Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information he holds on the potential consequences of reforming the electricity market to decouple the price of electricity from the price of gas through changes to the current marginal pricing system.

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

The Government has assessed the possible impacts of electricity market reform via the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. Last year, it was confirmed that Great Britain will continue with a single, national wholesale electricity market using marginal pricing. Rather than fundamentally separating electricity prices from gas, the Reformed National Pricing Delivery Plan prioritises targeted reforms to reduce consumer costs while maintaining a secure, affordable and efficient electricity system. Key measures include better siting and investment signals, reduced network constraint costs, and more effective balancing. The Delivery Plan includes an assessment framework and will be underpinned by analysis and evidence.

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 individuals with high domestic power bills arising from complex medical needs, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in energy prices.

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

From April, households will benefit from reduction energy bills thanks to the action that the Government took in the Budget, with the price cap falling by £117, giving households certainty on their bills until July.

The government have also announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. Funding is being delivered by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

They may also be eligible for support such as the Warm Home Discount and I would urge anyone in such a challenging situation to contact their energy supplier or Citizens Advice to see what further support is available. Vulnerable consumers who need extra support are also able to sign up for the Priority Services Register for free.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has an estimate for the share of electricity in demand in Scotland met by nuclear generation for each of the last five years.

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

Electricity, including that generated from nuclear, is traded both nationally and internationally and is not constrained to geographical areas. No estimate has been made of the contribution of nuclear generation to Scotland’s demand.

Data on Scotland’s annual electricity demand and generation are published in the UK Energy Trends article: Energy Trends: December 2025, special feature article - Electricity generation and supply in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, 2020 to 2024 - GOV.UK

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 accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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

Through our Clean Power 2030 mission, we are reducing dependency on volatile global fossil fuel markets and delivering a diverse, secure and clean energy system based on renewables and nuclear, backed by a supply of gas.

Our work to date - reforming the connections queue, taking a clear decision on REMA and publishing roadmaps for key technologies like Solar and Clean Flexibility - has given a clear signal to industry. And we have now delivered the most successful renewables auction in history, with AR7 securing a record-breaking 8.4 gigawatts of offshore wind, which will power the equivalent of around 12m homes.

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 impact of the indexation of feed in tariffs to align with CPI rather than RPI from financial year 2026-27 on community energy schemes.

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

Changing indexation of the Feed‑in Tariffs scheme from RPI to CPI is estimated to reduce average revenue for a generator remaining on the scheme until 2036/37 by around 4.2%, compared with a scenario where indexation is unchanged. Generators that exit the scheme earlier would experience a smaller average impact. The available data does not allow for analysis on specific groups of generators such as community energy schemes. An analytical annex, including an assessment of the potential impacts of this policy, was published alongside the government response.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions Ministers and officials held with the Northern Ireland Executive and DAERA in the period immediately preceding the Assembly vote on the UK ETS maritime extension.

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

The ETS Authority, made up of the four governments work together for the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the UK ETS. There is regular dialogue between DESNZ and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on ETS matters, including on maritime.

DAERA officials provide advice on ETS matters to the NI Executive and DAERA Ministers.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what estimate he has made of the amount of offshore wind capacity that has been delayed or constrained due to radar-related issues.

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

As part of a mission led Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Defence and have worked together to assess the impact of offshore wind on the UK’s radar systems and the potential for delays to offshore wind deployment. This collaborative effort informed the procurement of the new specially designed air defence radar systems, which will facilitate the co-existence of up to 10 GW of offshore wind capacity, enabling the Government to deliver its clean power mission whilst protecting national security.

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 wholesale electricity prices being set by the marginal cost of gas generation on the extent to which consumer bills reflect lower-cost renewable generation.

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

Marginal pricing incentivises the cheapest sources of energy production to provide as much power as possible, more expensive producers are only used when it is necessary to meet demand.

The real problem is that we rely too much on volatile fossil fuels – and the solution is our clean power mission: upgrading our grid while accelerating the rollout of clean, homegrown energy, so the price of electricity is instead set by clean power that we control.

Every wind turbine we switch on and solar panel we deploy helps reduce our exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration he has given to embedding independent architectural design expertise as a key pillar in developing retrofits funded through the Warm Homes Plan.

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

The Government recognises that good retrofit design is essential to high-quality home upgrades. The Warm Homes Plan takes a whole-house approach, supporting packages of measures including clean heat, solar, batteries and insulation, according to what is most appropriate and cost-effective for each property.

Product designers and installers will take architecture into account. The Government is also supporting improved skills, standards, and oversight across the sector to drive better outcomes for households and 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 local variations in petrol and diesel prices between fuel retailers; and what steps he is taking to improve consistency and transparency.

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

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recent annual report found that competition has not strengthened since 2023, which was consistent with significant price variations within and between local areas.

Fuel Finder is now live, with all petrol filling stations in the UK required to publish their latest prices. Increasing price transparency will increase pressure on fuel retailers to compete strongly to attract consumers by lowering their prices, including at a local level.

The CMA will continue to monitor the road fuel market using statutory information gathering powers and will use Fuel Finder data to further assess regional pricing.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress has been made towards the goal of delivering a 75% reduction in emissions from public sector buildings by 2037, compared to a 2017 baseline.

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

The goal of delivering a 75% reduction in emissions from public sector buildings by 2037 compared to a 2017 baseline was a target set by the previous Government.

Direct emissions from public sector buildings in the UK were 8.6 MtCO2e in 2017 and 8.8 MtCO2e in 2025 (provisional statistics).

Since 2020 the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has supported, and continues to support, over 1,400 projects to help public sector organisations decarbonise their estates, with funding allocated up until 2028.

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 reforms to energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector drives heat demand reduction via insulation.

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

Reformed Energy Performance Certificates will assess properties’ energy performance against several metrics, one of which is fabric performance. The new minimum energy efficiency standards will require private rented homes to first meet a ‘C’ rating for fabric performance unless a relevant exemption is in place. The prioritisation of fabric measures will help ensure a reduction in heat demand, delivering bill savings for tenants and lifting households out of fuel poverty.

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 role grid-scale energy storage will play in maintaining electricity supply when renewable generation is low.

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

Grid-scale storage helps to balance the electricity system at lower cost, maximise the output from intermittent low carbon generation, and provide electricity security.

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets out ambitions for 23-27 GW of grid-scale batteries and 4-6GW of long duration electricity storage (LDES) by 2030. Batteries enable us to manage intraday variability, and LDES technologies enable us to cover multi‑hour to multi‑day energy deficits.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many departmental employees were on performance management plans in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

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

Numbers on Performance Management Plans:

• 2024: Managing Poor Performance = 28, Performance Management = 2

• 2025: Managing Poor Performance = 20, Performance Management = 0

DESNZ was not created until February 2023, so figures are not available before this time.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many free allowances were granted to businesses under the Emissions Trading Scheme in each of the last three years.

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

The total number of free allowances distributed under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) in each of the last three years was as follows:

2024: 30,823,937

2025: 25,451,671

2026: 24,107,382

This information is publicly available on GOV.UK at UK ETS Allocation Table for operators of installations - GOV.UK.

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 the decarbonisation of non-domestic buildings.

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

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is supporting public sector organisations in England to install low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures across their estates up until 2028. The Department is also working with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), which is leading cross-Whitehall work on the potential role for private finance to support public sector decarbonisation.

Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, commercial, public and voluntary sector buildings can receive £7,500 for heat pumps and £5,000 for biomass boilers. The Department also helps fund the UK Business Climate Hub, an online resource supporting SMEs identify and implement changes to their energy use.

The department also consulted strengthening non-domestic minimum energy efficiency standards to EPC B and will publish its government 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 assessment he has made of the role of battery storage in reducing the UK's reliance on international energy markets.

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

Batteries help balance the electricity system at lower cost and maximise the output from intermittent renewable generation, which helps reduce our reliance on gas and thus international energy markets.

As of March 2027, there is 7.2GW of grid-scale battery storage on the GB grid. S The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan set out an ambition for 23-27 GW of grid-scale batteries connected by 2030. We are therefore already making significant strides towards reducing our dependence on gas.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what monitoring arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the radar upgrades deliver the expected increase in offshore wind deployment.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will continue to work closely to ensure that proposed wind farms can operate at their design capacity and for which MOD consent has been granted. Any necessary contingency measures are incorporated within the bilateral agreements between the MOD and offshore wind developers. Ongoing collaboration between DESNZ, MOD, and developers, provides robust oversight of the overall delivery of offshore wind capacity, with the radar upgrades forming a key part of the wider enabling infrastructure to facilitate increased offshore wind deployment.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what contingency plans are in place if the radar upgrades do not unlock the full 10 GW of offshore wind capacity anticipated.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will continue to work closely to ensure that proposed wind farms can operate at their design capacity and for which MOD consent has been granted. Any necessary contingency measures are incorporated within the bilateral agreements between the MOD and offshore wind developers. Ongoing collaboration between DESNZ, MOD, and developers, provides robust oversight of the overall delivery of offshore wind capacity, with the radar upgrades forming a key part of the wider enabling infrastructure to facilitate increased offshore wind deployment.

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 UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding on linking the Emission Trading Systems of the European Union and the United Kingdom, of December 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the proposed reform of the EU Emissions Trading System.

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

The UK and EU agreed to work towards linking their respective emissions trading schemes at the May 2025 Summit and linking negotiations to that end are underway.

The EU Emissions Trading System is undergoing review currently and proposals emanating from that review are expected to be issued this summer.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people in each local authority area contacted Citizen’s Advice for help on issues relating to energy provision in each January between 2020 and 2026.

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

Citizens Advice is not a Government body but a network of independent registered charities. DESNZ therefore does not hold the requested information.

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 individuals with high domestic power bills arising from complex medical needs.

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

From April, households will benefit from reduction energy bills thanks to the action that the Government took in the Budget, with the price cap falling by £117, giving households certainty on their bills until July.

The government have also announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. Funding is being delivered by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

They may also be eligible for support such as the Warm Home Discount and I would urge anyone in such a challenging situation to contact their energy supplier or Citizens Advice to see what further support is available. Vulnerable consumers who need extra support are also able to sign up for the Priority Services Register for free.

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 current grid reserve capacity as renewable generation increases.

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

The Government is confident that Great Britain’s electricity system continues to maintain high levels of resilience and strong security of supply. System operators have the tools they need to effectively manage the system in a wide range of scenarios as renewable generation increases.

This includes ensuring sufficient negative and positive reserves on the system to manage changes in generation or demand.

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 impact of intermittent renewable energy generation on grid stability.

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

The Government is confident that Great Britain’s electricity system continues to maintain high levels of resilience and strong security of supply. System operators have the tools they need to effectively manage the system in a wide range of scenarios as renewable generation increases.

This includes ensuring sufficient negative and positive reserves on the system to manage changes in generation or demand.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Defence in previous years regarding the impact of offshore wind on radar systems.

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

As part of a mission led Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Defence and have worked together to assess the impact of offshore wind on the UK’s radar systems and the potential for delays to offshore wind deployment. This collaborative effort informed the procurement of the new specially designed air defence radar systems, which will facilitate the co-existence of up to 10 GW of offshore wind capacity, enabling the Government to deliver its clean power mission whilst protecting national security.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of radar-related constraints on previous offshore wind project delays.

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

As part of a mission led Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Defence and have worked together to assess the impact of offshore wind on the UK’s radar systems and the potential for delays to offshore wind deployment. This collaborative effort informed the procurement of the new specially designed air defence radar systems, which will facilitate the co-existence of up to 10 GW of offshore wind capacity, enabling the Government to deliver its clean power mission whilst protecting national security.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many businesses received free allowances under the Emissions Trading Scheme in each of the last three years.

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

The number of businesses that received free allowances under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) in each of the last three years was as follows:

2024: 284

2025: 273

2026: 265

Note that the Allocation Table lists the company that operated each site at the time the table was last updated, rather than when the free allowances for a given year were distributed, so the figures above should be treated as approximate for 2024 and 2025.

This information is publicly available on GOV.UK at UK ETS Allocation Table for operators of installations - GOV.UK.

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 address a) accreditation, b) oversight and c) verification failings of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and other previous programmes, and to ensure that these failings are not repeated in the Warm Homes Plan.

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

The Department has taken action to improve the oversight and quality of installations in the current system. This includes increased oversight of TrustMark, tighter certification rules limiting installers to one PAS 2030 certification per measure and updated PAS 2035/2030:2023 standards mandating site visits and higher professional qualifications.

We are committed to reforming the consumer protection system, as set out in the Warm Homes Plan. We will consult this year on options for bringing the oversight of energy efficiency and microgeneration installations for government schemes under closer government control.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many civil servants in their Department were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025.

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

There were

(a) Five or fewer* civil servants were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in 2024.

(b) Eight civil servants were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in 2025.

*Volumes which are five or fewer have been redacted to avoid potential identification of individuals.

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 New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what estimate he has made of how much of the 10 GW of offshore wind capacity unlocked has already been contracted but not yet constructed.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Defence carried out in-depth analysis of the UK’s offshore wind pipeline to understand which offshore wind farms had radar dependencies and would be unlocked by an upgraded air defence radar system that protects both national security and energy security. The 10 GW of offshore wind capacity unlocked consists of relevant projects successful at Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 and others that will support the Government’s clean power mission which are at varying stages of development.

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 any assessment of the potential merits of leveraging private investment in the gas-to-heat-pump transition by underwriting a net saving to the consumer.

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

Our ambition is to ensure that clean heat is the most attractive and natural option for people when upgrading or replacing their heating system. That means driving down upfront costs, helping with financing and grants, and ensuring everyone can reap the financial benefits with cheaper electricity and smart tariffs.

The recent Budget took unprecedented steps to drive down electricity costs for all households, while those with electric heating stand to benefit most.

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 (a) expand and (b) ensure resiliency of the UK’s gas (i) infrastructure and storage systems and (ii) reserves.

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

Government works continuously with industry to improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure to a range of evolving risks and future system changes. In 2026, DESNZ will publish an Energy Resilience Strategy to set out Government’s long-term priorities to maintain energy resilience now and in the future.

The UK benefits from diverse gas supply sources. This limits our reliance on any one type of infrastructure - in winter 24/25, gas storage provided ~8% of GB’s total gas use. We are confident this diverse portfolio will continue to meet GB’s energy needs. However, Government recognises the energy transition may change future infrastructure requirements. We recently consulted on options to safeguard gas security of supply, including measures to encourage investment in additional storage capacity if needed. A response will follow 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 information his Department holds on trends in the average cost of household energy bills since 2023.

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

The department publishes statistics on domestic electricity and gas bills, based on data provided to the department by energy suppliers.

Annual domestic energy bills - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the total (a) energy and (b) water demands of all proposed AI data centres.

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

The Department’s published Energy and Emissions Projections include growth in power demand from computing services like data centres. To ensure a comprehensive view, the methodology projects at a broader sector level, not disaggregating specific estimates for data centres.

Water use comes under the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Its Water Delivery Taskforce is building an evidence base of data centre water use across England. The Government encourages data centre developers to consider use of non-potable water, embed water efficiency or reuse in design, and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the potential impacts of co-locating WECCS (waste-energy carbon capture and storage) with EfW (energy-from-waste) plants on regional energy systems and grid infrastructure, including any potential to reduce the need for new grid connections.

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

Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) is fundamental to the deep decarbonisation of industries such as EfW. CCUS is the only net zero compliant technology for many types of plants in the residual waste management sector.

The residential waste sector also has a high percentage of biogenic CO2, which if captured have the potential to create greenhouse gas removals.

CCUS technology requires energy to power the facility, and therefore the energy balance of an energy-from-waste (EfW) facility is expected to be impacted by the deployment of CCUS. These impacts will vary depending on the facility, notably whether the EfW facility is new or whether CCUS is being retrofitted on an existing site.

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 25 March 2026 to Question 122231 on Energy: Prices, what estimate he has made of the proportion of demand made up of liquified natural gas imported from Qatar by 2035.

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

The Department has not made an assessment as to the proportion of demand that Qatari LNG will account for in 2035. LNG will continue to play an important role in the UK’s gas supply mix and it is the Department’s view that this will continue to arrive from a range of different countries.

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 green workforce is expanding at a pace sufficient to meet the growing demands of an accelerated energy transition.

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

In October 2025, the Government published the Clean Energy Jobs Plan (CEJP). The CEJP sets out the workforce needed to deliver our clean energy superpower mission, and how the government will work in partnership with industry and trade unions to deliver it.

This month we have announced 5 new Clean Energy Technical Excellence Colleges to support delivery of this workforce. We have also committed to implement a Fair Work Charter alongside the Clean Industry Bonus, to help ensure that clean energy jobs are good jobs.

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 reduce barriers faced by households seeking to export surplus renewable electricity to the grid.

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

The Government recognises the importance of enabling households to export surplus renewable electricity to the grid, in part to ensure that they can realise value from their investments. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme which gives small-scale generators the right to be paid for the electricity they export to the grid.

The Government has recently committed to consult on changes to make it quicker and simpler for generators to be paid for the electricity they export to the grid.

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 that reductions in electricity costs are passed on to consumers in park home communities.

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

Park homes residents who pay for their electricity via their site owner are protected from excessive charges by the Maximum Resale Price provisions drafted by Ofgem. The provisions prevent businesses from reselling energy to the residents at a higher price than the price that they paid to the licensed energy supplier.

Consumers are entitled to receive a breakdown of the costs incurred by the party that arranges your energy contract upon request. The breakdown should include details of the cost of electricity and/or gas, standing charges and VAT paid.

The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid – and the Chancellor and I are exploring ways to support eligible households on non-domestic contracts, like park homes, too.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with fuel suppliers and retailers on supply to petrol forecourts in Scotland.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero engages regularly with fuel suppliers and retailers across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, to monitor fuel supply resilience and ensure continued availability at petrol forecourts. Officials maintain close contact with industry stakeholders to assess supply chain conditions, including refinery operations, distribution networks, and retail capacity. These discussions form part of routine market monitoring and contingency planning to identify and mitigate potential disruptions. The Government works closely with industry through established resilience frameworks. We are confident in the UK’s security of fuel supply.

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 trends in the number of jobs in the oil and gas sector since 2023.

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

The Government holds information on employment trends in the oil and gas sector from a range of sources, including industry data and independent research.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that direct employment in the sector was around 27,000 in 2023 and around 28,000 in 2024 on a provisional basis.

Analysis shows strong skills transferability from oil and gas to offshore clean energy roles.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to ADE's Electricity System Benefits of Heat Networks research paper, whether he has made an assessment of the value for money of the Department’s target for individual air source heat pumps in urban and semi-urban areas like Leeds.

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

The Department’s latest assessment of the value for money of heat pump deployment is outlined in the March 2026 impact assessment of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The scheme is demand-led, and funds installations in urban and semi-urban areas, including Leeds.

Our strategy for upgrading buildings is outlined in the Warm Homes Plan, and our Heat Network Zoning policy is designed to support the development of low carbon heat networks in the optimum right places. This ensures that consumers can benefit from the efficiencies that heat networks bring, as described in ADE’s research, whilst also ensuring that we respond to consumer demand for cleaner heat today.

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 off-grid rural communities dependent on heating oil as part of a transition to a renewable energy system.

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

The £15 billion Warm Homes Plan includes an offer for everyone, including those living in rural areas and off the gas grid. The Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund support eligible households to upgrade their homes, with measures including insulation, solar, batteries, and heat pumps.

All eligible households in England and Wales can also benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), funded with £2.7 billion to 2030. This will provide more options for homes where a hydronic heat pump may not be the most appropriate solution, including air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries.

Additionally, the Government has published a consultation on alternative heating solutions which explores the role these technologies could play in ensuring that every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February, and a government response will follow 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 estimate he has made of the average increase in energy costs for small businesses since 2021.

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

The department publishes statistics on the price paid for electricity and gas by the non-domestic sector.

Industrial energy price statistics - GOV.UK

This includes tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 outlining the prices of fuels purchased by non-domestic consumers split by consumption size band.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether a Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced in relation UK membership of the EU Electricity Market and the ETS scheme.

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

We will negotiate an electricity agreement with the EU to cut the cost of trading electricity with European partners, strengthen our energy security, drive investment in the North Sea, and help to achieve our Clean Power 2030 Mission. In parallel, the Government is negotiating the potential for linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes, which could help UK companies avoid paying taxes on up to £7 billion of exports. The detailed commitments under any such agreement, including any assessment of impacts, will be developed as part of the negotiations.

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 adequacy of the level of technical maturity and commercial readiness of WECCS (waste-energy carbon capture and storage) at EfW (energy-from-waste) sites to deliver verified greenhouse-gas removals at scale.

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

Carbon capture and storage (CCUS) is fundamental to the deep decarbonisation of industries such as energy-from-waste (EfW). CCUS is the only net zero compliant technology for many types of plants in the residual waste management sector.

The residential waste sector has a high percentage of biogenic CO2, which if captured have the potential to create greenhouse gas removals.

The government has developed a business model to support Waste CCUS projects and stimulate private sector investment. Following the signature of the first Waste ICC contract, the Protos Energy Recovery Facility in Cheshire is set to be the UK’s first CCUS-enabled Energy from Waste facility, generating enough electricity to power 80,000 UK homes securing 500 jobs. This is a first step to delivering carbon removals from the EfW sector, demonstrating the technical readiness of CCUS enabled EfW facilities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of industrial electricity prices on inward investment in AI data centres since OpenAI’s decision to pause its UK Stargate project.

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

The Government is focused on continuing to create the right conditions for investment in the UK’s AI and data centre infrastructure.

Through the AI Energy Council, it is already bringing together energy system bodies and leading technology companies, including NESO, EDF, Microsoft and Google, to address the energy implications of AI growth and ensure the system is ready to support future demand.

Alongside this, the Government is bringing forward a consultation on discounting data centres' energy costs for eligible projects in areas with excess electricity supply, including Scotland, Cumbria and the North East.

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 designating areas with high conservation status, such as Bath, as priority areas for early zoning.

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

The Department invites strategic and local authorities in England to help identify the next tranche of zones for our future pipeline. Each potential zone will be assessed against quantitative (scale, quality and affordability), and qualitative metrics (readiness, viability, feasibility). Relevant local and strategic authorities—including those covering high conservation areas such as Bath—are welcome to contribute evidence to this review. We are already engaging with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority as part of our Advanced Zoning Programme.

(More information about this on the HNDU webpage: www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-networks-delivery-unit).

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 impact of electricity connection charges on investment in renewable energy (a) small businesses and (b) farms.

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

Ofgem is responsible for the connection charging regulatory framework, which strikes a balance between recovering costs from connecting customers and electricity bill payers. In recent years Ofgem has reduced the connection costs that customers face, for example demand customers are typically not now required to contribute towards distribution network reinforcement costs of accommodating their connection.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of renewable energy projects awaiting grid connection in (1) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (2) Lincolnshire.

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

Information on projects holding connection agreements is available at TEC Register | National Energy System Operator for transmission projects and, for distribution projects, at National Grid - Embedded capacity register (Central and Southern Lincolnshire) and Northern Powergrid - Embedded capacity register (Northern Lincolnshire). Data is categorised by grid connection point, not geographic location of generation projects.

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 purchasing Emissions Trading Scheme permits in the secondary market on the cost to businesses.

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

The price of carbon allowances in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme is set by the market. A market-determined price of carbon is the most efficient way to decarbonise the traded sector.

The UK ETS Authority sets the scheme’s cap, which sets a limit on the volume of greenhouse gases participants captured by the scheme can emit.

In 2024 the UK ETS cap was aligned to net zero. This ensures the covered sectors will reduce their emissions in line with the UK’s climate target and establishes a long-term investment signal. An impact assessment was conducted, including costs to businesses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration his Department has given of the potential merits of increasing the electricity export limit of 3.68 kW for domestic renewable energy systems without prior approval from the Distribution Network Operator.

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

The Department recognises that the export threshold may restrict some households seeking to maximise the benefits of generation. Ofgem, as part of its Connections End‑to‑End Review, has proposed to ask DNOs to review the threshold with the view to increase it (page 83 - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-12/connections-end-to-end-review-next-steps-final.pdf). The Department is engaging closely with Ofgem, network companies and other stakeholders as this work progresses.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to introduce targeted support for small businesses facing significant increases in energy costs.

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

Through our Clean Power 2030 mission we are accelerating the transition to clean, homegrown electricity to shield end-users from the volatility of fossil fuel prices and to deliver reliable, affordable energy to every part of the UK economy.

A significant proportion of businesses are on fixed-term contracts that shield them from market volatility for the contract duration. However, we recognise that at the point of contracting, businesses are exposed to international fossil fuel markets, and clearly, for both businesses and consumers, much will depend on the length of this crisis.

Just as we are looking across Government at the situation that households face, the Government is absolutely focused on the impact of the crisis on business and industry, and we will not hesitate to act.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of renewable energy deployment on long-term energy prices for domestic consumers.

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

The Prime Minister and the Government is committed to delivering clean power because it gives us energy security, protects households and businesses from global price shocks, helps tackle the climate crisis and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across Britain.

The independent NESO set out pathways to a clean power system in 2030, and confirmed it was deliverable and more secure, and could see a lower electricity cost and bills.

We are delivering on our ambitious plan to move our electricity system to clean power that we control – reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting everyone from future price spikes.

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 impact of renewable energy deployment on energy price stability for domestic consumers.

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

The Prime Minister and the Government is committed to delivering clean power because it gives us energy security, protects households and businesses from global price shocks, helps tackle the climate crisis and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across Britain.

The independent NESO set out pathways to a clean power system in 2030, and confirmed it was deliverable and more secure, and could see a lower electricity cost and bills.

We are delivering on our ambitious plan to move our electricity system to clean power that we control – reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting everyone from future price spikes.

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 move off-grid rural communities dependent on heating oil to a renewable-based energy system.

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

The £15 billion Warm Homes Plan includes an offer for everyone, including those living in rural areas and off the gas grid. The Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund support eligible households to upgrade their homes, with measures including insulation, solar, batteries, and heat pumps.

All eligible households in England and Wales can also benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), funded with £2.7 billion to 2030. This will provide more options for homes where a hydronic heat pump may not be the most appropriate solution, including air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries.

Additionally, the Government has published a consultation on alternative heating solutions which explores the role these technologies could play in ensuring that every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February, and a Government response will follow 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 his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the closure of plants currently supported under the Renewables Obligation from April 2027 on business continuity, jobs and energy resilience.

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

Accreditation under the Renewables Obligation (RO) was always intended to be time limited and generators have known, from the date they were accredited, how long their support would last.

The Government will continue to monitor the potential impacts of the closure of the scheme on different technologies.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to introduce additional incentives for non-domestic buildings to use building energy management systems, with consideration to energy costs, carbon emissions and building occupants health.

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

Building Energy Management Systems can help landlords meet their obligations under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

The Energy Systems Catapult has guidance on Building Energy Management Systems, available to all public sector organisations at https://es.catapult.org.uk/tools-and-labs/public-sector-decarbonisation-guidance/all-tools-and-tutorials/

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 with the Coal Authority to use mine water heat for heat networks.

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

Mine water heat is already used in some heat networks. The Gateshead Heat Network and Seaham Garden Village have been supported through the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) and Heat Network Investment Project respectively. We are in touch with the Coal Authority (now the Mining and Remediation Authority) to monitor developments in the sector and to offer support where applicable, such as through the GHNF.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment (a) his Department and (b) GB Energy has made of the capability and capacity of the UK steel industry to provide products for the UK’s renewable energy transition.

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

Government commissioned a report on the UK steel demand forecast to 2050, to inform the UK steel strategy. The strategy highlights the importance of steel in the clean energy transition.

Great British Energy (GBE) is committed to growing the UK’s manufacturing base and delivering enduring, sovereign capabilities in the clean energy technologies of the future. The Energy, Engineered in the UK (EEUK) programme is designed to unlock industrial opportunities from the energy transition and support GBE’s overall ambition to support at least 10,000 jobs through projects funded by 2030.

As part of delivering EEUK, GBE are working closely with Make UK and their membership to assess opportunities for UK steel within the energy transition and are actively engaging with the sector. This has included presenting on the EEUK programme to the UK steel committee in March.

More information about future funding opportunities will be available to the market 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 assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the budget for (a) tidal stream technologies and (b) other Pot 2 technologies in Allocation Round 8 above the £15 million provided in Allocation Round 7.

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

For Allocation Round 8 of the Contracts for Difference scheme, the Government will consider a range of factors when setting budgets and parameters for tidal stream and other technologies, including the pipeline of eligible projects, progress towards decarbonisation targets, and value for money for consumers.

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 cabinet colleagues about the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on the energy transition and net-zero.

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

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible.

One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications.

Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of 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 discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on reducing energy bills.

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

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible.

One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications.

Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of 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 steps his Department taking to support delivery of the Morlais tidal stream project in Anglesey.

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

The UK Government supports the Morlais tidal stream project primarily through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, our main mechanism for supporting low‑carbon electricity generation. Tidal stream projects deployed at Morlais have secured CfD contracts through recent allocation rounds, providing long‑term revenue certainty and supporting deployment from 2026 onwards. The Government has also maintained ringfenced budgets for tidal stream in successive CfD rounds, recognising the UK’s global leadership in this emerging technology.

Responsibility for the Morlais site infrastructure and its development sits with the Welsh Government, which has provided equity and regional funding.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the total untapped offshore wind generating capacity in the North Sea; and what proportion of that capacity could be brought forward through future Crown Estate leasing rounds.

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

In January 2026 the UK signed a clean energy pact with Germany, France, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway. This noted that 300GW of offshore wind could be built across the North Sea by 2050. The Crown Estate has said publicly that they could bring 20-30GW of new offshore wind capacity to market by 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps is his Department taking to increase the amount of tidal stream capacity procured in Allocation Round 8.

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

The Government will set out the design of Allocation Round 8, including parameters for all CfD eligible technologies, ahead of the round opening.

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 recommendations on the use of long-term revenue support mechanisms such as Regulated Asset Base models and Contracts for Difference within the of the ADE: Heat Networks' Clean Heat 2040 report, whether she has considered applying such a model to a demonstrator city, such as Bath.

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

A Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model allows a regulated monopoly to earn an agreed level of revenue, as used in sectors such as water. Planned Heat Network Zoning Regulations will deliver a similar effect by granting zone developers exclusive rights within designated areas, with tariffs agreed with the responsible local authority to enable an appropriate return.

Further work is required to assess the effectiveness of these models relative to zoning and existing capital support, and it would not be appropriate to introduce a demonstrator city at this stage.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of businesses, landlords and the property sector on proposed changes to minimum Energy Performance Certificate standards for non-domestic properties.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has engaged extensively with businesses, landlords and the property sector on the proposed changes to the policy on minimum energy performance standards for privately rented non-domestic property. This includes formal public consultations in 2019 and 2021, ongoing engagement with trade bodies, investors, letting agents and small business representatives, and targeted workshops to understand impacts, costs and deliverability. Stakeholders have consistently emphasised the importance of regulatory certainty, sufficient lead-in times and proportionate requirements, which have informed revisions to the proposed timelines and policy design.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to ADE's Electricity System Benefits of Heat Networks research paper, whether he is taking steps to reform planning arrangements to capture potential £1.2 billion annual savings in avoided generation capacity from the expansion of heat networks.

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

The Warm Homes Plan sets our strategy for upgrading buildings, including. the case for heat networks to decarbonise heat whilst reducing the cost of upgrading the grid. We estimate that heat network deployment will save £5-7 billion in avoided distribution network costs, even before flexibility is accounted for. ADE’s research adds to our understanding in this area.

Our Heat Network Zoning policy will ensure that heat networks are built where they are the lowest-cost low carbon option, whilst Regional Energy Strategic Plans will ensure a more strategic, joined-up approach to electrification at a distribution level.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will consider bringing the Contracts for Difference Scheme under the remit of the Procurement Policy Note for Steel, and the national security clauses of the Procurement Act 2023.

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

As set out in the recent UK Steel Strategy, the Clean Industry Bonus element of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme rewards offshore wind developers if they use UK steel in their projects. There are currently no plans to bring the CfD scheme under the remit of the Procurement policy note for steel, and the National clauses of the Procurement Act 2023.

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.

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 with the National Wealth Fund to provide funding for heat networks in rural and coastal areas such as Cornwall.

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

The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) supports new and existing heat networks across England and Wales to adopt low carbon technologies. Applicants to the scheme are also encouraged to seek financing options from the National Wealth Fund and can opt to have their project information shared with the Fund for them to consider potential support. Heat network developers in coastal areas can contact the GHNF delivery partner, Triple Point Heat Networks, or consult the scheme guidance (Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF): Round 11 application guidance - GOV.UK) for further information.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Government is taking steps to implement the recommendations of the Whitehead Review, including formally recognising WECCS (waste-energy carbon capture and storage) as a greenhouse-gas removal route.

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

Even with our policies for greater waste prevention, reuse and a significant municipal waste recycling rate, there will still be a need to manage residual waste.

Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities are a better option than landfill or incineration without energy recovery. They will remain a key part of our waste system.

The residential waste sector has a high percentage of biogenic CO2, which if captured have the potential to create greenhouse gas removals.

Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) is essential to cut emissions from waste facilities. It is currently the only net zero compliant technology for many types of plants in the residual waste management system.

The government has welcomed the Independent GGR Review, is considering the recommendations and 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, whether he has considered the potential merits of time-limited transitional support mechanism for generators currently supported through the Renewables Obligation, including to help safeguard critical infrastructure and help support investment in carbon capture technology.

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

Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme support ends for some generators from 2027 onwards, and the Government is aware that this will affect the commercial viability of some operators. The Government recognises the value that these generators provide. However, these benefits must be weighed against the cost of potential further support.

The Government does not intend to pursue a comprehensive ongoing support mechanism as this would not deliver value for money to consumers, but it is exploring the implementation of a long-term methane capture scheme for existing landfill gas generators, with suitable transitional arrangements. We will provide stakeholders with an update 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 assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the closure of the Grangemouth refinery on fuel supply.

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

Grangemouth refinery was converted into an import terminal in April 2025 and supply in Scotland and the UK have continued as normal. The UK remains well supplied through a combination of domestic production and imports. The UK continues to have sufficient operational refining capacity, including at Fawley, Humber, Pembroke and Stanlow. There has been no disruption to fuel supply, and the Government continues to monitor supply resilience closely.

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 level of risk of Russian physical interference in the UK’s offshore wind turbine energy infrastructure.

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

National Security is a key priority for the government. The Department is working with the National Protective Security Authority, the energy industry, regulators, and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the security and resilience of energy infrastructure. This work focusses on reducing the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensuring an effective response to incidents - considering a range of threats and future system changes.

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 home gas suppliers charge reasonable renewal prices.

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

Domestic energy consumers are protected by the energy price cap set by Ofgem, which limits the unit rates and standing charges that can be charged by energy suppliers, including limits on the profit that energy suppliers can make from default tariffs.

From 1 April until the end of June, the price cap has fallen by 7% or £117 to £1,641 per year for an average dual fuel customer paying by Direct Debit. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.

You can find more information on the impact of Government action here:

Your energy bill from April: what’s changing - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to take further steps to reduce UK electricity prices compared with those in France and Germany.

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

The Government is actively working to lower electricity prices by addressing the root causes of high costs. We are reversing years of underinvestment and implementing the largest upgrade to Great Britain’s electricity network in decades, reducing constraint costs and making greater use of affordable renewable energy. Through our Clean Power mission, we are accelerating renewable deployment to lessen the frequency with which gas determines electricity prices. Additionally, Reformed National Pricing will reshape investment decisions and improve system operations. Altogether, these initiatives aim to create a fair, affordable, secure and efficient electricity system, ultimately driving down bills for good.

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 implications for his policies of the research paper by ADE entitled Electricity System Benefits of Heat Networks, published on 11 January 2025.

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

The Warm Homes Plan sets our strategy for upgrading buildings, including. the case for heat networks to decarbonise heat whilst reducing the cost of upgrading the grid. We estimate that heat network deployment will save £5-7 billion in avoided distribution network costs, even before flexibility is accounted for. ADE’s research adds to our understanding in this area.

Our Heat Network Zoning policy will ensure that heat networks are built where they are the lowest-cost low carbon option, whilst Regional Energy Strategic Plans will ensure a more strategic, joined-up approach to electrification at a distribution level.

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 UK’s preparedness to respond to a nuclear safety incident arising from damage to a nuclear power plant by hostile actors.

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

The UK has an established nuclear safety regime, which it keeps under regular review to ensure it is responsive to emerging threats.

The independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), requires civil nuclear facilities to be designed and operated with layers of defence-in-depth, to provide protection and mitigation if a control fails. This multi-layered approach encompasses physical, cyber, personnel security, and safety fail-safes. Additionally, high consequence nuclear sites are protected by a dedicated, onsite armed police force.

Site safety and security arrangements are regularly tested, exercised, and reviewed to maintain their effectiveness in the unlikely event of an incident. This provides confidence that the UK’s civil nuclear power plants are designed to uphold nuclear safety and effectively counteract threats, including those posed by hostile actors.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration his Department has given to the potential merits of moving gas-fired power stations onto a regulated asset base model.

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

This government has been clear that the answers to the challenges around energy security, affordability and sustainability point in the same direction, clean energy.

By 2030 unabated gas will account for less than 5% of total generation. As the role of unabated gas diminishes, we continue to work with NESO and Ofgem to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on energy bills, whilst retaining sufficient unabated gas capacity for security of supply.

As part of this, officials have considered proposals to move gas-fired power stations onto a regulated asset base model. Whilst this option may have merits in the long-term, it also has some challenges and would take considerable time to develop and implement. No decisions have been taken at this stage.

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 10 March 2026 to Question 116783, on Energy: Housing, what assessment his Department has made of the aggregate impact on total household energy consumption of voltage reduction technologies installed in domestic properties, taking into account (a) the proportion of appliances that are power-controlled and resistive, and (b) likely behavioural responses by consumers to any reduction in appliance performance.

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

The lowering of voltage only reduces electricity consumption with resistive appliances. a)The relative proportion of appliances that are power-controlled vs resistive is moving in favour of power-controlled appliances due to changes in technology. For example, filament bulbs, electric bar fires, immersion heating and older white goods are resistive, but more efficient LED bulbs, heat pumps, EV chargers and modern white goods with asynchronous motors are power controlled. b) The department has not conducted studies of consumer responses to poorer performance from their resistive appliances due to lower voltages.

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 a contingency plan for future fuel rationing schemes.

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

The UK benefits from a diverse and resilient supply chain and remains well supplied across all fuel types with strong and varied sources of supply.

Government routinely reviews and exercises its preparedness arrangements for a range of scenarios, including through the published National Emergency Plan for Fuel (NEP-F). This is a long-standing, precautionary framework designed to ensure that, in the unlikely event of a severe and sustained disruption, fuel can be prioritised for those who need it most.

It is important to stress that these measures are precautionary. We are not currently at, nor approaching, the threshold for their use, and fuel continues to be available through normal supply routes.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration he has given to the potential merits of decoupling regulated electricity prices from gas prices.

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

Accelerating the deployment of renewable generation, as we are through our Clean Power 2030 Mission, will reduce the amount of time when gas is setting the price and will help to rapidly decouple electricity from gas prices without the need for more complex arrangements.

The Government is determined to increase the share of renewables on the system so that the electricity price is set by cheaper clean power sources rather than gas. Every wind turbine we switch on and solar panel we deploy helps push gas off as the price setter.

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 further steps to support rural households in the context of volatility in global fossil fuel markets.

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

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy costs. We are determined to fight the corner of all those affected by the rise in heating oil prices, and the Government recognises the significant pressures these increases place on households in rural communities.

The Prime Minister has been clear his number one domestic priority is helping families with the cost-of-living. To that end, the Government has announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices.

The Government continues to monitor the situation closely, and we are looking at what further support may be needed.

The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter.

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 key workers can reach their place of employment in the event of a fuel shortage.

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

The Government is monitoring developments in relation to the Middle East closely. The UK benefits from a diverse and resilient supply chain. Around 90% of crude oil refined in the UK is imported, and approximately 1%,comes from the Middle East. This diverse supply means that the Government assesses that fuel supply is stable and remains accessible to those who need it.

Government routinely reviews and exercises its preparedness arrangements for a range of scenarios, including through the National Emergency Plan for Fuel (NEP-F). This is a long-standing, precautionary framework designed to ensure that, in the unlikely event of a severe and sustained disruption, fuel can be prioritised for those who need it most.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will consider the potential merits of introducing additional measures to help protect rural households from volatility in international fossil fuel markets.

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

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy costs. We are determined to fight the corner of all those affected by the rise in heating oil prices, and the Government recognises the significant pressures these increases place on households in rural communities.

The Prime Minister has been clear his number one domestic priority is helping families with the cost-of-living. To that end, the Government has announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices.

The Government continues to monitor the situation closely, and we are looking at what further support may be needed.

The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter.

Found: the MMO has not submitted any specific documentation…97 The Fisheries Minister has confirmed that DESNZ

Found: . - Throughout we worked with DESNZ to ensure that our key facts were aligned, minimising risk of confusion

Found: Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP Secretary of State Department for Energy Security & Net Zero 55 Whitehall

Found: Michael Shanks MP Minister of State for Energy Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: The good thing that is happening at the moment is that we are in a conversation with DESNZ about that

Found: The good thing that is happening at the moment is that we are in a conversation with DESNZ about that

Found: Katie White OBE MP Minister for Climate Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: Some of these issues, understandably, relate to objectives from DESNZ, the Department for Business and

Found: gas in comparison with our friends and partners in the United States, how often do you speak to DESNZ

Found: gas in comparison with our friends and partners in the United States, how often do you speak to DESNZ

Found: DEFRA, DESNZ, the Crown Estate, GBE, and NESO are all undertaking their own, overlapping and occasionally

Found: How to check: statement laid before both Houses. 6.2 Committee lever Who: HM Treasury with Defra, DESNZ

Found: treat risks as largely discrete: cyber threats handled by NCSC, food security by DEFRA, energy by DESNZ

Found: studies, which has been supported by sophisticated studies within Government—particularly within DESNZ—is

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the DESNZ press release, Government to make “plug-in solar” available within months, of 24 March 2026, whether householders will be required to hire a certified electrician to connect to the main electricity supply and comply with BS 7671 UK Wiring Regulations; and whether building regulations will apply to the installation.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Document P make clear electrical installations in dwellings should be designed and installed in such a way to protect people from electric shock and fire hazards. Approved Document P refers to the electrical installation standards in BS7671 as the way of showing compliance with Building Regulations. In domestic situations, if electrical work is notifiable, competent electricians can self-certify that their work is compliant with Part P of the Building Regulations. All electricians who have been authorised by a government approved Competent Person Scheme are listed on the Registered Competent Person Electrical Register All other functional requirements of Building Regulations, beyond electrical safety, must also be met.

Found: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (2026).

Found: BDV Blow Down Valves BEIS Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now known as DESNZ

Found: BDV Blow Down Valves BEIS Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now known as DESNZ

Found: Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Offshore PPC (Combustion Plant) Emissions Monitoring Guide (DESNZ

Found: techniques are discussed in section 2.5 and follows the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: As an aid to this process the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) has published an offshore

Found: guidance for air dispersion modelling for environmental permitting issued by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: PPC Permit Application Support 6 Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero (2023) Offshore Pollution

Found: As an aid to this process the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) has published an offshore