Ed Miliband is plotting to ban the sale of underfloor heating systems that use too much power as part of a fresh net zero drive, according to reports. The Energy Secretary wants to bring in new efficiency requirements that would make a third of exisiting "space heating systems" illegal to sell.

Mr Miliband's renewed push for carbon neutrality could also see temperature controls being made mandatory and some towel rails only allowed to operate for six hours a day, The Telegraph reports. He hopes the new regulations will force customers to switch to pricier home systems with functions designed to limit energy use, including restricting heating to certain times of the day or switching off entirely after detecting inefficiency linked to issues like draughts.

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused Mr Miliband of pursuing a policy that amounts to "Soviet-level intrusion" and means "our lives are being dictated by net zero legislation".

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice added: "Mad Miliband's latest net zero push to restrict underfloor heating and electric towel rails is utter madness. Even the Romans had underfloor heating.

"Labour is choosing to focus on tone-deaf green ideology rather than bringing down household costs."

The plans would bring Britain's energy regulations closer to those of the EU, where only the most energy-efficient products are available.

Reports suggest the new rules will only apply to new sales, rather than existing underfloor heating systems and towel racks.

The Government said the "excess energy" used by some older household products "creates an avoidable cost to society" through greenhouse gas emissions which can be offset by state "intervention".

While officials maintain that the restrictions will incentivise companies to be innovative with their designs, documents on the plans suggest extra costs "will be passed directly on to the consumer in full".

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) insists customers will be better off in the long-term despite the initial price rise, although forecasts show this may only be by an average of £8 when the rules come in next spring.

A DESNZ spokesperson said: "Our reforms will save households money by improving the energy efficiency of underfloor heating, towel rails and storage heaters."