Tuesday 13th June 2023
(1 year, 6 months ago)
Public Bill CommitteesEnergy Act 2023 View all Energy Act 2023 Debates Read Hansard Text Amendment Paper: Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 13 June 2023 - (13 Jun 2023)
The Chair
With this it will be convenient to discuss the following:
Clauses 172 to 174 stand part.
Amendment 101, in schedule 16, page 335, line 37, at end insert—
“(aa) their interests in systems that deliver heat efficiently;”.
This amendment defines consumers’ interests expressly to include efficient heat delivery in order to ensure that regulation covers systems that are operational but are operating inefficiently to the detriment of customers.
That schedule 16 be the Sixteenth schedule to the Bill.
Clauses 175 to 179 stand part.
New clause 39—Guarantee for consumer protection—
“(1) Within three months of the day on which this Act is passed, Ofgem must set out a new licence to operate for heat networks that guarantees equivalent protections for heat network customers compared when compared with electricity and gas customers.
(2) Protections under subsection (1) must include but are not limited to—
(a) a price cap for heat network customers;
(b) a licence condition to “treat customers fairly”, analogous to Licence Condition 0 of the electricity and gas supplier licences; and
(c) a licence condition addressing “ability to pay”, analogous to Licence Condition 27A of the electricity and gas supplier licences.”
This new clause would guarantee that heat network customers receive equal treatment to electricity and gas customers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Andrew Bowie)
Thank you, Mr Gray. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship yet again in this marathon but exciting and engrossing Committee.
Part 7 of the Bill relates to heat networks. The purpose of clause 171 is to define a heat network, clarifying the scope of heat networks regulation. As well as defining “relevant heat network”, the clause includes definitions for both communal and district heat networks.
A heat network provides heating, cooling or hot water to a building or collection of buildings, and its users. A communal heat network supplies heat to one building whereas a district heat network supplies two or more buildings. In both cases, the network must serve separate consumers or premises within the building or buildings to be considered a heat network. The clause provides a clear distinction between communal and district heat networks, which may require different legislative approaches. The definitions explicitly include networks that use heat pumps.
Clause 172 appoints the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority—Ofgem, for the avoidance of doubt—as the heat networks regulator for England, Scotland and Wales, and the Utility Regulator as the regulator for Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State—or, in Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy—can, via regulations, change the regulator or change who carries out some of the regulator’s functions, assigning them to another body. For ease and clarity, whenever I refer to “the Department” in relation to heat network clauses, I am referring to the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
Clause 172 also provides consequential regulation-making powers for the Secretary of State and the Department to amend this part of the Bill if the regulator is changed or some of its functions are reassigned. This is important to ensure that heat networks regulation remains agile.
Clause 173 provides the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland power to amend the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015 to provide for the regulator in Northern Ireland to be the competent authority for the purpose of those regulations. Amendments made under this power would enable the regulator in Northern Ireland to appoint a body as the alternative dispute resolution body in Northern Ireland.
The purpose of clause 174 is to allow the Secretary of State or the Department to regulate relevant heat networks and grant powers to those carrying out activities related to building or maintaining heat networks. Schedule 16 provides further details on the planned use of those powers. Under the clause, the Secretary of State or the Department will be required to consult on any changes before making any regulations under clause 171. Clause 174 also requires UK Ministers to consult Scottish Ministers when legislating in areas that are devolved to Scotland.
Alan Brown
I thank the Minister; he almost invited the intervention. This is about consultation on matters that are fully devolved. We had a meeting, and the Minister expressed sympathy for our position on the need to find a way to strengthen the “consult” language so that it is not the Secretary of State imposing something. I wonder if he has any further information on that.
Andrew Bowie
I thank the hon. Member for his question. I received a letter from the Energy Minister in the Scottish Government, Neil Gray, just last week—I am formulating a response just now—on the very issue of consultation and consents. Discussions are ongoing as to the exact form that will take.
Clause 175 outlines the parliamentary procedures required for the regulations made under clause 174.
Clause 176 establishes that the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority—commonly referred to as GEMA—and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation can recover the costs of regulating heat networks using gas and electricity licence fees. The Bill allows the recovery of costs for other bodies operating within the regulatory framework, such as the code manager and other bodies appointed to administer specific functions in regulation. The Government previously consulted on their proposed approach to cost recovery and received broad stakeholder support. The clause will facilitate the implementation of that approach and ensure that heat network regulation is sustainably and fairly funded.
Clause 177 provides power for the Secretary of State to designate, via regulations, GEMA as the licensing authority for the purposes of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021. The Scottish Government and other stakeholders have agreed to Ofgem being the regulator across all of Great Britain.
Clause 178 enables the Secretary of State to amend, via regulations, the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 to give the licensing authority compliance monitoring and enforcement powers under that Act. We intend to designate Ofgem as the licensing authority. That designation and the regulations will allow Ofgem to carry out this regulatory role in Scotland. Regulations under this clause must provide that offences created by the regulations are triable summarily only and punishable by a maximum of three months in prison or a fine not exceeding £200, or both.
Alan Brown
I thank the Minister for giving way again. He mentioned the possible imprisonment of up to three months. That seems to cross over into the Scottish justice system, because the Scottish Government have effectively set a presumption against short sentences. This would clearly be a short prison sentence, so how would that work in reality, against the wishes of sentencing legislation in Scotland?
Andrew Bowie
The hon. Member makes a good point. As I said, the Scottish Government have agreed to Ofgem being the regulator across Great Britain. I will go away and find a detailed answer to his point, which is well made—indeed, it is important to my constituents—about how the crossover will work with the Scottish justice system. It is a completely devolved competency, which we, of course, respect.
Clause 179 provides definitions for the interpretation of this chapter’s clauses. The clause defines “the Department” as the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and “the NIAUR” as the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.
Schedule 16 covers heat network regulation. Part 1 of the schedule provides definitions of the terms used in the schedule. Part 2 allows the Secretary of State to make regulations about the regulator’s objectives. The main objective of the regulator will be to protect the interests of current and future heat network consumers. Part 3 covers heat network authorisations. The authorisation regime will ensure consistent standards across the industry, raising consumer protections. To carry out regulated activities, persons will be required to comply with conditions of authorisation, and the regulator will have the powers to enforce compliance.
Part 4 covers code governance in relation to heat networks, and part 5 covers the installation and maintenance of licences. Holders of licences will have the additional powers required for installing and maintaining heat network equipment. The regulations may require the regulator to be satisfied that the person applying for the licence is suitable, as well as the criteria they must use when making this judgment.
Part 6 covers the enforcement of conditions in licences or authorisations. The regulator is able to issue orders and penalties when a person is likely to contravene or has contravened a condition. Orders can be used to require compliance with a condition. If breaking a condition has caused damage, loss or inconvenience for a consumer, the regulator can make a consumer redress order.
Part 7 covers the regulator’s powers of investigation. Although it is not considered appropriate to introduce a price cap on the cost of heat provided by heat networks now, the Government do intend to provide for the regulator to investigate whether the prices charged are disproportionate. That enables the regulator to take enforcement action against authorised persons charging disproportionate prices.
Part 8 covers step-in arrangements. The purpose of the arrangements is to facilitate the transfer of a regulated activity in relation to a heat network to a new entity, should the old entity no longer be able to carry on that activity. Part 9 covers the special administration regime. Similar to the provision for other essential services such as gas and electricity markets, this alters the normal administration process to allow for the continued supply of heat. It provides the ability to deploy a backstop should other actions to protect heat supply fail.
Part 10 allows regulations about the supply of heat to premises, including new connections and the metering of supply, and part 11 covers protections for consumers. Part 12 covers payments from the sector to support the special administration regime. It allows for regulations that will authorise the regulator to charge heat networks, via their authorisation conditions, to fund the regime. In that way, the regime spreads the cost of a firm failing across all companies. This is a fair and proportionate way of funding the regime.
Finally, part 13 covers a range of topics, including consultation and co-operation, the objectives of the Secretary of State and Departments across the UK in carrying out their functions, and the creation of offences. I hope Members agree that heat networks play an important role in decarbonising heat and supporting the delivery of our net zero commitments.
The Chair
There is no interest from elsewhere. The Question therefore is—[Interruption.] If the shadow Minister wishes to take part in the debate, he needs to let me know; otherwise, we will move on.
Alan Brown
Why do we need this? This is why I also support new clause 39. As far back as 2017, the then director of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy director stated that
“whatever you do you end up with 17- 24 per cent district heating”.
That means that some 6 million homes will have district heating, so it is important that we actually facilitate that to allow the transition to net zero. It is even more important that we provide protection for those 6 million homes, or people will not accept the principle of district heating and we will not get to net zero. At the moment, around half a million homes have some form of either district heating or communal hot water.
The numbers we are talking about mean that I agree with new clause 39 that a price cap is needed. It would give surety and protection to customers, and help avoid bad news stories as well. Even when I spoke two years ago, consumers and landlords were reporting price rises of up to 700%, according to a Heat Trust report. That illustrates the need for a cap and protection, so that people cannot just continue to ramp up costs.
Amendment 101 is a simple amendment, and I hope the Government will consider accepting it. It is almost administrative, but it does have qualities. I have in the past reported the fact that communal heat networks sometimes operate inefficiently because they are not subject to technical standards. Some contractors choose to complete heat system installations that come at the lowest form of capital cost, rather than the more efficient, longer-term operational systems that give whole-life savings. I wonder if amendment 101 would protect against that. Could the Minister advise us on how the new regulations will ensure that it is the most efficient systems that will be installed, to the benefit of customers and consumers?
Previously, the Government’s green energy support programme had to address the fact that some people in district networks were classified as commercial customers. That was because, as the shadow Minister has said, it is in effect small independent companies that operate these networks. We need to ensure that those classified as commercial customers are protected as much as domestic customers. I should have intervened on the shadow Minister, but I hope that new clause 39 would provide that protection. We welcome the provision, but in order to convert people to district heat networks, we really need wider, joined-up Government policy.
Andrew Bowie
I welcome the broad welcome given by His Majesty’s official Opposition and the Scottish National party to the clauses. I tend to agree with the hon. Members for Southampton, Test and for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. These measures are long overdue, so I thank them again for their positive responses.
I will turn to the points made by the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun regarding consent and consult. Notwithstanding my commitment to get an answer for him regarding the criminal justice system in Scotland and how it will interact with these new regulations and their administration in Scotland, I confirm that in the recent letter from the Energy Minister, Mr Gray, the Scottish Government have in fact dropped consent requests on heat networks, so they are very happy to proceed as drafted here. I wanted to give confirmation of that. I will turn to the hon. Gentleman’s other points later.
I thank the hon. Member for Southampton, Test for his amendments, which provide an opportunity to discuss in detail what we are doing here today and why we are not going as far as he suggests we should.
I turn to amendment 101. If not designed and built to high standards, heat networks can experience inefficiencies such as heat losses from the pipes that deliver hot water from the energy centre to homes and businesses. That can lead to consumers paying higher prices and experiencing unreliability of heat supply, as the hon. Member for Southampton, Test said. I reassure him and others that we already have a robust plan to address that issue. The Bill provides for the introduction of technical standards on the design and build of heat networks, which we committed to implementing as part of a regulatory framework in our 2020 heat networks regulation consultation. That will require all new heat networks to be designed and built to minimum standards, and existing networks to make efficiency and performance improvements over time.
As a regulator, Ofgem will enforce the requirement. Heat networks will be required to submit documentation to Ofgem demonstrating that their compliance with technical standards has been certified. As I have set out, the Bill and subsequent secondary legislation will give Ofgem powers to investigate and intervene in networks where prices for consumers appear to be disproportionate compared with systems and similar characteristics, or if prices are significantly higher than those consumers would expect to pay if they were served by an alternative heating system. Ofgem will also enforce minimum standards on the reliability and quality of the heat supply. I hope that reassures hon. Members, including the hon. Member for Southampton, Test, that the Government are already taking steps to improve efficiency on heat networks and—to address some points made by the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun—to protect consumers from high prices and unreliability.
I turn to new clause 39, which was tabled by the hon. Member for Southampton, Test. Ensuring heat network consumers are protected from high prices and unreliability is our principal reason for introducing heat networks regulation, so I am pleased to see hon. Members recognising the importance of addressing the issue. I appreciate that they will want to see the sector regulated as soon as possible, which is one of the reasons we are progressing the Bill at this pace. However, it would not be possible nor sensible to ask Ofgem to require a licence regime within three months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent. Secondary legislation authorisation conditions are needed to enable Ofgem to operationalise as a regulator. We will conduct public consultations with industry and consumer groups on secondary legislation and authorisation conditions before they come into force. We expect heat networks regulation to come into force shortly after that.
I recognise that hon. Members want to ensure that heat network consumers do not pay disproportionate prices. However, we do not believe that a price cap is suitable for the sector, given its nascent and incredibly diverse state across the country. A price cap also risks heat network insolvencies prior to step-in arrangements being embedded into the regulatory framework. The Bill provides the Secretary of State with powers to introduce a price cap in future, should one become appropriate once the market has matured. I reassure hon. Members that we are taking steps to tackle high prices across the board.
Alan Brown
Can the Minister give us more information on the mechanisms in the Bill that allow the Government to bring forward a cap in future?
Andrew Bowie
As has been set out in the Bill and explained this morning, the powers will be given to the Secretary of State, determined at a point in future when the sector matures, which is exactly the process by which he can introduce a price cap. I think we have gone through that this morning.
Alan Brown
Will the Minister write to me to give a little more detail on that?
Andrew Bowie
Yes, I am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman and provide more detail on exactly that point.
The Bill and subsequent secondary legislation will give Ofgem powers to investigate and intervene in networks where prices for consumers appear to be disproportionate compared with systems with similar characteristics. It will also be able to investigate and intervene if prices are significantly higher than those consumers would expect to pay if they were served by an alternative heating system. We are taking action to address current high prices in the heat network sector. The energy bills discount scheme, which runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, provides support to heat networks with domestic end consumers.
On conditions around treating customers fairly and ability-to-pay assessments, I am pleased to inform hon. Members that the Government already plan to consult on introducing comparable levels of service and protection to consumers in other regulated utilities as part of a public consultation on heat network consumer protection rules. We will publish that consultation in due course. I hope that reassures hon. Members that the Government are already taking steps to deliver regulation and tackle high prices in this sector. I therefore ask the hon. Member for Southampton, Test not to move his amendment 101.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 171 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
The Chair
We now come to the Question on clauses 172 to 174 stand part—we have just debated them. With the leave of the Committee, I will take them together.
The Chair
The amendment is therefore not moved.
Schedule 16 agreed to.
Clauses 175 to 179 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 180
Regulations about heat network zones
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
Chapter 2 of part 7 covers heat network zoning in England. Heat network zoning is a key policy to deliver the scale of expansion of heat networks required to meet net zero. The process brings together local stakeholders and industry to identify and designate areas within which heat networks are expected to be the lowest-cost solution for decarbonising heating.
The clause provides a definition of heat network zones, gives the Secretary of State the general power to make regulations about heat network zones, and outlines the parliamentary procedures that must be followed when doing so.
Regulations made in relation to any of the following three matters will be subject to the negative procedure: first, any requirements on zone co-ordinators to consult on zone designations, revocations, or reviews; secondly, reviews of the designation of areas as heat network zones by zoning co-ordinators or the heat network zones authority; thirdly, any requirements for zone co-ordinators and the authority to consult on the zoning methodology, and reviews of the heat network zoning methodology by the Secretary of State. All other regulations will be subject to the affirmative procedure.
Dr Whitehead
We have tabled two amendments to clause 181. As far as I understand it, the clause adds to the heat network system, which, as I have said, has evolved over the years into a number of heat networks in various parts of the country.
A good idea for future heat network development would be to have a much more systematic approach and an understanding of where our heat networks may be most appropriately sited and the best conditions for them to be established. We know a number of potential good and bad conditions for heat networks. For example, a certain density of population, buildings and so on is needed for heat networks to be efficient, although there are in existence small heat networks that serve very small communities. Indeed, heat networks can range from being marginally larger than a few properties to covering large parts of cities.
There are five major heat networks in my city of Southampton, one of which serves the whole city centre and surrounding areas, and has an 18 km heat delivery pipe network. It is connected to a geothermal scheme in the city centre, so it efficiently provides heat to that whole area. It is connected not just to domestic properties but to a number of commercial users, which I think includes the nation’s only geothermally heated supermarket, civic centre, health authority centre, and so on.
One component of a decent heat network is what is in the network to validate the load that is supplied. A heat network may be just for domestic properties, as is the case in some housing developments in Southampton, but that is not the most efficient way of developing a heat network because the load from domestic properties changes seasonally. If a heat network is connected both to a number of properties—an estate or whatever—but also has industrial or commercial users, the load can be spread out and equalised over the years.
The Southampton schemes operate quite efficiently within the right places for zones. Nevertheless, it is—or should be—a function of local circumstances that heat networks are more likely to be applied in constituencies where there is a considerable gathering of industrial and commercial activities and population zones, and are less applicable in large rural constituencies, although there are some heat networks in small towns and villages. Within that zone understanding, there may be arrangements that pertain to local circumstances: for example, zones may be organised in such a way that ensures the likelihood of success for the heat network is relatively high.
I understand that this section of the Bill seeks to ensure that local authorities are required to look at research, to consider where it would be good to have a heat network and to produce a heat network zone plan, so that as we develop heat networks for the future we have a much better picture of where the schemes would work well, where investment may best go and the extent to which success is likely to be high, rather than someone perhaps taking a flyer on something that probably will not work well for the future.
We are happy with the idea of heat network zones being put into the Bill, that we approach them in the way that I have described and that they complement the regulation of the system in as much as the whole system now is much more in the mainstream of energy planning and energy futures as a whole. I hope that our amendments are complementary to the general scheme of things. They simply try to align the regulation of the heat zone development process with that of heat zones themselves, proposing that the process of heat zone discovery and development should be regulated by the same regulator that regulates heat as a whole: the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority.
It is important that there should be a regulator for this particular activity so that it does not stand alone from everything else happening as far as heat networks are concerned. I do not think that would impede the development of heat networks—on the contrary, it would assist them by making sure that the way we were bringing forward heat zone arrangements was generally of assistance to heat networks as a whole.
What if a local authority or similar body involved with developing heat network zones were not interested in heat networks? It might locally regulate heat zones in a way that did not take seriously the whole question of heat network development. The regulation of heat zone arrangements under the circumstances that I am discussing would ensure that there was a pretty uniform approach as far as heat network development was concerned. Those engaged in it would know that someone was looking over their shoulder to make sure that they were doing the job properly. That is all we want to add to the measure and I think the Minister will agree that it is a pretty positive addition. It certainly does not detract in any way from the validity of the heat network process and the idea that there are right and wrong places for heat networks. We must get them in the right places so that they can succeed for customers as well as they possibly can.
Andrew Bowie
I thank the hon. Member for his amendments, all of which are designed to ensure that the regulatory frameworks for heat networks and the building-up of capacity in this country for heat network zoning gets to a place that will support the growth of the industry in the future. I resist the amendments only because I feel that the powers in the Bill meet the required level of engagement and regulation necessary at this stage for what is currently a nascent but will in time become an incredibly important part of the wider energy mix.
I turn first to amendment 102, which relates to designating GEMA as the heat network zones authority. The zones authority will be a national body responsible for zoning functions that require national-level standardisation or are most efficiently or effectively carried out at a national level. This approach will allow for national standards and consistent rules to apply in the initial identification of a potential heat network zone.
As for who could fulfil the zones authority role, clause 181(3) is explicit that
“The Secretary of State may, but need not, be designated”
as the zones authority. Therefore, the clause, as drafted, already provides that regulations may appoint GEMA as the zones authority.
The zones authority will fulfil a different function from the heat network regulator, which we propose, as set out in clause 172, should be fulfilled by GEMA for Great Britain. That role will cover all heat networks, both within and outside heat network zones. We do not envisage a separate regulator for heat network zones in England.
We will specify the zones authority’s functions and responsibilities within the regulations when they are brought forward. That will be subject to further consultation in due course as we continue to develop our policy proposals, and we look forward to engaging with Parliament on that. Appointing the zones authority in regulations will allow for amendment, should that be required, as and when its functions change over time and as heat networks become more established throughout the United Kingdom. I hope that has helped to clarify our proposed approach and the scope of the powers already provided for in the Bill.
I turn to amendment 115, regarding the relationship between the Heat Network Zones Authority and the heat network regulator. As I have said, we intend for GEMA to fulfil the heat network regulator role in Great Britain. The zones authority will be a national body responsible for certain zoning functions. We will consult on who should fulfil the zones authority role in due course, but we do not consider that the zones authority should itself be subject to oversight by the heat network regulator. I hope this has helped to clarify our proposed approach regarding the zones authority and how its role relates to the heat network regulator, and I therefore ask the hon. Member for Southampton, Test to find it within himself to withdraw his amendment.
Andrew Bowie
Clause 183 gives the Secretary of State the power to make regulations to establish the process for creating heat network zones, which we have just discussed. In the legislation that is referred to as identifying and designating a zone. The clause also gives the Secretary of State the power to make regulations to establish the process for the review of zone designations. A review of zones could lead to changes in the boundary—for example, making the zone larger or combining two existing zones.
Subsection (2) provides that the regulations must require the identification of zones to be done in accordance with the zoning methodology, which is established under clause 184. Subsection (3) outlines further matters that the regulations may specify in relation to the designation of areas as zones. Subsection (4) outlines what may be specified in regulations regarding changing or revoking zone designations. Subsection (5) outlines regulations that can be made about the review of zone designations.
Clause 184 gives the Secretary of State the power to establish a methodology for identifying heat network zones. The methodology will standardise the identification of zones nationally. Proposals for the use of, and approach to, that national methodology received widespread support from stakeholders during the Government consultation.
Clause 185 allows the Secretary of State to make regulations about the ability of the zones authority and zone co-ordinators to request the information required to support the national methodology for the identification, designation and review of heat network zones. The clause, and the regulations that follow, will facilitate the zones authority and zone co-ordinators in requesting and receiving the necessary information to ensure that heat network zones are situated in the right locations. As I discussed in the context of zone reviews under clause 183, the location of heat network zones can be changed as necessary to reflect the impact of changing technologies and neighbourhoods over time.
Dr Whitehead
The Minister reflects that circumstances may change over time so it is necessary to have such a power. He is right that circumstances are not static; indeed, we may well miss a lot of good opportunities if we place too much emphasis on the static nature of what we have designated for the future. I think that we will debate, in a future clause, circumstances concerning the development of heat networks within zones, but on the changes that may be necessary in order to keep heat network zones up to date, this is a sensible provision that we support.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 183 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 184 and 185 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 186
Heat networks within zones
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
Clause 186 allows the Secretary of State to make regulations about heat networks within heat network zones. That includes specifying which buildings may be required to connect to a district heat network within a designated zone. Subsections (2)(a) and (2)(b) allow regulations that specify the types of buildings within zones that will be required to connect to heat networks, when they must connect, and how they are notified of that requirement.
Subsection (2)(c) allows the regulations to specify when and how the zone co-ordinator can grant exemptions from the requirement to connect to the heat network. Subsections (2)(e) to (2)(h) allow regulations to make provision about requiring heat sources in zones to connect to a heat network. Subsections (2)(i) and (2)(j) allow regulations that provide for the zoning co-ordinator to set local limits on emissions from heat networks and any grace period to comply with that limit.
Subsection (5) allows regulations to specify when the zoning co-ordinator may or must ask a heat source to connect to a heat network, the types of heat source that can cover, and how the heat source owner can appeal against the requirement to connect. Subsection (6) allows regulations to specify how local limits on emissions from heat networks in zones are set. Subsection (7) provides details about what regulations can be made about grace periods for local emissions limits.
Clause 187 allows the Secretary of State to make regulations about the delivery of district heat networks within heat network zones. Those regulations will give structure to the zoning co-ordinator’s role and responsibilities. “Delivery” refers to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of heat networks. His Majesty’s Government recognise that there are several feasible models for delivering heat networks in zones depending on local circumstances, including the level of involvement of the zone co-ordinator. The clause, and the regulations that flow from it, aim to provide a flexible approach to zone delivery.
The engagement we have had with the heat network industry and with local government has highlighted a desire for flexibility in how heat networks are delivered within zones, as there are a range of ownership and delivery models that could be employed in the future. The Government’s expectation is that the regulations will define what decisions zoning co-ordinators and other bodies can take regarding zone delivery, with guidance from the zones authority to help inform their decisions. The clause provides that regulations may determine when zone co-ordinators may decide what heat networks are delivered in their zones, and by whom, including circumstances in which the zoning co-ordinator may deliver heat networks themselves.
The Government recognise that there is a risk that leaving decisions about zone development solely in the hands of zone co-ordinators could risk a heat network zone not being developed. Therefore, subsection 5(g) allows regulations to define the circumstances in which zone co-ordinators may lose the ability to make decisions about heat network delivery in zones. The intent is that that will happen if the zone co-ordinator has not taken certain steps to develop the zone following a set period after the zone designation.
Dr Whitehead
Clause 186 rather reminds me of Bertrand Russell’s definitions of propositions that are automatically members of their own class and propositions that are not automatically members of their own class, but I do not think we will debate that to any great extent this morning.
Andrew Bowie
I thank the hon. Member for his questions. He made mention, almost in passing, of heat network zones doing their own thing within zones. It is important to point out that in clause 186 there are several protections against heat network zones doing their own thing. Zones will inherently represent areas where heat networks are expected to provide the lowest-cost low-carbon heating solution. Customers will be able to apply for exemptions from the requirement to connect where it would be inappropriate. Ofgem’s consumer protection framework will provide protection for domestic consumers and microbusinesses, and we will consider consulting on whether protections should be extended to other consumer groups, such as larger non-domestic consumers, which are in scope of the requirement to connect to a heat network. I know that the hon. Member’s points were not specifically directed at that issue, but he mentioned zones being able to do their own thing, and it is important to ensure that consumer and business protections are built into the regulations.
We talked about hospitals, albeit in passing. We are not setting out specifically which buildings will be required to connect to a network, but we can require certain buildings in zones to connect to a heat network. Doing so encourages investment in the heat networks and accelerates the deployment of low-cost, low-carbon heat. The categories of buildings chosen to connect will strike a balance between this investment certainty and individual consumer choice. That will develop as the heat network market in England grows. We may need to refine these categories. This is a nascent industry in the early stages of its development, so describing them will provide that flexibility. The Government will consult later this year on which types of buildings can be required to connect and in what circumstances.
On the hon. Member’s substantive point about why the Bill does not make provision about heat network delivery in zones, we are providing that zone co-ordinators shall have powers to decide what heat networks are built in zones and by whom. There are many ways in which heat networks could be delivered in zones and many ways in which zone co-ordinators could exercise their decision-making powers around delivery. As set out in the green finance strategy, we envisage heat network zoning bringing forward a significant increase in private sector investment in heat networks in England. Decisions around delivery may have significant implications for the scale of heat networks built in a zone, the pace at which networks are built and the effect on consumers. The Government intend to consult later in the year on how a zone co-ordinator may take those decisions, so that we get it right. Again, I emphasise that we will be consulting on this later this year.
Also, the way in which decisions are made may need to change over time, reflecting how the market matures and, indeed, learning from experience. The regulations will, of course, be subject to the affirmative procedure, which will allow for parliamentary scrutiny. I am sure that the hon. Member will play his part in such scrutiny, as will his colleagues.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 186 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 187 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 188
Enforcement of heat network zone requirements
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
These are quite a simple couple of clauses. Clause 188 will allow the Secretary of State to make regulations about enforcing the requirements to apply within zones. It will support the previous two clauses on the delivery of heat networks in zones and the requirements placed on networks, buildings and heat sources within a zone. The clause includes the ability for the zoning co-ordinators to issue notices to people if they are suspected of not complying with the relevant requirements; to issue notices to outline what the person must do to satisfy the requirement; and to issue penalties to those who do not comply with the notices.
Clause 189 will allow the Secretary of State to make regulations about the penalties that apply for not complying with zone requirements under clauses 186 and 187 or for not complying with an information request under clause 185. That includes regulations about the maximum penalty amounts, the process for issuing a penalty, grounds for appeal, recovery of penalties, and to whom the penalties are paid.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 188 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 189 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 190
Records, information and reporting
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
This is another simple clause. The Government consider that various types of data will be essential for the identification and designation of areas as heat network zones and for the development of heat networks within them. Clause 190 will allow the Secretary of State to make regulations about zone co-ordinators and the zones authority collecting, storing, and sharing information about zones, including information relevant to identifying areas that would be suitable for the construction and operation of one or more district heat networks, as well as areas designated as heat networks under clause 185. It also includes information requests made to owners of thermal heat sources under clause 186. Information gathered by the zone co-ordinators and the authority, when carrying out activities related to the wider heat network regulations, would also be in scope of these regulations, as would information gathered in relation to the zoning methodology, including its review and update.
There are two circumstances in which information may be shared. First, a zone co-ordinator may be able to share zoning information with other zone co-ordinators, the zones authority and the regulator. Secondly, the zones authority may be able to share zoning information with zone co-ordinators and the regulator.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 190 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 191
Interpretation of Chapter 2
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
Clause 191 is the final clause in chapter 2, which concludes part 7 and the clauses on heat networks. The clause covers definitions for the heat network zoning clauses.
Dr Whitehead
I have nothing to add, other than “Hooray, we’ve got to the end of that part!” We now have lots of regulations in place, which is a good thing.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 191 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 192
Energy smart appliances and load control
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
Clause 192 introduces part 8 of the Bill, which relates to energy smart appliances and load control. It defines the key concepts relating to that part, namely energy smart appliances, energy smart function, load control signals and load control.
The smart energy market is in its early stages but is growing rapidly, as we discussed in detail on Thursday. As the take-up of electric vehicles and other devices such as heat pumps increases, we need to remain agile in responding to new developments in the market. This is to ensure that we maintain grid stability and protect consumers from cyber-security risks. Transitioning to a smart and fully flexible electricity system will play a vital role in decarbonising the power system by 2035. Such a transition could reduce costs by up to £10 billion a year by 2050.
I will briefly set out some key definitions. Energy smart appliances are electrical consumer devices that are communications-enabled and capable of responding automatically to signals such as energy price changes. In response to such signals, they can adjust their electricity consumption or production in line with consumer choice and cost preferences. Load control refers to the act of sending and receiving those signals and adjusting the consumption of the product in response.
Subsequent clauses in part 8 will limit powers to make regulations to products with functions such as refrigeration, cleaning, battery storage, electrical heating, and air conditioning or ventilation.
Alan Brown
I realise that this is an introductory clause and the Minister was doing some scene setting. The clause mentions load control signals and digital communications. I draw the Minister’s attention to my written parliamentary question No. 186867, submitted following a meeting I had with representatives of the Energy Networks Association. They tell me that to take forward a proper smart grid, the energy network companies need additional radio spectrum access. The Government need not just to put in place regulations, but to facilitate that radio spectrum access.
In response to my question, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, the right hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness (Graham Stuart), said that the Government are moving forward on the issue with a study and a calculation of costs. I know that the Under-Secretary cannot write a blank cheque, but the reality is that radio spectrum access will be needed. I just put that on his radar.
Andrew Bowie
I thank hon. Members for their questions and points. The hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is right that this is just an introductory clause; we will talk about the regulations in much more detail during the rest of the morning and this afternoon. I thank him for putting that point about radio spectrum access on my radar.
The smart energy market is at an early stage. That is why we are regulating. We need to ensure that consumers and businesses, and indeed the grid and access to it, are protected. We intend to regulate in close consultation with industry and in a way that allows the market to evolve and supports innovation.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 192 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 193
Energy smart regulations
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Andrew Bowie
Clauses 193 to 198 establish the regulatory regime for energy smart appliances.
Clause 193 provides powers to introduce energy smart regulations in Great Britain. The regulations will mandate that energy smart appliances with specific purposes must comply with a set of requirements. The appliances that will need to comply with the requirements include those with specific purposes, such as electric vehicle charge points, or devices that are used in connection with the following specific purposes: refrigeration; cleaning battery storage; electric heating or ventilation, and air conditioning or ventilation.
Subsection (3) sets out a number of factors that the Secretary of State must have particular regard to when making regulations. Those include, for example, ensuring that the energy smart function does not undermine the delivery of a consistent and stable supply of electricity. Where an energy smart appliance does not meet the requirements set by the regulations, its placing on the market may be prohibited.
Clause 194 builds on clause 193, setting out that energy smart regulations may refer to technical standards and published documents. Energy smart regulations may also refer to requirements imposed under Acts of the Scottish Parliament. The clause establishes that prohibitions imposed by energy smart regulations may extend to load control for appliances that are not compliant with the regulations, and to any appliances modified in a way that would make them non-compliant with the regulations.
Energy smart regulations may prohibit the placing on the market of appliances that do not comply with the requirements of the regulations. The regulations may also prohibit the placing on the market of non-smart electric heating appliances and electric vehicle charge points. Finally, the clause specifies that energy smart regulations do not provide for enforcement action of any kind against the end user of an energy smart appliance.
Clause 195 makes provision for the enforcement of the requirements of energy smart regulations. The clause allows the Secretary of State to designate enforcement authorities that will ensure compliance with the requirements or prohibitions made under the regulations.
Alan Brown
Before the Minister goes on too far, what timescale does he anticipate for the introduction of regulations under clauses 193 and 194 to mandate smart appliances?
Andrew Bowie
I am not able to give any firm dates right now, but the Government’s hope is that we will move quickly to consultation on the regulations as soon as the Bill receives Royal Assent.
Relevant economic actors will be required to monitor and report on their compliance with the terms of the regulations, as well as to take specified steps to remedy any non-compliance. Clause 195(2) includes provision for a range of investigatory powers to track and assess non-compliance for use by enforcement authorities. Those include powers of entry, inspection, search and seizure, and powers to enable the testing of energy smart appliances by enforcement authorities. Finally, the Secretary of State may make payments or provide resources to the enforcement authority for the purpose of enforcing the energy smart regulations.
Clause 196 establishes that energy smart regulations may impose a range of sanctions for non-compliance. A full list of offences will be set out in the final regulations, on which the Government will consult publicly and which will be subject to debate in both Houses. I hope that answers the question from the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. The clause sets out several offences, including contravening requirements imposed by enforcement authorities or knowingly providing false information to enforcement authorities. Punishments for such offences will be provided for in regulations. The punishments will not include imprisonment. Regulations may also allow enforcement authorities to recover their costs by means of civil fines.
Clause 197 makes provision for the regulations to include a right of appeal to a court or tribunal against a requirement or civil penalty made by an enforcement authority. The right of appeal to a court or tribunal against a requirement or penalty for non-compliance, as set out in energy smart regulations, can include, but is not limited to, provisions set out in subsection (2). The right of appeal can be extended by the regulations beyond those parties against whom the requirement has been imposed. The Secretary of State may revoke or amend subordinate legislation, including an Act of the Scottish Parliament or the Senedd, where they consider it appropriate for the purpose of any provision falling within subsection (2).
Clause 198 sets out the procedure by which energy smart regulations will be made. The clause begins by setting out that energy smart regulations made under clause 193 may provide for exemptions or exceptions in their coverage. It requires the Secretary of State to consult before making regulations that subject a specific type of energy smart appliance to regulations or that amend the list of relevant purposes in clause 193. It also sets out the cases in which the affirmative scrutiny procedure is to be used when making regulations under clause 193. I commend the clauses to the Committee.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 193 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 194 to 198 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 199
Power to amend licence conditions etc: load control
Dr Whitehead
I beg to move amendment 160, in clause 199, page 170, line 3, at end insert—
“(f) regulate or prohibit the provision of load control in relation to appliances that are provided by high risk vendors.”