Clearer electricity rules for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0: SBTi opens public comment
Nov 5th 2026
As companies prepare to set targets using the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, stakeholders have asked for more specificity on how its electricity criteria apply in practice. Today we’re publishing proposed clarifications for a 30-day public comment period. No changes have happened yet, and we encourage feedback from all stakeholders.
What’s being proposed
The SBTi’s Technical Council, an independent decision-making body that approves our technical developments, has approved the following clarifications for public comment:
- An interim interpretation of deliverability regions.
- Specifications for funding new energy projects across deliverability regions.
- Clarification that grandfathering of old contracts applies to contracts signed before 1 February 2027, when the Standard takes effect.
- Moving the exemptions on the 15-year generator age limit into the main Standard.
These amendments make key elements of the electricity criteria clearer while still requiring that the clean power match the grid companies actually use.
What we heard
Of all unique queries about the Corporate Net-Zero Standard we received, scope 2 was the topic that generated the second highest number of queries. Of these scope 2 queries, 40% relate to the topics targeted in this clarification. Stakeholders wanted granular detail on subjects like legacy contract commencement dates and deliverability regions. These additions and interpretations respond directly to that demand.
A new way of working
These clarifications are being made in response to feedback from stakeholders gained through a new feedback system designed to enhance the SBTi’s ability to identify and analyze areas for consideration or that require clarification. They are being introduced following the process in the SBTi’s new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which enables the SBTi to act on feedback quickly, while maintaining rigour.
The new Standard Operating Procedure places a greater emphasis on public comment periods to gather feedback. These can be shorter than public consultations because they are limited in scope.
In addition, the criteria that these interpretations and added detail relate to have already been consulted on twice during the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 development process.
The Technical Council, the SBTi’s independent deliberation and technical decision-making body, maintains its oversight, working in the public interest.
To find out more about the SBTi’s new Standard Operating Procedures, read this blog.
Working alongside the GHG Protocol
The GHG Protocol’s scope 2 revision is ongoing, and both organizations are committed to interoperability. Our interim interpretation supports the GHG Protocol’s direction of travel on deliverability regions without pre-empting its work. It supports current practice while enabling a managed transition to tighter geographic matching, and it lets companies use Standard in the meantime. Companies shouldn’t delay action.
What happens next
Once comments are analyzed, a Basis for Conclusions report will set out the results and any interpretations or changes, at which point they will take effect immediately.
Further interpretations, clarifications and additions to the Standard are anticipated as its implementation progresses, with more public comment periods planned. Future clarifications will follow the same process path and be consolidated into the Standard annually.
Stakeholder input is critical to the development of Standards and products that maintain scientific integrity and are practical to apply. Thousands of companies rely on SBTi targets to guide their decarbonization journey, to deliver a net-zero future. Share your feedback here.
Visit our website for more opportunities to provide feedback.
