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Consultations & Drafts for Public Comments (DPCs)

ECA encourages all Members to get involved in public consultations and drafts for public comments (DPCs). The comments that Members provide make a huge difference in how legislation and Standards are developed. All comments are considered, and appreciated.

What is a draft for public comment (DPC)?  

A draft for public comment is an early version of a document—such as a standard or bill—that is shared with the public to invite feedback before finalisation. This process allows for diverse viewpoints to be heard promoting transparency, encourages inclusive participation, and improve the quality and robustness of the final document.

For technical DPCs - BSI, the UK's National Standards Body (NSB), develops standards with a dedicated panels of experts, within technical committees. Every public comment BSI receives on a draft standard is considered by the relevant panel of experts and BSI staff and the final published standard is updated as appropriate.

This is an opportunity for Members to be the difference, make an impact and become change makers. View the latest consultations and DPCs you can contribute to below...

Statutory Voltage Limits Consultation

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) is proposing lowering the limit to the statutory voltage from 216 V AC to 207 V AC.

 

Read more here

If Members believe this change could have safety implications, they are encouraged to respond to the ENA as part of their consultation by 22 February 2026

 

Alternatively, comments can be submitted to ECA's Technical team no later than 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026.

 

Submit your comments to ECA's Technical Team

New British Standard for Audio systems for emergency communication

A new British Standard is in development for audio systems for emergency communication where a sound system is used for emergency purposes where a communication plan is required:

 

a) under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, including lockdown, evacuation and invacuation; &

 

b) also covering audio communication for fire emergencies where the audio system is not connected to the fire alarm, especially relevant post Grenfell for high rise residential buildings.

 

This is a newly proposed British Standard, the end date for comment with the BSi is 19th Feb 2026.

 

All comments should go directly to BSi using the BSi Standards Development Portal.

See how your comments impacted past consultations:

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation
Find out more
Delivering a smart and secure electricity system: implementation
Find out more
Building regulation
Find out more
The Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
Find out more
NI Call for Evidence on Renewable Energy
Find out more