Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Ed Miliband
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Conservative
Claire Coutinho (Con - East Surrey)
Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Bowie (Con - West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine)
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Joy Morrissey (Con - Beaconsfield)
Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Mark Garnier (Con - Wyre Forest)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ministers of State
Sarah Jones (Lab - Croydon West)
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Kerry McCarthy (Lab - Bristol East)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Michael Shanks (Lab - Rutherglen)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Miatta Fahnbulleh (LAB - Peckham)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 12th September 2024
Grangemouth Oil Refinery: Jobs
Written Statements
Select Committee Docs
None available
Select Committee Inquiry
None available
Written Answers
Friday 13th September 2024
Nuclear Power: Skilled Workers
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has met with the Secretary of …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 12th September 2024
Gas and Electricity Regulated Providers (Redress Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2024
This Order amends the Gas and Electricity Regulated Providers (Redress Scheme) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2268) (“the 2008 Order”). It inserts …
Bills
Thursday 25th July 2024
Great British Energy Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision about Great British Energy.
Dept. Publications
Friday 13th September 2024
07:00

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Commons Appearances

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:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

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.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Sep. 12
Written Statements
Sep. 10
Westminster Hall
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Bills currently before Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero - Secondary Legislation

This Order amends the Gas and Electricity Regulated Providers (Redress Scheme) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2268) (“the 2008 Order”). It inserts a new definition of “small business consumer”. It also extends the definition of “consumer complaint” to include relevant complaints brought by such consumers.
These Regulations provide for the payment of compensation by the Secretary of State to third parties who suffer loss or damage in consequence of anything done by the Secretary of State in preparation for or in connection with the designation of a person (as Independent System Operator and Planner) under section 162(1) of the Energy Act 2023.
View All Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Secondary Legislation

Petitions

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).

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Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has not participated in any petition debates
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50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has met with the Secretary of State for Education to discuss the development of skills needed for the growth of the nuclear sector.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he (a) is having and (b) plans to have discussions with local authorities on steps that can be taken to ensure older people are able to (i) heat their homes and (ii) access other warm spaces.

The Government is committed to supporting those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, including the most vulnerable households. We are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households.

Last month I met with energy suppliers to urge them to do everything they can to support consumers struggling to pay their bills, and to sign up to an ambitious set of commitments to take proactive steps to stop further households from getting into debt.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all new green-energy infrastructure is (a) built in suitable locations and (b) benefits nearby communities.

The Government is committed to the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP). The SSEP will support a more actively planned approach to energy infrastructure across England, Scotland and Wales, across land and sea. The Secretary of State and Head of Mission Control also wrote to the ESO on 23rd August to formally commission advice regarding the key requirements for the Government to meet its clean power commitment by 2030.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cda5c1e39a8536eac0532e/sos-chris-stark-letter-clean-power-2030.pdf

It is the Government’s priority to build support for developments by ensuring communities directly benefit. We are reviewing how to most effectively deliver community benefits for communities living near new energy infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of nuclear energy to his net zero goals in 2050; and if he will provide a roadmap for the deployment of nuclear assets.

Nuclear energy, as one of the most reliable, secure, low-carbon sources of home-produced energy, is an essential part of our journey to net zero. Our manifesto made it clear that we support new nuclear, both large-scale, such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and Small Modular Reactors.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the results for floating offshore wind project applications in the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 6, on what basis were (1) 400 megawatts of contracts awarded to projects in Scotland, and (2) no contracts awarded to projects in Wales.

All projects in Great Britain that met the eligibility criteria were able to apply into Allocation Round 6 (AR6). Eligible projects competed in an auction, run independently by National Grid ESO, designed to bring forward the most cost-effective projects in each delivery year. The scheme is geographically neutral and does not award contracts to projects based on regional quotas.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what consultation and information gathering on food security and rural employment they undertook prior to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero’s decision to approve large new solar farms on agricultural land.

The Planning Act requires applicants to carry out consultations of their proposals at the pre-application stage of the process. During the application stage the Examining Authority will also undertake consultation with Interested Parties and advisory organisations such as the Statutory Nature Bodies.

As the decision takers, Ministers consider all the evidence and views on both positive and negative impacts and weighs these up with reference to the relevant National Policy Statement. This consideration is detailed in the published Decision Letter and accompanying assessments for each case. This statutory process is followed for all significant energy infrastructure, including large solar farms.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the development of a UK nuclear supply chain.

To meet our current and future nuclear ambitions, we will work with the civil nuclear sector to ensure the UK has a resilient supply chain with the required capabilities and capacity across a range of activities from the front-end fuel cycle to waste management.

To do so, we will continue to engage with industry to identify barriers to entry and opportunities for working together to improve the attractiveness of working in the nuclear sector.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether it remains his Department's policy that Wylfa is the preferred site for a large-scale nuclear development.

Nuclear can play an important role in helping to achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of skilled jobs. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by Great British Nuclear, we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK, and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to announce the results of the Small Modular Reactor competition.

Great British Nuclear was established in 2023 as an expert nuclear delivery. It is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process. This is a live procurement and is ongoing; the window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is now evaluating bids, with further updates to follow in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how he determines schedules for insulating homes of pensioners.

Current Government energy efficiency schemes are targeted at low-income consumers and those in the least energy efficient households. Eligibility requirements can be found on gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat.

Through the Warm Homes Plan, we will invest an extra £6.6 billion over the next five years in clean heat and energy efficiency, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation. We will set out the full details of our Warm Homes Plan, and the approach to Net Zero Buildings more broadly, after the completion of the Spending Review Process.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many responses were received in relation to the Prior Information Notice issued to explore building a further large-scale nuclear power station; from which parties those responses were received; and whether Wylfa is the designated site for the next gigawatt project.

Considerations for a further large-scale project are at an exploratory stage with the Prior Information Notice forming part of this work. The Prior Information Notice has now closed, with 10 responses, and we are continuing to engage with the organisations that responded. The names of these organisations are commercially sensitive. No decision has yet been taken on whether to pursue a future large-scale project, but we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK and we will set out our plans for the site in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to (a) review the surplus arrangements and (b) transfer the investment reserve fund to members of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme.

Our Manifesto committed to reviewing the surplus sharing arrangements and transferring the Investment Reserve back to scheme members. We are committed to ending the injustice of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme and work on delivering these commitments is already underway.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Mineworkers Pension Scheme Trustees on potential reforms to the Mineworkers Pensions Scheme.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support households switch to low carbon heating where heat pump installation is not (a) economically or (b) practically possible.

The Government is taking a range of steps to make heat pumps more affordable and remove barriers to their installation. This includes providing grants of £7,500 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), supporting innovation and reviewing permitted development rights.

For the small number of homes where a heat pump is not suitable, we expect other technologies to play a role in the transition to clean heat. We continue to build the evidence base on alternative technologies and this research will inform future policy development.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the energy price cap for winter 2024-25.

The energy price cap is set by Ofgem and not the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. More information on how Ofgem calculate the price cap can be found on its website - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much and what proportion of the land to be used for the proposed East Park Energy Solar Farm is designated as agricultural grade (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3a farmland.

This is a proposed Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 consent process. This is when the applicant starts to create their application and is required to consult with people and organisations in the area. We understand that the developer intends to hold four public consultation events, starting in early October 2024.

The application is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate between January and March 2025.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the contribution of the plastic production industry to the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK in (a) 2024 and (b) in the next ten years.

The department does not produce specific emissions estimates for the plastic production industry, however our greenhouse gas (GHG) territorial (i.e. occurring within the UK’s borders) emissions statistics by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) includes a category for plastics products. The latest year for which data is available is 2022, when GHG emissions from manufacture of plastic products was 2,266 kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (kt CO2e).

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/final-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-1990-to-2022

The department publishes Energy & Emissions Projections however these do not include an emissions split for plastic products.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-and-emissions-projections

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to review the North Sea Transition Authority’s Supply Chain Action Plans.

We have no current plans to review the North Sea Transition Authority’s (NSTA) Supply Chain Action Plans. These are a matter for the NSTA.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to prioritise his Department's housing retrofit programme to target (a) older and (b) disabled people.

The Government's current energy efficiency schemes are targeted at consumers with low incomes and those in the least efficient households in the UK.

Through the Warm Homes Plan, we will invest an extra £6.6 billion over the next five years in clean heat and energy efficiency, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation. We will set out the full details of our Warm Homes Plan, and the approach to Net Zero Buildings more broadly, after the completion of the Spending Review Process.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help prepare for COP29.

COP29 is a crucial moment for global action on climate change. The UK is working closely with the incoming COP29 Presidency and other partners to make it a success. Shared priorities include agreeing a new global climate finance goal, encouraging ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and delivering on the outcomes from the Global Stocktake at COP28.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will hold discussions with energy producers on the potential merits of using profits to create an energy social tariff.

The Government is committed to supporting those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, including the most vulnerable households. We are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households. Last month I met with energy suppliers to urge them to do everything they can to support consumers struggling to pay their bills, and to sign up to an ambitious set of commitments to take proactive steps to stop further households from getting into debt.

Tax is a matter for HM Treasury.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the increase in the energy price cap and the means testing of the winter fuel allowance on pet ownership and, in particular, the ability of older people to maintain their pets when faced with rising fuel bills.

The Government has made no assessment on the impact of the energy price cap on pet ownership. The Government is committed to supporting households struggling with their energy bills, and we are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to eligible low-income households.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero does not administer the Winter Fuel Payment.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to set out a detailed and comprehensive analytical framework for establishing the optimum route to achieving Net Zero.

The Government sets five-yearly carbon budgets which outline our pathway to net zero. To identify the optimum route, Government considers a range of factors including technical potential, impacts on growth, wider costs and benefits, as well as advice from our independent advisory body, the Climate Change Committee. We will publish an updated Carbon Budget Delivery Plan in Spring 2025 and set the Carbon Budget 7 target by June 2026, in line with statutory duties.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of any slowing or collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation on their economic planning.

The Government has not assessed the effect of any slowing or collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on economic planning. The Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has determined that there is a high likelihood of the AMOC weakening in the 21st century, but an abrupt collapse is unlikely in this timeframe. The Government is monitoring ongoing research into how AMOC might change in the future and what impacts that would have.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to announce the results of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition; and what assessment he has made of the contribution of SMRs to net zero energy generation targets in 2030.

Great British Nuclear was established in 2023 as an expert nuclear delivery. It is currently running a small modular reactor technology selection process. This is a live procurement and is ongoing; the window for submitting tenders has now closed and Great British Nuclear is now evaluating bids, with further updates to follow in due course.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales, which closed on 8 January 2021; and whether he plans to increase the minimum energy efficiency standards required for (a) rented and (b) leased non-residential buildings.

We will require private landlords to make improvements to their properties by 2030. Ensuring warmer, healthier private rented homes will lift many families out of fuel poverty and reduce energy bills. We will consider the evidence gathered as part of the 2020 consultation as we design the policy around increased Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

The Government is committed to decarbonising non domestic buildings and is exploring the most appropriate way to do so, including through Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards where evidence gathered as part of the 2019 and 2021 consultations will continue to inform policy development.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to ensure that households with solar panels and battery storage receive the rate of wholesale electricity as payment for excess electricity exported to the grid.

Both rooftop solar and batteries are important for getting to net zero. Households and businesses with solar panels can benefit through significantly reduced electricity bills. They can also export the excess energy they generate to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This is a market led mechanism where electricity supply companies set their own export tariffs. As the SEG is market led, those with solar panels can shop around for the best prices.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to establish a Fuel Poverty Strategy to end fuel poverty.

The fuel poverty strategy, Sustainable Warmth, was published in 2021 and lays out a plan for how to meet the fuel poverty target.

Given that in 2023 an estimated3.17m households remained in fuel poverty in England, we are conducting a review of the 2021 fuel poverty strategy.

The review, and conclusions with respect to developing an updated fuel poverty strategy, will be published shortly.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that people (a) who use a prepayment meter and (b) in fuel poverty are able to heat their homes in Winter 2024-2025.

The Government is committed to supporting households with the cost of energy this winter, and we are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households.

The setting of prices for customers on a prepayment meter or on a fixed contract is a commercial matter for energy suppliers. The Ofgem price cap for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December was published in August, and the price cap level for prepayment meter customers is £1,669 compared to the level set for direct debit customers which is £1,717 for an average household.

I have also outlined our expectation to energy suppliers that they should do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with their bills, especially vulnerable consumers. Last month I met with energy suppliers and encouraged them to sign up to the Voluntary Debt Commitment for this winter, and I will work closely with them in the weeks ahead to ensure vulnerable consumers are supported through this winter.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to ensure that people on a prepayment meter pay no more for energy than those on a contract.

The setting of prices for customers on a prepayment meter or on a fixed contract is a commercial matter for energy suppliers. The Ofgem price cap for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December was published in August, and the price cap level for prepayment meter customers is £1,669 compared to the level set for direct debit customers which is £1,717 for an average household.

More information can be found on the Ofgem webpage - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-policy-and-regulation/policy-and-regulatory-programmes/energy-price-cap-default-tariff-policy/energy-price-cap-default-tariff-levels.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to enable people on a prepayment meter to move onto an energy contract.

It is a commercial matter for energy suppliers and their customers to determine which payment method customers should use. Any consumer who wishes to change their payment method or amend their contract should speak to their supplier. It is worth noting that some consumers may choose to have a prepayment meter as it can help them to budget their energy more effectively.

Last year, Ofgem introduced stringent rules for the installation of involuntary prepayment meters, to improve protections for vulnerable consumers. The Government will continue to work with Ofgem to ensure that suppliers only install involuntary prepayment meters as a last resort.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to provide trade unions with a role on the board of GB Energy.

As stated in Great British Energy’s Founding Statement, trade unions will have a voice and representation within Great British Energy. When deciding upon the composition of the board, GBE will follow best practice in its governance and structures, including around its relationships and engagement with trade unions and its workforce.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the potential impact on consumer energy bills of the total lifetime cost of delivering (a) the Western Link and (b) all current and future stages of the Eastern Green Link offshore cabling.

Electricity network reinforcements are only approved where they are in the interests of consumers and help reduce overall system costs. For both the Western Link and the Eastern Green Link projects, decisions to proceed were based on robust cost-benefit analyses, approved by Ofgem. Ofgem review proposed project costs and ensure that network companies spend efficiently, protecting consumers from unduly high costs.

These reinforcements are designed to help balance the GB grid, bringing renewable generation in Scotland to demand centres further south. While they have significant build costs, they will help reduce balancing costs, bringing overall savings to consumers.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to ensure that energy companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that homes belonging to people in receipt of the State Pension are (a) warm and (b) damp-free.

Government is supporting households through our Warm Homes Plan, including energy efficiency schemes such as ECO4 and GBIS, which are legal obligations placed on energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures to eligible households, making homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

Whilst State Pension is not an eligible benefit, households may still qualify where a member of the household receives a means-tested benefit, or through the Flexible Eligibility element of both schemes.

I intend to meet regularly with energy suppliers to outline my expectations for the standard of service that should be provided, including supporting vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his policy is on the potential creation of new unabated gas power plants.

To ensure security of supply, the electricity system requires generating capacity that can dispatch power in the event of high peak demand, unexpected outage or during periods of low renewable output. As we transition to clean power the government will work with the private sector to ensure flexible technologies such as hydrogen, long duration electricity storage and power with carbon capture and storage are deployed. Unabated gas will increasingly move to a backup role as low carbon alternatives deploy. We will continue to develop our strategy to enable a transition away from unabated gas whilst maintaining security of supply.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 5 September 2024 to Question 3867 on Hitachi: Wylfa Power Station, if he will provide a breakdown of how much of the £160 million total was spent on the site at (a) Wylfa and (b) Oldbury.

Great British Nuclear agreed to pay £115m for the Wylfa site and up to £45m for the Oldbury site, excluding taxes.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to hold a substantive debate in the House of Commons on future subsidy arrangements for Drax power station.

No decision has been taken on whether transitional support arrangements should be introduced for biomass generators when their current arrangements end. The Government will consider a range of factors, including a robust assessment of potential value for money for consumers, to inform its decision. This will be subject to appropriate Parliamentary engagement.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using renewable liquid fuels in the decarbonisation of home heating for households that are not connected to the mains gas grid.

The Government believes that renewable liquid fuels could play a limited role in heating. As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, we expect to prioritise the use of renewable liquid fuels in sectors like aviation, and potentially homes that are not readily suitable for heat pumps, as these offer the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions and have fewest options to decarbonise through alternative low carbon technologies.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help make decarbonisation (a) affordable and (b) feasible for consumers who are not connected to the mains gas grid.

Our Warm Homes Plan will offer grants and low interest loans to support investment in insulation, low carbon heating and other home improvements to cut bills. It will be focused on making it economically worthwhile for people to transition to clean sources of heating, including for those living in properties off the gas-grid.

We will announce further policy detail of the Warm Homes Plan in due course. Currently, alongside consumer advice sites, the Home Upgrade Grant and Boiler Upgrade Scheme are in place to support those not connected to the gas grid to decarbonise.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Chris Stark to lead Mission Control to deliver clean power by 2030, published on 9 July 2024, what resources his Department has allocated to Mission Control for (a) administration, (b) personnel and (c) communications.

The Department is in the process of establishing the Clean Power 2030 Unit, which will play a crucial role in supporting Chris Stark. Currently, the unit comprises of individuals with a mix of roles and skills ranging from policy and subject matter expertise to project delivery, analysis and other roles. As with all teams within the Department, the team is supported by corporate functions including communications, finance and human resources, which operate across the organisation.

Kerry McCarthy
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information his Department holds on the average cost to energy companies of (a) installing and (b) maintaining smart meters in domestic properties in (i) 2023 and (ii) 2024.

The Smart Metering Implementation Programme collects data from energy suppliers on an annual basis pertaining to the costs and benefits of the smart meter rollout. This includes device and installation costs for smart metering equipment, as well as a range of metrics capturing the cost savings of smart meters compared to traditional meters. We do not provide average supplier costs due to commercial sensitivity.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether new unabated gas power stations will be required to maintain energy security.

To ensure security of supply, the electricity system requires generating capacity that can dispatch power in the event of high peak demand, unexpected outage or during periods of low renewable output. As we transition to clean power the government will work with the private sector to ensure flexible technologies such as hydrogen, long duration electricity storage and power with carbon capture and storage are deployed. We will continue to utilise unabated gas generating capacity, which will increasingly move to a backup role as low carbon alternatives deploy. TheGovernment is considering the policies required to maintain security of supply.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to extend the lifetime of existing unabated gas power stations.

To ensure security of supply, the electricity system requires generating capacity that can dispatch power in the event of high peak demand, unexpected outage or during periods of low renewable output. As we transition to clean power the government will work with the private sector to ensure flexible technologies such as hydrogen, long duration electricity storage and power with carbon capture and storage are deployed. We will continue to utilise unabated gas generating capacity, which will increasingly move to a backup role as low carbon alternatives deploy. TheGovernment is considering the policies required to maintain security of supply.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost to his Department was of Ministerial severance payments during each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was created following a Machinery of Government change and the payroll entries were split from other Government Departments in September 2023. From the creation of the separate ledger for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero until 30 May 2024, there were no Ministerial severance payments made.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much his Department spent on communications in the last year for which data is available.

For the financial year 2023/24 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spent £7.6m on communications including payroll and advertising.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Local Power Plan will contain measures to enable community energy schemes to sell electricity that they generate directly to local customers.

The Local Power Plan will put local authorities and communities at the heart of the energy transition, giving them a stake in the shift to net zero as owners and partners in clean energy projects, allowing more to come online. Small-scale electricity generation sites can benefit from an exemption, which means they do not require a licence from Ofgem to generate electricity or to supply to local customers. Ofgem has further flexibility to award supply licences to generation sites that are above the exemptions threshold when restricted to specified local area.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of changing grid connection rules restricting operators from directly supplying households unless they acquire the same supply licence as large scale utility companies.

Small-scale electricity generation sites can benefit from an exemption, which means that they do not require a licence from Ofgem to generate electricity or to supply to local customers. Ofgem has further flexibility to grant supply licences to generation sites that are above the exemptions threshold when they are restricted to specified local areas.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will commission the ESO to make an estimate of the additional number of kilometres of transmission network that will be added to the electricity grid.

The Secretary of State and Head of Mission Control wrote to the ESO on 23rd August to formally commission advice regarding the key requirements for the Government to meet its clean power commitment by 2030. This includes the transmission network

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66cda5c1e39a8536eac0532e/sos-chris-stark-letter-clean-power-2030.pdf

More detail will be provided in the autumn.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure the Warm Homes Plan integrates with existing energy efficiency schemes.

Through the Warm Homes Plan, we will invest an extra £6.6 billion over the next five years in clean heat and energy efficiency, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation. We will set out the full details of our Warm Homes Plan, and the approach to Net Zero Buildings more broadly, after the completion of the Spending Review Process.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)