000 of the electrical apprentices registered with the JIB. To find out more about how to benefit from the JIB Skills Development Fund, click here.
