Securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to make provision about Great British Energy.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 15th May 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Make all forms of 'geo-engineering' affecting the environment illegal
Gov Responded - 21 May 2025 Debated on - 23 Jun 2025We want all forms of geo-engineering to be illegal in the UK. We do not want any use of technologies to intervene in the Earth's natural systems.
Advertisements encourage the use of products and sponsorship promotes a positive reputation & creates a social licence of trust & acceptability. In 2003 a ban on all tobacco advertising was introduced and has arguably worked. I believe continued fossil fuel usage will kill more people than smoking.
Ministers in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero hold regular meetings with external individuals and organisations to ensure our policies are based on the best available advice and evidence. Details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations is published quarterly on GOV.UK.
No funding has been provided by the Department to this Organisation.
Ministers in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero hold regular meetings with external individuals and organisations to ensure our policies are based on the best available advice and evidence. Details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations is published quarterly on GOV.UK.
No funding has been provided by the Department to this Organisation.
Ministers in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero hold regular meetings with external individuals and organisations to ensure our policies are based on the best available advice and evidence. A list of ministers’ meetings with external organisations is published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
Ministers in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero hold regular meetings with external individuals and organisations to ensure our policies are based on the best available advice and evidence. Details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations is published quarterly on GOV.UK.
We have no records of any direct funding having been provided by the Department to this organisation.
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) represents a critical evolution in forests finance, which is why the Government has been pleased to steadfastly support its development, including by pledging £2.5m to support the establishment of the Fund. Switching funding that had been set aside for international climate finance projects from grants into loans allows DESNZ to make £400m of financial transactions available to support the government's intention to invest in international climate finance projects, which could include projects such as TFFF. I will keep the House updated on the Government’s decision to invest in TFFF.
The Government is switching £400 million of grant funding set aside for future international climate finance projects into loans, which could include projects such as the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. This provides more flexible ways to meet the Government’s international climate objectives.
The terms of any loan including the currency denomination and the treatment of any associated exchange rate risk, will depend on the final design of individual investments and will be considered in line with normal value for money and Official Development Assistance requirements.
The Government is switching £400 million of grant funding set aside for future international climate finance projects into loans, providing more flexible ways to meet the Government’s international climate objectives. Discussions with partner countries on international climate finance take place as part of normal programme development and delivery processes. Any engagement relating to future investments will depend on the design and approval of individual investments.
The Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) represents a critical evolution in forests finance. Switching funding that had been set aside for international climate finance projects from grants into loans allows DENSZ to make £400m of financial transactions available to support the government's intention to invest in international climate finance projects, which could include projects such as TFFF. I will keep the House updated on the Government’s decision to invest into TFFF.
According to National Energy System Operator (NESO), as of 24 July, the Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) Register included 373 generation projects that have been built. 1,026 generation projects have received revised ‘Gate 2’ connection offers (confirmed connection location and date) under the reformed connections process. The TEC Register will be updated by NESO as connection offers are accepted or declined.
According to National Energy System Operator (NESO), as of 24 July, the Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) Register included 81.7GW of generation capacity that has been built. 284.64GW of generation capacity has received revised ‘Gate 2’ connection offers (confirmed connection location and date) under the reformed connections process. The TEC Register will be updated by NESO as connection offers are accepted or declined.
The Transmission Works Report (TWR) is being updated in light of revised connection offers issued as part of the connections reform process. All projects that accept a ‘Gate 2’ connection offer (confirmed connection location and date) will have a corresponding entry in the TWR, regardless of their connection date.
Early Construction Funding (ECF) is a regulatory mechanism established by Ofgem which allows network companies to access a limited proportion of approved project funding before all statutory consents have been secured. Under Ofgem's Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) guidance, the normal limit for ECF is 20 per cent of project licence costs, although higher levels may be considered by Ofgem in exceptional circumstances. Decisions on the award of ECF are a matter for Ofgem as the independent energy regulator.
The Government is taking forward all recommendations from the Nuclear Regulatory Review and published its Implementation Plan in March 2026.
We are making good progress across delivery. This includes announcing a Nuclear Regulation Bill, publishing new National Infrastructure Planning guidance, establishing the Lead Regulator model, and convening the first meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Implementation Panel in June 2026. We continue to work with regulators and industry to take forward all recommendations.
The Government is taking forward all recommendations from the Nuclear Regulatory Review and published its Implementation Plan in March 2026.
We are making good progress across delivery. This includes announcing a Nuclear Regulation Bill, publishing new National Infrastructure Planning guidance, establishing the Lead Regulator model, and convening the first meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Implementation Panel in June 2026. We continue to work with regulators and industry to take forward all recommendations.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
The Department is aware that some consumers living in remote or rural areas of Scotland have faced historical challenges obtaining RTS meter replacement appointments, due to a lack of installer resource, appropriate technology solutions or logistical challenges.
However, the RTS Taskforce, which the Department sits on, has in the last year led a concerted effort to overcome these historical challenges, resulting in significant progress on RTS replacements in these regions.
The Department would encourage any consumers who have not yet had a replacement to contact their energy supplier to arrange one as soon as possible.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
DESNZ, Ofgem, Scottish Government officials and industry representatives met regularly throughout the RTS phase out, to obtain assurances from energy suppliers ahead of each stage of activity, and monitor suppliers' performance in responding rapidly where issues have arisen.
As the majority of remaining recorded RTS consumers have not responded to multiple contacts from suppliers, despite their signal being switched off between one and twelve months ago, industry believes most are no longer reliant on RTS for heating and hot water.
The Department would encourage any consumers who have not had a replacement to contact their energy supplier to arrange one.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Transmission Owners (TOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem. While TOs are responsible for delivering transmission projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of network upgrades and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements.
The Government has not provided any direct grants, subsidies or other public funding to the Quadrature Climate Foundation. The Foundation is an independent charitable organisation.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
The setting of the energy price cap is a matter for the independent market regulator Ofgem and the Government does not speculate on such matters.
Tackling affordability is this Government’s number one priority. For this reason, we have taken action to remove VAT from electricity bills from 1 October this year for six months. We also acted at last year’s Budget by taking on average £150 of costs off energy bills, with those decisions now factored into bills for the years to come.
The Government continues to monitor energy prices closely and recognises the impact that changes in bills can have on households.
Under new Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP) regulations customers are entitled to £40 compensation if their energy supplier fails to offer a smart meter installation appointment within 6 weeks of the customer requesting one. These regulations came into force on 23rd February 2026 and therefore no performance data is yet available. Ofgem is responsible for compliance and ongoing monitoring of these new Guaranteed standards.
From 2022 until the end of 2025, energy suppliers were required to meet minimum annual installation targets. In 2023, six large suppliers agreed to pay £10.8m into the Voluntary Redress Fund for not meeting 2022 targets.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
No. The UK uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators. Cost estimates are developed and maintained by the relevant Transmission Owners and are subject to regulatory scrutiny by Ofgem.
To date, the UK has invested £141.5m in the World Bank-managed Forest Carbon Partnership Facility – Carbon Fund (£11.5m in 2011; £45m in 2014; and £85m in 2015). This has been in the form of grants (CDEL). No further funding to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility – Carbon Fund is planned.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is committed to supporting the transition to sustainable cooling in the UK and globally. As a signatory to the Global Cooling Pledge, endorsed by over 70 countries, the UK is committed to reducing cooling‑related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 while expanding access to sustainable cooling.
To support the delivery of the commitments, the Department will publish a UK Cooling Outlook by the end of 2026, a consolidated evidence base on current and projected cooling demand to 2050, alongside the policies in place to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency across cooling and refrigeration.
DESNZ uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes, including the REDD+ Early Movers programme in Colombia, have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
DESNZ uses a combination of grants and other instruments, including loans, as most appropriate to deliver the intended outcomes and provide the best value for money. The majority of UK ICF will continue to be provided through grants. No existing ICF programmes, including the REDD+ Early Movers programme, have been switched from grants to loans linked with the recent announcement of £2 bus fares.
While TOs are responsible for delivering Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects, Ofgem plays a key role in scrutinising delivery plans, setting the regulatory requirements and monitoring performance (including completion dates), against agreed outputs and milestones. As the independent regulator, Ofgem holds TOs accountable for the efficient and timely delivery of ASTI projects and can investigate potential non-compliance where delivery falls short of regulatory requirements. Government monitors the progress of transmission projects required to meet our goal of clean power through regular engagement with industry and regulators.
The cost of living is a top priority for this Government. That is why the Prime Minister announced a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills for 6 months from October 1. This immediate action on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This comes on top of the actions at last year’s Budget which removed an average of £150 of costs from household energy bills for the years to come, by moving 75% of the domestic costs of the Renewables Obligation to the Exchequer and ending the Energy Company Obligation. Without this action, the price cap would be significantly higher.
We will negotiate an electricity agreement with the EU to cut the cost of trading electricity with European partners, strengthen our energy security, drive investment in the North Sea, and help to achieve our Clean Power 2030 Mission. The detailed commitments under any such agreement, including an assessment of their benefits and costs, will be developed as part of the negotiations.
The Government is reprioritising £454 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s budget, including by switching £400 million of grant funding set aside for future international climate finance projects into loans, which could include projects such as the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. This will provide more flexible ways to meet the Government’s international climate objectives. The Government remains committed to spending 0.3% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance.
The Government is reprioritising £454 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s budget, including by switching £400 million of grant funding set aside for future international climate finance projects into loans, which could include projects such as the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. This will provide more flexible ways to meet the Government’s international climate objectives. The Government remains committed to spending 0.3% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance.
The Government is reprioritising £454 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s budget, including by switching £400 million of grant funding set aside for future international climate finance projects into loans, which could include projects such as the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. The remaining £54 million savings are expected from underspends in the Department’s budget.