Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of potential levels of (a) employment opportunities and (b) supply chain investment generated in the South West from the construction of Hinkley Point C.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

EDF’s Hinkley Point C Socio-economic Impact Report 2025 [1] states that the project has supported 26,000 direct and indirect jobs across Britain, with around 4,500 people from Somerset working at Hinkley Point C. Further, the Report states 64% of the value of the project is going to British businesses with over £5 billion already being spent with suppliers across the South- West region.

[1] https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/realising-socio-economic-benefits

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Nuclear Industry Association's webpage entitled NIA Jobs Map 2025, what assessment she has made of trends in the number of civil nuclear jobs in Ynys Môn constituency since 2015.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

New nuclear projects are expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, with the industry-led 2024 Nuclear Workforce Assessment estimating the need for an additional 24,000 employees across civil and defence by the early 2030s.¹ The Department is working with the Nuclear Industry Association as part of the Nuclear Skills Plan, a collaborative effort between government, industry and academia to address the sector’s workforce needs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the cost of the new energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector are not passed on to tenants through higher rents.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector will ensure that tenants have homes that are warmer and less susceptible to damp and mould, while also lowering their energy bills and lifting homes out of fuel poverty. These changes do not require landlords to increase rents. Instead, they will help cut energy bills for tenants by delivering more energy efficient homes.

The new Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce protections for tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases and stop landlords using large rent increases to force tenants out. Landlords will be able to increase rents to market rates once per year, with tenants able to challenge this at the Tribunal if it is unreasonable.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he made of the potential impact of the provision of funding for Sizewell C under the regulated asset base model on businesses.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The impact of Sizewell C RAB levies on consumers of the electricity system was considered as part of the business case process.

To align with the approach taken for other renewable schemes and minimise distortions, eligible GB based Energy Intensive Industries are exempt from the nuclear RAB policy costs.

Analysis shows Sizewell C could create savings of £2 billion a year across the future low-carbon electricity system once operational - leading to cheaper power for consumers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sizewell-c-value-for-money-assessment

The Government remains committed to supporting businesses with electricity costs. This includes targeted reliefs and broader efforts to ensure prices remain fair, competitive, and reflective of a well-functioning energy market.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help support businesses affected by the Regulated Asset Base levy for Sizewell C.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The impact of Sizewell C RAB levies on consumers of the electricity system was considered as part of the business case process.

To align with the approach taken for other renewable schemes and minimise distortions, eligible GB based Energy Intensive Industries are exempt from the nuclear RAB policy costs.

Analysis shows Sizewell C could create savings of £2 billion a year across the future low-carbon electricity system once operational - leading to cheaper power for consumers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sizewell-c-value-for-money-assessment

The Government remains committed to supporting businesses with electricity costs. This includes targeted reliefs and broader efforts to ensure prices remain fair, competitive, and reflective of a well-functioning energy market.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 Draft Determinations on energy security.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on ensuring that critical national infrastructure is adequately protected against evolving cyber threats.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

DESNZ works closely with Ofgem through the Energy Cyber Quad – a strategic partnership comprising DESNZ, Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator and the National Cyber Security Centre. The partnership focuses on strengthening cyber resilience across the energy system, ensuring a coordinated responses to evolving threats.

DESNZ recently launched a new Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum going forward to discuss threats.

DESNZ is also joint Competent Authority with Ofgem under the Network and Information Systems Regulations, driving cyber resilience standards for our most critical operators.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any diesel fuel for sale in the United Kingdom is derived from crude oil produced in Russia.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK has taken strong action to limit energy revenues to the Kremlin. We have recently announced a ban on imports of oil products, including diesel fuel, which are refined in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 Final Determination adequately reflects the UK’s statutory energy security requirements.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance he has issued to Ofgem during the RIIO-GT3 process to ensure that operators of Critical National Infrastructure can meet the Government's resilience and security standards.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when his Department expects the Crown Estate and developers participating in the Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 to announce the locations for turbine manufacturing, assembly and maintenance facilities; and if he will publish details of the bidding or selection process for those supply-chain contracts.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Crown Estate has announced that Equinor and Gwynt Glas have now entered into agreements for lease to develop two new 1.5GW floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea, which could be operational by the mid-2030s.

The Crown Estate has estimated that full delivery of the Round could support over 5,000 new jobs and deliver a £1.4bn boost to the UK economy.

While timing and allocation of contracts for manufacturing, construction and maintenance of the windfarms are commercial decisions for the companies involved, the Government is engaging with ports and public finance institutions to support development of supply chain and infrastructure needed for these projects and future floating wind development.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information his Department holds on the planned timeline for (a) the first turbines to become operational and (b) other aspects of the projects awarded leases under the Crown Estate’s Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Leasing Round Five.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Crown Estate has announced that Equinor and Gwynt Glas have now entered into agreements for lease to develop two new 1.5GW floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea, which could be operational by the mid-2030s.

The Crown Estate has estimated that full delivery of the Round could support over 5,000 new jobs and deliver a £1.4bn boost to the UK economy.

While timing and allocation of contracts for manufacturing, construction and maintenance of the windfarms are commercial decisions for the companies involved, the Government is engaging with ports and public finance institutions to support development of supply chain and infrastructure needed for these projects and future floating wind development.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of implementing a comprehensive redress scheme for consumers (a) installing and (b) retrofitting low carbon technologies.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This government’s main priority is protecting consumers and the homes they live in, and we will continue to fight for reform of a system which is clearly not fit for purpose.

The reform will involve rapidly changing the landscape of regulation, spanning from how installers working in people’s homes are certified and monitored, to where homeowners turn to for rapid action and enforcement if things go wrong. This work is already underway, but we will set out plans for root and branch reform as part of the Warm Homes Plan, which will be published soon.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to improve consumer confidence in low carbon home upgrades in the context of delivery issues in previous iterations of the ECO scheme.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government is committed to protecting homeowners across the UK who receive energy efficiency upgrades. We are introducing a new system of consumer protections, with clear centralised oversight to ensure proper installer accountability as part of the Warm Homes Plan.

Immediate actions taken include improved oversight of installations and installers, with a more robust suspension and reinstatement process, and enhanced contractor checks and restrictions to prevent installers from evading accountability if they operate through multiple certification bodies.

Additionally, Government has increased oversight of TrustMark’s operations, and introduced site visits from retrofit co-ordinators to give an additional layer of on-site assurance.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that the UK’s workforce has the skills required to meet its targets for heat pump installations.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government recently published the Clean Energy Jobs Plan which sets out cross-Government actions to deliver more skilled workers. Today’s heat pump workforce is large enough to meet current demand and training rates are on track to meet future demand. The Government is delivering several policies to support the heat pump workforce and is working with industry to ensure training equips installers with the skills needed to provide high quality installs. The £10 million Heat Training Grant supports existing heating professionals in England to upskill and the Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship is helping to bring new entrants into the sector.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make a comparative assessment of industrial electricity prices in (a) the UK, (b) France and (c) Germany.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The wholesale price of electricity in power markets is set by the last (i.e. most expensive) technology needed to meet overall demand – known as the marginal plant. In the UK, the marginal plant is currently gas power stations. Gas is an internationally traded commodity, and the UK is a large importer of gas, so electricity prices in Britain are much more exposed to changes in the international gas market.

This exposure strengthens the Government’s belief that the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown clean energy.

From 19 December 2024 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees can now access free support to resolve issues with their energy supplier through the Energy Ombudsman. This means that 99% of British businesses can now access this service with outcomes ranging up to £20,000 in financial awards. We also understand that some UK industries are struggling with the cost of energy. As such, as part of our Clean Energy Industries Plan, we have announced that from 2027 a new Industrial Strategy Energy Support Scheme will reduce electricity costs by £35-40/MWh up to 2030. Over 8,000 businesses will see their electricity costs drop by around 20-25% under a new exemption scheme, bringing their costs more closely in line with European competitors.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to prohibit new onshore fossil fuel extraction.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has committed to not issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.

On 1 October, the Secretary of State announced legislation to end new onshore oil and gas licensing in England.

The Government’s consultation which closed earlier this year, sought views on how it should implement these commitments. It will respond in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to provide support for rural households to switch renewable liquid heating fuels in the Warm Homes Plan.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

For most off-grid properties, decarbonising heat will involve installing a heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants offer £7,500 for heat pumps, and £5,000 for biomass boilers in specific rural cases.

The government recognises that renewable liquid fuels (RLFs) could play a role in heating. We expect sustainable biomass, a limited resource, to be prioritised where there are fewer alternatives to decarbonisation. RLFs are also more expensive to use than other heating solutions. The government continues to review evidence on the affordability and availability of sustainable feedstocks for RLFs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to review the technical definition of hydraulic fracturing in respect of (a) volume thresholds and (b) geological conditions to prevent onshore oil and gas extraction operations from circumventing the current moratorium on fracking.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Proppant squeezes are not currently defined in legislation as high volume hydraulic fracturing for shale gas extraction. We are committed to banning fracking for good and any future decision on national planning policy for fracking will take into account all volumes of hydraulic fracturing.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK’s competitive advantage in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, compared to European counterparts.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK is optimally positioned to support a thriving hydrogen economy with UK companies at the forefront of hydrogen technology development.

Our approach to hydrogen balances comprehensive funding support with long-term stability, which continues to unlock significant investment.

The EU, and individual EU member states, are important partners for our shared ambitions to scale up our hydrogen sectors quickly and create opportunities for UK companies. And, as the UK Trade Strategy makes clear, supporting our businesses to grow through trade is key to future economic growth.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to publish the consultation on expanding the Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As set out in the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, we are considering expanding the Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen and will consult on any proposals. We are currently developing a new Hydrogen Strategy and will provide an update on this in due course.

In addition to considering the Clean Industry Bonus, we have a strong offer for domestic manufacturing including support from our Public Finance Institutions and deployment certainty through Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HARs). Additionally, we welcome the industry-led voluntary ambition of 50% UK local content for hydrogen across the value chain from 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he received an invitation to speak at the annual dinner of the Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies on 21 October 2025; what his response was; and when he sent his response.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero receives a high volume of invitations to events and is therefore not able to accommodate all requests.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provisions of the Marine Policy Statement 2011 in the context of achieving his Department’s policy on new oil and gas licencing.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In March, the Government consulted on its commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields.

The Marine Policy Statement was published in 2011 under a previous government. It includes support for oil and gas exploration.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, this aspect of the Statement is unlikely to carry any practical effect in future.

Updating the Statement would be resource intensive for all governments involved. Instead, the Government is taking a more strategic approach to marine spatial planning, developing colocation solutions and working with the Marine Management Organisation on the replacement of the East Marine Plan.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to bring forward primary legislation to ban new oil and gas licences.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has committed to not issue new licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.

On 1 October, the Secretary of State announced legislation to end new onshore oil and gas licensing in England.

Our ‘Building the North Sea’s energy future’ consultation, which closed earlier this year, sought views on how we should implement these commitments. We will respond in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what was the cost of oil and gas imports for the financial year 2024–25.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The value for crude oil imports into the UK in 2024 was £22,745 million, and the value for natural gas imports in 2024 was £13,615 million. These are on a calendar year basis and financial years are not available. These data are sourced from Table 1.2 of the Department's Digest of UK Energy Statistics which are published annually and available via the internet.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are reviewing the policy of not allowing companies to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government has committed to not issue new licences to explore new fields while managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.

Our ‘Building the North Sea’s energy future’ consultation, which closed earlier this year, sought views on how we should implement these commitments. We are analysing responses to the consultation and will issue a response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what grant funding is available to help small businesses improve their Energy Performance Certificate ratings to at least C; and whether he plans to introduce new such grants for small businesses.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

EPC’s are an important metric to ensure that small businesses are as energy efficient as possible, allowing them to understand where bill savings and carbon emission reductions can be achieved. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to provide grants of up to £7,500 for small non-domestic property owners, with the threshold for single heat pump installations set at 45kWh. This helps install low carbon heating systems and improve EPC ratings.

Additionally, the Government’s Business Energy Advice Service pilot scheme has so far supported nearly 3000 SMEs in the West Midlands with expert energy efficiency and decarbonisation advice. 340 grants have been awarded with a value of £8.7m.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Warm Home Discount is provided to eligible claimants who have their bills included in their rent.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Earlier this year, the Government consulted on broadening Warm Home Discount eligibility to include households whose energy costs are included in their rent. However, it was not feasible to take this forward without increasing the cost of the scheme for all consumers. We recognise the challenges this presents and continue to keep eligibility under review.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that those in rented accommodation live in warm, energy-efficient homes. This is why we recently consulted on raising minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector. We received a significant number of responses and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the number of households that are not on the smart meter network in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold statistics on smart meter penetration on a constituency level.

The latest statistics to include the percentage of domestic electricity smart meters by local authority are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smart-meters-in-great-britain-quarterly-update-march-2025.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 77318 on Batteries: Storage, for what reason he does not plan to make fire services statutory consultees on planning applications involving battery energy storage sites.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Planning Practice Guidance strongly recommends that battery developers engage with fire services ahead of the submission of their planning application. However, further to dialogue with the National Fire Chiefs Council, government is of the view that making fire services statutory consultees would risk creating disproportionate administrative burdens for the fire services.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of UK Steel on aligning the UK's industrial power prices with those of competitor economies.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

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

The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently. The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy with less reliance on volatile international energy markets and help in our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030.

As part of our Clean Energy Industries Plan, we have announced that from 2027 a new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by £35-40/MWh up to 2030. Thousands of businesses will see their electricity costs drop by around 20-25% under a new exemption scheme, bringing their costs more closely in line with European competitors.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s Second Report of Session 2024–25, Gridlock or growth? Avoiding energy planning chaos, published on 7 July 2025, when he plans to publish the Government’s response.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government is grateful to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee for its scrutiny of the draft updated National Policy Statements. The Committee’s conclusions and recommendations have been carefully considered and the Government response will be published once the final updated National Policy Statements are laid in Parliament later this year.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a single accreditation scheme to protect households in upgrading to (a) more energy efficient and (b) low carbon technologies.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This government’s priority is ensuring that all consumers are protected when undertaking home retrofit work, as well as improving the overall consumer journey regardless of housing tenure or how installation work is funded. Currently any installations under government energy efficiency schemes must be carried out by TrustMark registered and PAS 2030 or MCS certified businesses, in accordance with PAS 2035. As the only government endorsed quality scheme, TrustMark oversees compliance with the overarching PAS 2035 process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing (a) independent and (b) impartial statutory advice for consumers undertaking (i) retrofit and (ii) low carbon technology installations.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises that access to trusted and impartial information is an important enabler to consumers, when making choices about how to retrofit their homes.

This is why the Government is working to enhance our digital consumer advice offer, creating a single access point for all consumers (homeowners, landlords and tenants) at varying points in their retrofit journey. It will bring information on energy efficiency and clean heating solutions like heat pumps and solar, sources of funding and links to trusted installers together for the first time. The digital service is also backed up with a national phoneline for those needing additional support in accessing advice on how to upgrade their homes.

We will set out additional steps towards improving the overall consumer journey in the Warm Homes Plan, which will be published soon.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of whether the National Energy System Operator needs to approve additional grid connection for the final phase of the rebuild of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to him on 20 October to question UIN 82445

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had recent discussions with (a) the Crown Estate and (b) Equinor and Gwynt Glas on the use of Port Talbot for turbine (i) assembly and (ii) maintenance under the Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Leasing Round Five.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Floating Offshore Wind presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales and is a major economic opportunity for the Neath Port Talbot area. It will create high-quality jobs to support the local economy.

We are in ongoing discussion with relevant parties in relation to the Port Talbot project.

Gwynt Glas and Equinor have now entered into Agreements for Lease with The Crown Estate to develop two 1.5GW Floating Offshore Wind farms in the Celtic Sea through the Leasing Round 5 process. Both projects have stated publicly that the Port Talbot is their preferred port for integration and assembly activities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 on employment opportunities in Neath Port Talbot.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Floating Offshore Wind presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales and is a major economic opportunity for the Neath Port Talbot area. It will create high-quality jobs to support the local economy.

We are in ongoing discussion with relevant parties in relation to the Port Talbot project.

Gwynt Glas and Equinor have now entered into Agreements for Lease with The Crown Estate to develop two 1.5GW Floating Offshore Wind farms in the Celtic Sea through the Leasing Round 5 process. Both projects have stated publicly that the Port Talbot is their preferred port for integration and assembly activities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Office for National Statistics' document entitled Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators: 2 October 2025, published on 2 October 2025, what steps his Department is taking to help support consumers with recent trends in automotive fuel prices.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government is implementing Fuel Finder, an open data scheme for road fuel prices, to help drive down pump prices by reigniting competition and empowering drivers to find the best deals for the cheapest fuel in their area.

The Competition and Markets Authority has also received statutory information gathering powers through the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers Act 2024 so it can monitor and scrutinise fuel prices.

Taken together, these provisions will have a positive effect on the road fuels retail market, both in terms of facilitating competition at a national and local level and protecting consumer interests.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a presumption against building onshore wind developments on deep peat on the UK’s ability to meet its carbon emissions reduction targets.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has considered the impact of planning regulation around wind farm development on peatland, including on deep peat, recognising the importance of England’s peatlands for biodiversity, water, and carbon storage.

There are existing protections for peatland habitats and deep peat within the National Policy Planning Framework. The Government also recently consulted on updated National Policy Statements for renewable energy development, including guidance around peatland and onshore wind.

This will ensure a balanced approach to onshore wind development and peatland protection, where Government can enable nature’s recovery while not impeding our commitments to Net Zero and Clean Power 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in his Department is made by a British manufacturer.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Tableware and crockery are not provided within the Department.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help support small businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their premises.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is working in partnership with small businesses to make them more energy efficient including through the Net Zero Council. The Council’s work includes supporting sectors to develop transition plans and supporting SMEs to innovate, save energy, grow and decarbonise.

To reduce energy bills the Government consulted on strengthening the non-domestic PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 1 April 2030. We are currently reviewing the policy to ensure it meets the needs of landlords and tenants and remains fair and proportionate.

The Business Energy Advice Service pilot scheme has already supported nearly 3000 SMEs in the West Midlands with expert energy efficiency and decarbonisation advice, with a value of £8.7 million to date. We continue to look at other policy options to help small businesses save on their energy usage.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to take steps to help protect tenants from (a) eviction and (b) rent increases following government-funded low-carbon improvement works carried out by landlords.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This government is committed to protecting and improving the rights of tenants through improving the quality of their homes, resulting in reduced energy costs.

We have engaged and consulted with landlord and tenant representative groups in developing policy. We set out proposals in the consultation on maximum spend from landlords and the exemptions regime. These changes do not require landlords to increase rents.

The new Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce protections for tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases and stop landlords using large rent increases to force tenants out. Landlords will be able to increase rents to market rates once per year, with tenants able to challenge this at the Tribunal if it is unreasonable.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support self-catering businesses in making changes to properties to comply with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation sought views on whether short-term lets should be included to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties.

We engaged widely with stakeholders during the consultation process, including the self-catering holiday lets sector and a government response will be published in due course. Following the government response and relevant legislation changes, we will issue guidance to help landlords to comply with any new requirements, which would be published on gov.uk. Support is currently available at the government webpage ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in your Home’.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department taking steps to promote new technologies to help people save money on their energy bills.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government is supporting the deployment of technologies that will reduce household bills through a variety of schemes including the Energy Company Obligation, the Great British Insulation Scheme, Warm Homes: Social Housing Decarbonisation, Warm Homes: Local Government and the continuation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The government invested up to £42 million in the Heat Pump Ready (HPR) innovation programme to overcome barriers to heat pump deployment and support innovation in product design.

To promote the benefits of heat pumps the government has also relaunched its ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ campaign.

The Warm Homes Plan will continue our support for low carbon technologies and other energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of requiring houses in multiple occupation to achieve an energy performance certificate rating of D or better.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector and reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The Energy Performance of Buildings consultation asked whether houses in multiple occupation should require EPCs.

If a property is let on a relevant tenancy and is legally required to have an EPC then it will need to meet the private rented sector minimum energy efficiency standard, unless a valid exemption applies.

Government has proposed to raise the standard from E to C or equivalent by 2030. A government response to both consultations will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has a completion date for Sizewell C.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Sizewell C Ltd plan to begin operating the power plant in the mid- to late-2030s.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support prepayment meter customers unable to access (a) heating and (b) power.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Customers who are unable to top up their prepayment meter may be able to obtain a fuel voucher, access to emergency credit or be eligible for Cold Weather Payments, the Warm Home Discount or the Winter Fuel Payment. Customers should contact their energy supplier if they have concerns and information on support with paying energy bills can be found on Citizens Advice's website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bills.

On 25 September we published a consultation setting out our intention to continue support for those 6 million households. The consultation sets out proposals for the next scheme period (up to winter 2030/31), after current regulations expire on 31 March 2026. Government is gathering feedback from stakeholders on:

• the design of the core elements of the scheme
• options for delivery of the scheme in Scotland
• proposals to change some elements of the scheme for suppliers
• a call for evidence on Industry Initiatives
• a call for suggestions for future improvements during the next scheme period

The consultation closes on Thursday 20 November.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of heating bills on rural communities in the context of the Autumn Budget 2025.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government believes that our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 is the best way to break our dependence on global fossil fuel markets and protect billpayers permanently.

The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy and have less reliance on volatile international energy markets and help in our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030. This, combined with our Warm Homes Plan to upgrade millions of homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run is how we will drive down energy bills and make cold homes a thing of the past.

We recognise that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030, including those in rural communities. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bills.

On 25 September we published a consultation setting out our intention to continue support for those 6 million households. The consultation sets out proposals for the next scheme period (up to winter 2030/31), after current regulations expire on 31 March 2026. Government is gathering feedback from stakeholders on:

• the design of the core elements of the scheme
• options for delivery of the scheme in Scotland
• proposals to change some elements of the scheme for suppliers
• a call for evidence on Industry Initiatives
• a call for suggestions for future improvements during the next scheme period

The consultation closes on Thursday 20 November.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact for his policies of Newcleo’s decision not to provide funding for clear reactors in the UK.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As set out at the Spending Review, the Government’s policy is to develop a new framework for privately-led advanced nuclear projects to be published shortly. The framework will have a new role for Great British Energy – Nuclear assessing proposals, with the National Wealth Fund exploring potential investment opportunities and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero exploring revenue support for viable projects.

Newcleo LTD’s decision to suspend its advanced nuclear activities in the UK was a commercial decision for the company.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the causes of Newcleo’s decision not to pursue its investment in nuclear reactors in the UK.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government is aware that Newcleo Ltd has taken the decision to suspend its activities in the UK. While it is disappointing to see a company scale back UK activities, this is ultimately a commercial decision for the company.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 82020 on Energy: Buildings, what estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of the (a) Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, (b) Warm Homes: Local Grant and (c) Boiler Upgrade Scheme on (i) energy bills, (ii) carbon emissions (A) to date and (B) in each of the next three years and (iii) the nationally determined contributions target for 2030.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

For Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) the Government publishes Official Statistics including WH:SHF Waves 1 and 2 measures installed, homes treated, carbon and bill savings. Statistics on WH:SHF Wave 3 and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG), summary business cases covering both schemes 2025/26-2027/28 and evaluation findings, will be published in due course.

There is a robust evaluation approach in place for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The Government will publish an Impact Assessment covering the BUS from 2025/26 through to 2029/30. An Impact Assessment for period 2022/23 to 2024/25 is already published. The Government publishes Official Statistics including BUS deployment volumes to date (Table 1.1) and Energy and Emissions Projections (EEP) containing the estimated emission savings generated by BUS installations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80134 on Fuel Poverty: Ely and East Cambridgeshire, if he will make an assessment of trends in the level of fuel poverty in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency in 2024.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Fuel poverty estimates at sub-regional level are official statistics in development. Since they are modelled estimates, they should not be used to identify detailed trends over time.

However, regional fuel poverty figures calculated from the English Housing Survey are comparable over time. The latest statistics (Trends table 4) show that the proportion of households in fuel poverty in the wider region East of England, containing Ely and East Cambridgeshire, has decreased from 18.8% in 2010 to 9.0% in 2024. This is measured using the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency metric.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the ICJ opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change, published in July 2025, on the Rosebank Oil Field.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Following last year’s Supreme Court ruling, we published in June supplementary guidance to ensure the full environmental impact of extraction is considered as part of consenting decisions for offshore oil and gas projects.

We have received further information from the Rosebank project developer, which is currently open to public consultation until 20 November to allow stakeholders to make representations. The further information and any representations received will be thoroughly reviewed. A robust decision-making process will be followed, as with onshore planning, which has similarities.

It would be inappropriate to comment on specific aspects of individual cases.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to accept the recommendation by the Office of Value for Money to lay a Command Paper with a Strategy and Delivery Plan for specific mega projects before Parliament.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Where projects within the Department are designated as megaprojects, the recommendations of the Office for Value for Money study will be considered as appropriate.

Having been defined a mega project by the study, a Strategy and Delivery Plan for Sizewell C will be laid as a Command Paper in Parliament in the coming months.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cash boost for coastal towns hosting clean energy infrastructure, published on 21 May 2025, if he will make it his policy to provide similar benefits to promote the adoption of onshore wind by communities.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In May 2025, the government published a working paper on mandatory community benefits and shared ownership of low carbon energy infrastructure. The proposals would require developers to contribute to community benefit funds to support people and businesses near low carbon energy infrastructure, including onshore wind. The paper also sets out how communities could own a stake in renewable energy infrastructure through shared ownership.

The government has also published updated voluntary guidance on community benefits for onshore wind in England, setting out best practice approaches to ensure developments have a lasting positive impact on communities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the promotion of fraudulent energy saving products.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are tackling promotion of fraudulent energy saving products in homes retrofit through several steps.

Selection and installation of measures is overseen through expert certification processes and bodies. This is being enhanced though development of a robust model for future scheme delivery which will reduce fraud. This includes a simplified approach to scheme design and scoring of measures reducing opportunities for fraud and for gaming. We have ongoing investment in technology to prevent and detect fraud.

Retrofit delivered through local authorities and housing associations have support from delivery partners appointed to bring expertise in assurance and fraud prevention.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 91 of his Department’s Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, published on 15 September 2025, HC 1274, for what reason was facility time increased from £49,777 in 2023-24 to £69,892 in 2024-25; what was the increase in facility time as a proportion of the pay bill; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of funding trade union activities from facility time.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The increase results from an increased headcount and pay bill in the department; ongoing transformation work necessitating high levels of Trade Union engagement and increased engagement following the change of Government in July 2024.

The increase in pay bill from 2023/24 to 2024/25, accounted for 0.0058% of the 2024/25 paybill.

No assessment has been made.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to review (a) regulations and (b) consumer protections through the Warm Homes Plan.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This government is committed to protecting consumers undertaking home retrofit work, as well as improving the overall consumer journey. We are leading reform of a system which is clearly not fit for purpose. This reform will involve rapidly changing the landscape of regulation and consumer protections, spanning from how installers working in people’s homes are certified and monitored, to where homeowners turn to for rapid action and enforcement if things go wrong. This work is already underway, but we will set out plans for root and branch reform as part of the Warm Homes Plan, which will be published soon.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps is he taking to ensure that charging meters in residential blocks that have been incorrectly classified as commercial are reclassified.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Electricity meters serving a premises used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling should be classified as domestic. If a person believes a meter has been incorrectly classified as commercial, they should raise it with the electricity supplier serving the premises, via the landlord if the contract with the supplier is with the landlord. Suppliers are obligated by Ofgem’s supply licence conditions to maintain accurate meter classifications.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Newcleo prior to its decision not to pursue its investment in nuclear reactors in the UK.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding his Department will provide to the devolved administrations to help support the cost of meeting energy bills during the winter of 2025-26.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Energy policy is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland, falling within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Accordingly, help in supporting the cost of meeting energy bills during the winter of 2025-26 is a matter for the relevant Northern Ireland Executive Ministers.

We recognise that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households in England, Wales and Scotland. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the revised Carbon Budget Delivery Plan on the international commitment to cut carbon emissions by over two-thirds by 2030.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are delivering an updated plan that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all sectors of the economy. This will outline the policies and proposals needed to deliver Carbon Budgets 4-6 and our international commitments on a pathway to net zero.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to formalise alternative routes to smart export guarantee eligibility for renewable energy installations that are not certified under the microgeneration certification scheme.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Smart Export Guarantee eligibility criteria are set out in legislation. This requires that an installation and installer are certified through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or a scheme accredited as equivalent. There are no plans to review this requirement.

While such certification is required to access the SEG, suppliers may choose to and, in many cases, do offer export tariffs outside the SEG arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Octopus Energy partnership with Ming Yang on national security.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We cannot comment on individual investment cases, but investment into the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny, and we will continue to work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and ensure the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what measures his Department has in place to run critical services in the event of a major internet outage.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has established a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) that is designed to ensure the continuity of departmental critical services in the event of a major disruption. Our BCMS aligns with industry best practice and is subject to regular review and testing.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to reduce the price disparity between electricity and gas.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I refer my hon Friend to the answer given to my hon Friend the Member for Stroud (Dr Simon Opher) on 20^th October to question UIN (14374).

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure effective coordination between energy infrastructure projects.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is taking a more strategic approach to energy infrastructure. Through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we are ensuring National Policy Statements remain up to date and streamlining decision-making, while maintaining fairness and transparency. We are consulting on new guidance to strengthen community engagement. All large projects must address cumulative impacts as part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, with Local Impact Reports from authorities. The National Energy System Operator is developing the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (2026) and Centralised Strategic Network Plan (2027) to ensure holistic, coordinated planning across Great Britain.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to reduce reliance on Chinese-made components in UK energy infrastructure.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department is committed to working closely across Government and industry stakeholders to take forward the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, innovative and secure. The Government takes the security and resilience of UK energy infrastructure extremely seriously with the UK being one of the most reliable and safest energy systems, and one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. We take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing relations with China and will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Climate Change Committee is subject to (a) the Civil Service Code and (b) guidance from the (i) Cabinet Office and (ii) Government Communication Service on political impartiality.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As an independent, statutory body, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) is not subject to the Civil Service Code. Board Members are expected to adhere to the Cabinet Office's code of conduct for Board Members of public bodies, as well as other central guidance around conduct. Staff are subject to the CCC's own code of conduct. There is a long-standing principle that public bodies must be politically impartial, and all public bodies must comply with the rules on lobbying, attendance at party conference, advertising, marketing and PR.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Belém Action Mechanism.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are committed to working with all Parties to secure outcomes across the COP30 negotiations, including on just transitions, which are a critical opportunity to ensure that workers and communities benefit from the economic transition to net zero. Ahead of COP30 we are considering a range of proposals, including those related to just transitions.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential role of biomethane in the UK’s transition to (a) a clean power system and (b) in achieving net zero.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Biomethane can play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, boosting our energy security and helping us accelerate to net zero.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is working with The National Energy System Operator (NESO) on biomethane’s role in clean power and net zero.

DESNZ expects to publish a consultation on a holistic future policy framework for biomethane in financial year 2025-26, to follow the current Green Gas Support Scheme, which closes to new applications in March 2028.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has considered the assessment of the role of biomethane in the National Energy System Operator’s Future Energy Scenarios.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Biomethane can play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, boosting our energy security and helping us accelerate to net zero.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is working with The National Energy System Operator (NESO) on biomethane’s role in clean power and net zero.

DESNZ expects to publish a consultation on a holistic future policy framework for biomethane in financial year 2025-26, to follow the current Green Gas Support Scheme, which closes to new applications in March 2028.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the growth of the biomethane sector.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Biomethane can play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, boosting our energy security and helping us accelerate to net zero.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is working with The National Energy System Operator (NESO) on biomethane’s role in clean power and net zero.

DESNZ expects to publish a consultation on a holistic future policy framework for biomethane in financial year 2025-26, to follow the current Green Gas Support Scheme, which closes to new applications in March 2028.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the value for money of existing tax-payer funded energy efficiency schemes.

Answered by Lord Wilson of Sedgefield - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government regularly assesses the value for money of its energy efficiency schemes through published impact assessments.

For example, the government has published an Impact Assessment (which is attached) for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) from 2022/23 to 2024/25 which projected a net present social value of £310m demonstrating strong economic and social benefits. Similar assessments are undertaken for other schemes, to ensure effective use of public funds.

These evaluations consider costs, benefits, and delivery performance to maximise outcomes for households and taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to (a) divest public funds from fossil fuels and (b) support community-owned renewable energy initiatives.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As part of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, we are delivering the largest public investment in clean energy and nature recovery in UK history which will cut bills, provide energy security, create jobs, and boost growth. At COP29, The UK joined the Coalition on Phasing out Fossil Fuel Incentives, including Subsidies which further demonstrates our continued engagement on inefficient fossil fuel subsidy reform. At the same time, we are ensuring the North Sea transition sets a global benchmark for a just and prosperous energy future.

Since its establishment, Great British Energy has invested over £280 million into local and community energy with the UK government.

Great British Energy announced that £5 million will be allocated to the Great British Energy Community Fund in 2025/26, a grant funding scheme to support community energy groups to generate their own clean power projects.

On 21 May, we published a working paper on community benefits and shared ownership of low carbon energy infrastructure. The working paper sought evidence on current shared ownership practices in the UK and whether introducing a legal requirement to offer shared ownership using powers in Section 38 Part 6 of the Infrastructure Act 2015 is appropriate. We are currently reviewing responses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that lower wholesale costs of renewable generation are reflected in consumer electricity bills; and whether he plans to review (a) the application of green levies on electricity compared with gas and (b) the market arrangements under which the price of electricity is linked to the cost of gas generation.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Delivering lower bills and a secure energy supply for families and businesses is at the heart of the Government’s sprint towards homegrown, clean energy.

The quicker we transition to homegrown clean power, the quicker we can build a system that will bring bills down for good.

Any decisions regarding green levies will be informed by robust research and analysis of the distribution of levies on energy bills. We will ensure we keep fairness and affordability at the forefront of our minds throughout this process.

The ever-increasing participation of renewables in the wholesale market also means that over time, cheaper electricity produced by renewable technologies will determine the price more often, because we will not need gas to meet demand as frequently.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the adequacy of its counter-fraud policies, in the context of the National Audit Office’s report titled Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October 2025.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Ofgem are the administrator for both ECO4 and GBIS and there is regular engagement between Ofgem and DESNZ on all aspects of the schemes. In regard to the NAO report, Ofgem are actively engaged in the review of evidence relating to possible fraud and they have the legal power to demand that energy suppliers pay for a new measure to be installed, where eligibility for the scheme or delivery of measures is found to have been carried out fraudulently.

Therefore suppliers must have robust fraud management plans as part of their obligation, or face losing money. Further, they will engage with any relevant authorities in pursuit of wider enforcement action where that is deemed necessary.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether consumers will be exempt from paying for remediation costs to fix faulty insulation installations under the (a) ECO4 and (b) GBIS schemes if the costs exceed £20,000.

Answered by Katie White - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The remediation costs sit with the original installer. We expect remediation for solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 or GBIS to cost between £250 and £6,000 for IWI and £5,000 and £18,000 for EWI. This should be covered by the guarantee should the installer no longer be trading.

There have been some instances where costs are greater than £20,000 (complex cases), we are working with the sector to find solutions and for these faulty installations to be fixed.

Wider consumer protection reform will ensure that financial protections are clearly accessible and fully protect the consumer.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much funding his Department plans to provide to (a) transport and (b) storage companies to help support their carbon capture, usage and storage business models in the next 12 months.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the 2025 spending review, the Government allocated £9.4 billion over the Spending Review period.

The bulk of public funding for Track 1 is only provided once projects are operational. Transport & Storage Companies (T&SCos) operate a Regulated Asset Base model regulated by Ofgem. This allows them to recover costs during operation by charging connected capture projects - expected from 2028 onwards.

The government has announced its support for the Acorn and Viking clusters and is providing development funding to advance their delivery, including approximately £200m for Acorn. The exact amounts for each cluster and funding schedule will be subject to negotiations, value for money and deliverability assessments.

Found: between 2021/2 and 2025/6 on mitigation and adaptation across four Government Departments: FCDO, DESNZ

Found: DESNZ intends to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity to correct both these errors.

Found: Is there a team in DESNZ that is doing red team/blue team?

Found: We have been very proactive with DBT, DESNZ and right across the piece, but we might have expected a

Found: tackle fuel poverty, while also saving money.37 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Defra, DfT, MMO, MCA, DESNZ, DfE).

Found: Between 2021/22 and 2024/25, of £552m spent by the FCDO, DESNZ and DSIT via the Ayrton Fund on clean

Found: Q155 Mike Reader: Alex, NESO told DESNZ that all the projects needed to meet clean power 2030 are in

Found: Q155 Mike Reader: Alex, NESO told DESNZ that all the projects needed to meet clean power 2030 are in

Found: That helps to cohere activities across the DFT, DBT, MOD, DFE and a bit of DSIT and DESNZ.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has with the Secretary of State for Defence on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array, in the context of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have worked closely together on how best to unlock the development of up to 3 gigawatts of further onshore wind capability in the Eskdalemuir area. This would contribute up to £2 billion of investment in UK based companies.

Options to unlock this capacity – including through regulations pursuant to powers granted by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – are subject to joint consultation due to be launched by the DESNZ and the Scottish Government.

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Found: (DfT, DESNZ) It is vital that regulating funding agreements incentivise climate adaptation.

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Found: Please send your response to the DESNZ RO team (email below).

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Found: In the Industrial Strategy, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced plans

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Found: David Hutchison <[Redacted, Reg 11(2)]@gov.scot> Subject: Readout from Ms Martin meeting with SoS DESNZ