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 assessment of the potential implications for his policies of reports that retail companies have increased the price of domestic heating oil separate to and above increases in wholesale prices; and whether he will refer the market to the Competition and Markets Authority.

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

The Government is aware that off-grid households have seen a sharp increase in heating oil prices due to volatility in international markets. Suppliers often have limited storage, buying daily on the spot market. These changes are then reflected immediately in the price consumers pay.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome the CMA's launch of a comprehensive examination into the heating oil industry.

We will work closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections, including how regulation can increase stability.

While this work is ongoing, the Chancellor has announced £53m for low-income households that heat their homes with oil. In England, funding will be distributed by local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which comes into effect from 1 April. The additional funding has targeted areas with higher proportions of oil heating.

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 increase in the average price of domestic heating oil since the start of the conflict with Iran; and what assessment he has made of the impact of those increases on households that rely on heating oil.

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

The Government is aware that off-grid households have seen a sharp increase in heating oil prices due to volatility in international markets. Suppliers often have limited storage, buying daily on the spot market. These changes are then reflected immediately in the price consumers pay.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome the CMA's launch of a comprehensive examination into the heating oil industry.

We will work closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections, including how regulation can increase stability.

While this work is ongoing, the Chancellor has announced £53m for low-income households that heat their homes with oil. In England, funding will be distributed by local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which comes into effect from 1 April. The additional funding has targeted areas with higher proportions of oil heating.

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 his Cabinet colleagues in relation to the rising price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland.

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

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.

The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.

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 price of home heating oil in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

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

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households. The Secretary of State and The Minister for Energy have been closely engaging with their counterparts across Government on heating oil prices, including with the Treasury and Devolved Governments. These discussions have been focussed on UK-wide prices of heating oil.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.

For the most vulnerable households, £27m in support is being provided to England, which will be distributed by Local Authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with the First and deputy First Ministers of Northern on the rising price of home heating oil.

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

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.

The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.

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 households that rely on heating oil for domestic heating following recent increases in heating oil prices linked to the conflict with Iran.

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

The Government is aware that off-grid households have seen a sharp increase in heating oil prices due to volatility in international markets. Suppliers often have limited storage, buying daily on the spot market. These changes are then reflected immediately in the price consumers pay.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome the CMA's launch of a comprehensive examination into the heating oil industry.

We will work closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections, including how regulation can increase stability.

While this work is ongoing, the Chancellor has announced £53m for low-income households that heat their homes with oil. In England, funding will be distributed by local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which comes into effect from 1 April. The additional funding has targeted areas with higher proportions of oil heating.

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 rural and other off-grid households with the cost of heating oil.

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off-gas-grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short-term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

The Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices.

This funding is allocated as part of the Crisis Resilience fund, and will be distributed by Local Authorities.

In addition, 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. On 30 January, we also 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 His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comparative availability of emissions-reducing technologies in (1) Scottish island ports, and (2) English island ports, including shore power, alternative fuels and port-side grid capacity; and how that assessment informed decisions to exempt only Scottish routes from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is exempting ferries serving Scotland’s island and peninsulas due to unique challenges they face in accessing essential goods, healthcare, education and employment. This is in addition to the legal duties to consider island populations under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

The Government will continue to work with industry to support the development of infrastructure and technologies needed to facilitate decarbonisation across the UK.

In September 2025, the Government announced £448m R&D funding for the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) between 2026 and 2030. This represents the biggest government investment ever in our commercial maritime industry.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the whether absence of a UK Emissions Trading Scheme exemption for English island lifeline ferry routes will result in higher fares and freight increases compared to protected Scottish routes; and whether they will publish that assessment.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Domestic Maritime Final Impact assessment was published on the 25^th November 2025.

The Government has not undertaken route-level, ferry fare modelling. This is because, as set out in the Impact Assessment, operators’ commercial decisions, vessel utilisation and fare structures vary widely. The qualitative assessment indicates that any passthrough to consumers is likely to be modest.

The Government is exempting ferries serving Scotland’s island and peninsula communities because of the unique challenges they face in accessing essential goods, healthcare, education and employment. This is in addition to the legal duties to consider island populations under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce a temporary or time-limited exemption from the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for English island lifeline ferry services.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

There are no plans for temporary or time-limited exemptions from the UK ETS for English island ferry services.

Any potential impacts of the scheme on ferry services to English islands will be considered in a review of the effectiveness of the maritime regime in 2028.

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 his Arab counterparts on the global price of energy.

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

The Government continues to monitor the situation in oil and gas markets and work with our international partners.

Since 28 February, the Secretary of State has engaged with several counterparts. Further calls with a range of international partners are planned over the coming days.

Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings 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, whether recent developments in Iran will affect the Government’s commitment to meeting its existing climate targets, including the UK’s net zero target and carbon budgets.

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

Making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of this government’s five missions - delivering clean power by 2030 and accelerating progress towards net zero.

The government remains committed to meeting its carbon budgets and net zero by 2050, as required by the Climate Change Act. This is the most effective way to reduce our exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets, protect bill payers and strengthen our energy independence.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish the (a) minutes and (b) summaries of meetings held with representatives of the European Union on oil and gas prices since 1 March 2026.

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

Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings 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 his proposed timeline is for the introduction of community benefits applied to energy infrastructure.

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

In the Clean Power Action Plan, we made it clear that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should feel tangible and enduring benefit of doing so.

The Government has already announced bill discounts for communities living nearest to new electricity transmission infrastructure and published guidance on community funds from electricity transmission infrastructure and onshore wind in England.

Last year, the government published a working paper setting out proposals for mandatory community benefits. We will publish a response to the working paper shortly.

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 his European counterparts on the global price of energy.

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

The Secretary of State is in regular contact with European counterparts on international oil and gas price developments. Details of the Secretary of State’s meetings 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 assessment he has made of the potential merits of carbon capture, utilisation and storage on safeguarding domestic foundation industries, including cement and lime, while meeting the UK’s carbon budgets.

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

The emissions of some foundational industries, such as refining and cement and lime, are mainly from processes that cannot be reduced by fuel switching. The CCC have said that CCS would be responsible for 62%% of emissions reductions in the cement and lime sectors by 2050.

We have signed a contract with the UK’s first carbon capture-enabled cement plant at Padeswood, which located in the HyNet carbon capture cluster, to receive support under the ICC business model. This will forge a cleaner future with secure, long-term jobs for workers and businesses in the cement industry.

The Peak Cluster project plans to deploy CCS to decarbonise cement and lime sites in the Peak District. This could decarbonise 35% of the UK’s cement and lime emissions, as well as create and protect 3,500 jobs.

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 end of the Renewables Obligation scheme on methane emissions from landfills.

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

DESNZ has been working with Defra to consider the potential impact of the end of the Renewables Obligation for landfill gas generation, including impacts on methane emissions.

Government is exploring implementation of a long‑term methane capture scheme with appropriate transitional arrangements.

DESNZ, with support from Defra, intend to consult on a potential transitional arrangement later this year. Any support provided will be subject to rigorous value for money and impact assessments.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with shipping companies serving Northern Ireland about higher emissions coverage on routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) than on routes between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain under the EU ETS; and what further discussions they plan to have with affected operators before July.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is applying a 50% deduction in surrender obligation for voyages between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This removes any disparity between the UK ETS and EU ETS, ensuring equivalent carbon pricing within the Irish Sea.

The Government consulted extensively with the maritime sector, to ensure all perspectives informed policy development.

During consultation, the Government provided bespoke engagement sessions including a roundtable for Northern Ireland stakeholders.

Government officials continue to engage and have subsequently held individual meetings with key stakeholders and industry bodies. Regulators are running a voluntary onboarding period which will help the sector engage with the ETS ahead of July.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, a) what services were provided under contract PS24098 awarded to Guidehouse Europe Limited titled “Consulting service for internal assurance of existing sustainability assurance arrangement”; b) which body within his Department or its arm’s-length bodies commissioned that contract; c) what the objectives and scope of the consultancy work were; d) what deliverables were produced under the contract between 5 August 2024 and 30 September 2024; and e) whether the Department plans to publish the outputs of that work.

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

Following a report published by the National Audit Office in January 2024, titled “the government’s support for biomass”, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commissioned Guidehouse to review the robustness of the biomass sustainability assurance processes which were in place at the time. Guidehouse produced a report for the Department in September 2024. There are no plans to publish this report.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to his answer of 27 February 2026 to question 113391 regarding the climate impact of Drax’s burning of wood, how many years it takes for the carbon debt to be paid off by replacement trees.

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

Biomass feedstocks for power production at Drax utilise waste wood and residues from productive forestry for other wood products. The carbon balance of these depends on forest type and management, amongst other variables, and cannot be attributed to the growth of replacement trees alone. The Government only supports the use of sustainable biomass and operators only receive subsidies for biomass that meets our sustainability criteria. UK sustainability criteria include requirements on sustainable forest management in the sourcing region, which applies to both domestically sourced and imported biomass.

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 impact of the escalation of conflict in the Middle East on UK oil and liquefied natural gas prices.

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

The Department is closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the impacts for global oil and gas markets. We assess that between February 27^th and March 10^th, global oil prices (Brent crude) have risen over 20% and gas wholesale prices in Great Britain have risen over 50%.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to his Answer of 27 February 2026 to Question 113391 on the role of Drax in the power system, including its private sector clients, how many tonnes of wood were burned by Drax in each of the last five years and how many he expects to burned in each of the next five years.

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

Government does not gather or hold information on fuel used by Drax each year, however this data is published by Drax in the company’s annual ESG report, ESG Performance Report - Drax Global. Fuel use is also monitored and assured as part of the operation of subsidy schemes for large-scale electricity generation. This includes Ofgem, for Drax’s units under the Renewables Obligation, and the Low Carbon Contracts Company, for Drax’s unit currently operating on a Contract for Difference.

Future fuel use at Drax will depend on demand at the station, linked to its new dispatchable operation under the Low Carbon Dispatchable Contract for Difference from 2027. Drax will play a much more limited role in the system, providing dispatchable power only when the system really needs it. It will be supported to operate at a maximum load factor of 27%, operating less than half as often as it currently does. Accordingly, we anticipate that fuel use will reduce substantially under the new contract running from 2027-2031.

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 the escalation of conflict in the Middle East on Industrial Gas prices.

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

As was the case when Russia invaded Ukraine, the UK will be exposed to price competition in international oil and gas markets, which is pushing up wholesale prices as other countries seek to replace lost supplies from the region. That reflects our position, regardless of our domestic production, as a price taker not a price maker in these markets, leaving us exposed to their volatility, no matter where the fossil fuels come from.

On business and industry, we are taking action to expand the British industry supercharger from April to reduce costs for the most energy-intensive businesses, and 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 are 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, pursuant to his answer of 27 February 2026 to Question 113391 regarding the impact of Drax’s burning of wood on carbon sequestration, what is his calculation for the number of years it takes for the carbon debt to be paid off by replacement trees.

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

Biomass feedstocks for power production at Drax utilise waste wood and residues from productive forestry for other wood products. The carbon balance of these depends on forest type and management, amongst other variables, and cannot be attributed to the growth of replacement trees alone. The Government only supports the use of sustainable biomass and operators only receive subsidies for biomass that meets our sustainability criteria. UK sustainability criteria include requirements on sustainable forest management in the sourcing region, which applies to both domestically sourced and imported biomass.

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 introducing a consumer price cap for heating oil, as is used for on-grid gas and electricity consumers.

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

Introducing a price cap on heating oil risks significant unintended consequences. If wholesale costs rose above the cap, it could drive distributors out of the market and possibly result in supply shortages.

Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil customers can shop around for the best prices delivery‑by‑delivery. There are commercial price comparison websites to help consumers find the best deal.

We continue support the transition away from fossil fuels to strengthen long-term resilience, while we keep under review whether any further action may be needed to protect consumers.

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 provide transitional support for the landfill gas to energy sector.

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

Government recognises the role that landfill gas generation can play in reducing methane emissions. As set out in the Methane Action Plan, we are committed to exploring the implementation of a long‑term methane capture scheme with appropriate transitional arrangements.

The Department, with support from Defra, intends to consult later this year on transitional arrangements. No final decisions have yet been taken, and any proposals would be subject to consultation outcomes and value‑for‑money considerations.

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 protect households and businesses from potential increases in energy costs arising from disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The Government recognises that households and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed.

At the Autumn Budget we committed to taking money off energy bills and we have. The energy price cap will provide protection for households until the start of July, regardless of developments in the Middle East. Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will fall by 7% or £117 annually for the period covering April to June. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.

In addition to this, around 6 million families are benefitting from the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount, and through the Warm Homes Plan the Government is delivering the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history.

We’ll shortly publish details of how we will reduce electricity bills by up to 25% for over 7,000 businesses, while our Supercharger package of support will also cut businesses’ electricity costs by up to £420 million per year.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they have not extended the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) lifeline ferry exemptions to English islands, including the Isle of Scilly and the Isle of Wight; and what assessment they have made of the risk that increased ferry costs under the UK ETS will impact healthcare accessibility and affordability for island residents.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is exempting ferries serving Scotland’s islands and peninsulas given the unique and pressing challenges they face in accessing essential goods healthcare, education and employment, in addition to the legal duties to consider island populations under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

The Government will be evaluating any impacts of the scheme on consumers and businesses, including on the Isle of Wight, as well as the existing exemptions, in a review of the maritime regime in 2028.

Ferries serving the Isles of Scilly are out of scope of the UK ETS, as they are below the 5000 gross tonnage threshold.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what volume of the Republic of Ireland's national strategic oil reserve is held in UK-based storage.

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

Ireland's National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is a commercial entity that holds some oil stocks in Northern Ireland. Details of these stockholdings are commercially sensitive. It would be for NORA to provide any further details about them.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what memoranda of understanding were signed by Ministers in his Department with i) national governments and ii) representatives of national governments in 2025.

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

Departmental Ministers engage with a range of national governments and representatives to support delivery of the department’s objectives.

The Department works closely with counterpart ministries to develop and maintain a range of ongoing partnerships that help advance our Clean Power 2030 Mission and wider priorities including the Growth Mission.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to source more oil and gas through the North Sea, given the current disruption to energy supplies caused by hostilities in the Middle East.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are confident that we have multiple and sufficient sources of supply.

Oil and gas are traded on international markets, therefore greater domestic production of oil and gas would not take a penny off bills.

The North Sea is a highly mature basin. Production is naturally declining and has been for the last 25 years. We no longer have the reserves available to support domestic energy demand.

The only route to energy sovereignty and energy security for Britain is our mission for clean, homegrown power that we control.

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 improve the energy efficiency of homes in rural areas.

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

The Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund support eligible households– including in rural areas and off gas grid- to upgrade their homes, with measures including insulation, solar, batteries, and heat pumps.

All eligible households in England and Wales can benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to support low-carbon heating installations, funded with ?2.7 billion to 2030. There is a strong uptake of BUS grants in rural areas, with 49% of all grants given to rural properties to date.

Additionally, the government has consulted on alternative heating solutions to ensure every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation is now closed. 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 insurance packages is he preparing to assist households with a potential energy price shock.

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 bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed.

Changes announced at the Autumn Budget ensure that from April until the end of June, the energy price cap will fall by 7% or £117 per year. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.

Households with bigger bills could save more, particularly those with electric heating, many of whom are on lower incomes. We are also ensuring that those on fixed tariffs are supported, with suppliers confirming they will be passing on the savings to customers who have chosen to fix their rates off the price cap.

This action follows the decision to expand the Warm Home Discount this winter, which will see around six million households receive an additional £150 off 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 thermal energy storage within heat networks on the (a) need for grid reinforcement and (b) operation of the electricity system.

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

The Department has not yet made a full quantitative assessment of the flexibility benefits of thermal energy storage within heat networks.

The electricity distribution network benefits of heat networks has been estimated at between £5 to 7bn in avoided costs, and external research suggests that flexibility would significantly increase this amount.

The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan establishes our high ambition to increase flexible capacity on the grid, including 10-12 GW in short-duration consumer-led flexibility by 2030. Our Clean Flexibility Roadmap ensures that heat networks and thermal energy storage will contribute to this.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment has he made of the potential impact of recent oil price rises on household energy prices in the UK over the next six months.

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 bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed.

Changes announced at the Autumn Budget ensure that from April until the end of June, the energy price cap will fall by 7% or £117 per year. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.

Households with bigger bills could save more, particularly those with electric heating, many of whom are on lower incomes. We are also ensuring that those on fixed tariffs are supported, with suppliers confirming they will be passing on the savings to customers who have chosen to fix their rates off the price cap.

This action follows the decision to expand the Warm Home Discount this winter, which will see around six million households receive an additional £150 off 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 his Department has made of trends in the level of fuel poverty in rural and off-gas-grid areas in the last 12 months.

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

Fuel poverty is a devolved policy area and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero produces official statistics on fuel poverty in England.

The latest statistics for England include trends for households off the gas grid (Table 5). This shows a reduction in fuel poverty rate for these households between 2021 and 2024 (the latest year available).

The latest publication also shows that 12.3% of rural households were fuel poor in England in 2024, compared to 11.0% of all households (Detailed Table 5). Results are also published for previous years.

The next statistics for England will be published on 26th March 2026. Statistics on fuel poverty in Scotland are published by Scottish Government here.

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 recent increases in petrol and diesel prices at forecourts following changes in global oil prices.

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

Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority (CMA). The Government and the CMA are closely monitoring petrol and diesel prices in light of instability in the Middle East, and the Energy Minister and the Secretary of State recently met with the CMA who are considering what options they have available if there is evidence of unfair practices. We are also engaging regularly with refiners, importers and distributors to ensure any emerging risks are identified and managed promptly. The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of energy supplies, and there are no issues with fuel supply.

This government has also introduced the Fuel Finder scheme, which will increase price transparency so drivers can compare prices to find the best deal and incentivise greater competition.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what grants are available to help low income families living in houses of solid wall construction, such as former colliery-built houses, increase their homes' energy efficiency.

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

Through the Warm Homes Plan, around ?4.4 billion of grant funding is allocated up to 2030 for low-income and fuel poor households to install solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant delivers upgrades via local authorities to privately owned or rented properties in England with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) below D, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund delivers grants for inefficient properties via social housing providers.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) also provides grants of up to ?7,500 towards installation of an air or ground source heat pump and is open to all eligible households in England and Wales. Funding will increase each year out to 2030, totalling around ?2.7 billion over the period.

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 households affected by defective (a) retrofit and (b) insulation works carried out under Government schemes.

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

Installers under Government schemes must be TrustMark registered and/or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified. TrustMark and MCS offer dispute resolution processes to consumers. Consumers must also be provided with a suitable guarantee.

The Department is delivering a nationwide find‑and‑fix programme so all households affected by non-compliant external wall insulation installed under ECO4/GBIS receive a free audit, with installers required to put right any issues at no cost to consumers.

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 increasing Government oversight of schemes.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to paragraph 88 of the policy paper entitled UK Government Resilience Action Plan, published on 14 July 2025, how many meetings have been attended by civil servants within their Department in relation to the Home Defence Programme; which directorate in the Department owns the Departmental contribution to the Home Defence Programme; and what the job title is of the civil servant leading and cohering the Departmental contribution to the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Resilience Action Plan sets out the Government’s strategic approach to how we will strengthen our domestic resilience and invest to protect the nation. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero officials regularly attend meetings to discuss the implementation of the Resilience Action Plan as well as matters of national security and defence.

The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero is actively contributing to this work. This is part of the Energy Security & Resilience Directorate's portfolio, with the Deputy Director for Energy Resilience responsible for leading our response.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any civil servants hired by his Department were recruited over another person on the basis of a protected characteristic in each of the last three years.

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

Civil Service recruitment must follow the rules set out in legislation within the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (CRaGA) 2010, which outlines the requirements to ensure that civil servants are recruited on merit, via fair and open competition.

Compliance with CRaGA is overseen by the independent Civil Service Commission, which publishes Recruitment Principles setting out the detailed rules departments must follow.

For departments who use Civil Service Jobs to manage their recruitment, applicants are asked to provide diversity data on a voluntary basis only and no details are shared with hiring managers.

The positive action measures in the Equality Act 2010 allows employers to take proportionate action that aims to reduce disadvantage, meet different needs and increase participation. More information on this can be found 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 discussions his Department has had with the (a) Scotland Office and (b) Scottish Government on the promotion of new nuclear development in Scotland.

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

Whilst the Scottish Government opposes the building of new nuclear power stations in Scotland, the UK Government is kickstarting the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation in the rest of the UK, creating thousands of good jobs and driving investment into communities.

In response to growing cross-party interest in new nuclear power in Scotland, UK Ministers have asked Great British Energy - Nuclear to assess Scotland’s potential for new nuclear development.

UK Ministers recently engaged with Scottish Government Ministers and remain open to discussions on opportunities for new nuclear in Scotland.

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 September 2025 to question 80057, what recent progress has been made in the OFGEM investigation into A Shade Greener; and when affected constituents can expect redress.

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

Ofgem, as the independent regulator, is responsible for investigating whether companies have complied with the rules of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme and related consumer regulations.

Ofgem’s investigation into the company A Shade Greener remains open. While the Department cannot intervene in the details of that investigation, we continue to support Ofgem in exercising its consumer powers appropriately. Any decisions regarding enforcement action or consumer redress will be taken by Ofgem once its investigation has concluded 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 potential impact of the expiry of the Renewables Obligation scheme in April 2027 on the number of landfill gas to energy plant closures.

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

The Department recognises that the planned expiry of Renewables Obligation accreditation in April 2027 for many landfill gas generators, could affect their commercial viability.

The Government is exploring implementation of a long-term methane capture scheme with appropriate transitional arrangements.

DESNZ, with support from Defra, intend to consult on a potential transitional arrangement later this year. Any support provided will be subject to rigorous value for money and impact assessments.

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 reviewing documents released to the media in March 2025 in relation to the employment tribunal involving the Drax whistleblower; and whether any findings from that material have been shared with the regulator.

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

DESNZ does not hold these documents, so is not reviewing them and has not shared them with Ofgem.

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 moving existing renewable energy projects supported through Renewable Obligation Certificates onto Contracts for Difference.

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

We have looked at proposals to move generation assets supported by the Renewables Obligation Scheme onto Contracts for Difference. We keep proposals under review and are open to considering measures that will help to lower consumer energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support he is providing to households in rural and off-gas-grid areas reliant on heating oil as their primary source of heat.

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

The Chancellor has announced £53m for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. In England, funding will be distributed by local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which comes into effect from 1 April.

In addition, the Government has announced the intention to regulate the heating oil sector to introduce new customer protections along-side securing agreement with industry to quickly improve customer experience.

We will work closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the CMA has provided guidance to his Department on the regulation of pricing for heating oil and or LPG.

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

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome its comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. It is vital that customers are treated fairly and any price manipulation will not be tolerated.

We are working closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector, including potential regulatory measures.

While this work is ongoing, the Chancellor has announced £53m for low-income households that heat their homes with oil. This funding is available across the UK and Northern Ireland.

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 number of domestic properties which use (a) oil and (b) liquefied petroleum gas for heating purposes by parliamentary constituency.

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

The Department does not produce bespoke estimates of the number of domestic properties using oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for heating by parliamentary constituency. Information on the heating fuels used by households is published by the Office for National Statistics and the devolved administrations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many privately rented properties in Wales are eligible for the property‑value adjustment exemption set out in the consultation response entitled Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes.

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

From 1 October 2030, private rented homes must meet the required standard of EPC C, or have a valid exemption registered, to be let. Government has committed to developing a property-value adjustment exemption for privately rented properties that are valued at less than £100,000. No properties are eligible for the property-value adjustment exemption until 1 October 2030.

Once the exemption is in place, private rented sector properties in Wales valued under £100,000 will be subject to a lower maximum spend requirement. Further guidance on exemptions 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, how many homes have had insulation measures carried out under the ECO4 and GBIS schemes since 2022.

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

ECO4 started in April 2022. To the end of December 2025, 294,456 insulation measures were installed under ECO4 (including ECO3 Interim and Surplus Actions). This is published in Table 1.6 of Household Energy Efficiency Statistics, headline release: February 2026. This total includes some Surplus Action measures installed before 2022.

GBIS started in March 2023. To the end of December 2025, 94,847 insulation measures had been installed under GBIS. This is published in Table 3 of Great British Insulation Scheme release: February 2026,

Under these schemes, some properties may have had more than one type of insulation measure installed.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to pages 37 and 38 of 'Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: impact assessment', for what reason there is no specific data for Wales.

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

The analysis in the impact assessment is produced using the Department’s National Buildings Model, which is based on the English Housing Survey and therefore covers England only. The results are scaled to reflect the number of dwellings in Wales, with Wales assumed to follow the overall average. Further details on the modelling approach and the National Buildings Model are set out in Annex B of the Impact Assessment.

The UK government has worked closely with the Welsh government to develop the policy.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many apprentices his Department recruited in (a) 2025, (b) 2022, (c) 2023 and (d) 2024.

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

(a) 9 apprentices were recruited in 2025

(d) 13 apprentices were recruited in 2024

Due to the machinery of Government changes which created the Department in February 2023 DESNZ is unable to provide an answer to questions (b) & (c).

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 provide support to the fishing industry with changing diesel prices.

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

Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority (CMA). The Government and the CMA are closely monitoring petrol and diesel prices in light of instability in the Middle East, and the Chancellor and Secretary of State recently met with fuel retailers to set out a clear message: drivers must get a fair deal at the pump. We are also engaging regularly with refiners, importers and distributors to ensure any emerging risks are identified and managed promptly. The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of energy supplies, and there are no issues with fuel supply.

This government has also introduced the Fuel Finder scheme, which will increase price transparency so drivers can compare prices to find the best deal and incentivise greater competition.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what the penalty to suppliers will be for each faulty smart meter not repaired within the proposed 90 day period.

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

Ofgem is responsible for monitoring the compliance of energy suppliers against their licence conditions and to take any compliance or enforcement action, which could include fines.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what monitoring mechanisms will be in place to verify that faulty smart meters are repaired within 90 days.

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

Ofgem is responsible for monitoring the compliance of energy suppliers against their licence conditions and to take any compliance or enforcement action, which could include fines.

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 improve data‑sharing between Government departments and energy suppliers to enable more targeted support for households.

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

DESNZ recognises the criticality of being able to share data quickly with other parts of government and the energy sector to better target support to households. Current events underline the need for this work. We are looking at improvements to data sharing arrangements, and working with partners across government on how we can better use data to accurately identify and target support to the individuals and households most in need.

Government has amended data sharing agreements with suppliers so they now have pre-approval to re-use Warm Home Discount (WHD) data to identify households who need bill support, debt relief or energy efficiency upgrades as part of their industry initiative schemes. Suppliers can also now put the majority of pensioners in receipt of the WHD onto the priority service register automatically.

DESNZ is also working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library household income ‘kickstarter’ to test how public sector data can be better joined up, paving the way for better targeted support for consumers.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what information his Department holds on the number of smart meters installed which are faulty.

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

The Department collects data on smart meters not operating in smart mode at a GB-wide level. The latest statistics on smart meters in operation across Great Britain until the end of 2025 are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics#2025-quarterly-updates.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to support consumers with energy price increases as a result of the war in Iran.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister 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 bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. More information can be found here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK

At the Autumn Budget we committed to taking money off energy bills and we have. Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will fall by 7% or £117 annually for the period covering April to June. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.

In addition to this, around 6 million families are benefitting from the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount, and through the Warm Homes Plan the Government is delivering the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what information his Department holds on the number of smart meters connected to 2G and 3G networks.

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

The Department collects statistics on the total number of smart meters in operation at a GB-wide level which use a range of technologies including 2G and 3G mobile communications. The latest statistics on smart meters in operation across Great Britain are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics#2025-quarterly-updates.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what information his Department holds on the average time taken for suppliers to fix faulty smart meters.

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

The Department does not hold data on the average time taken by energy suppliers to resolve reported issues with smart meters, but we know too many are waiting an unacceptable amount of time. Ofgem is responsible for regulating suppliers against their obligations to restore smart meters into smart mode and are taking compliance action against the worst performers.

The Government wants to speed up the resolution of smart metering communication issues and has confirmed a new requirement (coming into force in May) for suppliers to restore smart meters into smart mode within 90 days or face action by Ofgem.

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 improve consumer protection and accountability in Government-funded home retrofit schemes.

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 and on the role of the Warm Homes Agency.

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 European Union officials about the UK joining the EU's Internal Electricity Market since the exploratory discussions for the UK's possible participation.

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

Since the exploratory discussions concluded, the Secretary of State has continued constructive engagement with European Union counterparts on regional energy cooperation, including on the United Kingdom’s possible future participation in the Internal Electricity Market. These engagements have underlined shared ambitions to accelerate the development of clean, secure, and lower cost energy sources in the North Seas, which will enable us to reduce our reliance on expensive and volatile fossil fuel imports.

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 relevant stakeholders in the last month on the a) termination of the Drax power station contract, b) issuing of a licensing penalty and c) suitability of its CEO.

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

Government has not had any such discussions with stakeholders.

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 financial support available to off-grid households in England reliant on heating oil; and whether park home residents in England are included within the scope of any such support.

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 bills. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely over coming days and weeks.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. This funding is allocated as part of the Crisis Resilience fund, and will be distributed by local authorities. Local Authorities have responsibility for distributing funds to households.

Households using heating oil also benefit from wider cost‑of‑living support, including electricity bill reductions announced in the Autumn Budget, and the Warm Home Discount, which provides eligible households with £150 off energy bills until 2030/31.

The Government continues to keep the needs of all energy consumers under review, including park home residents, who benefit from Maxiumum Resale Price protections where the site owner’s name is on the energy contract.

More information on this can be found here: Alternative homes energy guidance | Ofgem

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure consumers are aware of their rights when a smart meter is not functioning correctly.

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

In August 2025, the Department published a consumer guide, outlining rights and expectations, on the government website available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meters-your-rights-and-expectations/smart-meters-your-rights-and-expectations.

The Department works closely with Smart Energy GB, who run the national campaign for smart meters, and consumer organisations such as Citizens Advice to raise awareness of consumer rights in relation to smart metering. Ofgem also publishes consumer guidance on its website.

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 Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters, published on 10 March 2026, whether his Department has a preferred target response time for suppliers to fix faulty smart meters separate to the proposed 90 day maximum response time.

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

From May 2026 energy suppliers will be obligated to take all reasonable steps to resolve issues with smart meters not operating in smart mode as soon as possible, and within 90 days from when they first become aware of the issue. In many cases we would expect resolution to be well within the 90-day limit. Ofgem is responsible for regulating energy suppliers against this obligation.

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 fuel poverty among households reliant on domestic heating oil as their primary source of heating.

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off‑gas‑grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. We continue to monitor heating oil supply chains to ensure households can access fuel when needed.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. More information can be found here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK

Tackling fuel poverty is a priority for this Government. 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 discussions his Department has had with the devolved administrations on tackling fuel poverty and providing cost of living support for households in rural and off-gas-grid areas that rely on domestic heating oil as their primary source of heat.

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 bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed across the UK, recognising the role of the devolved administrations as fuel poverty is a devolved matter.

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.

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off‑gas‑grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. We continue to monitor heating‑oil supply chains ensuring households can access fuel when needed. We are frequently engaging with industry to ensure supply and pricing remains resilient to demand. Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. . More information can be found here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK

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 international geopolitical events on the wholesale and retail price of domestic heating oil in the UK; and whether he has considered introducing monitoring or safeguards to prevent disproportionate price increases for off-grid households.

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

Unlike gas and electricity markets, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short‑term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome its comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry.

We are working closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector, including potential regulatory measures.

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 recent increases in the retail price of domestic heating oil in rural areas; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that households reliant on kerosene heating are protected from excessive or unjustified price rises.

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

Unlike gas and electricity markets, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short‑term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome its comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry.

We are working closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector, including potential regulatory measures.

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 assessed whether recent increases in the retail price of domestic heating oil constitute unfair pricing or profiteering; and whether the Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to review pricing practices in the domestic heating oil market.

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

Unlike gas and electricity markets, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short‑term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.

Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome its comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry.

We are working closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector, including potential regulatory measures.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support is available to pensioners and low-income households who rely on heating oil in rural areas; and whether he plans to introduce targeted assistance comparable to schemes available to households connected to the gas grid.

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off‑gas‑grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. We continue to monitor heating oil supply chains to ensure households can access fuel when needed.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will also be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. More information can be found here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK

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 his Department is taking to improve consumer protections for rural households reliant on heating oil.

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

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Ministers have also spoken with the Competition and Markets Authority, who are considering their options available if there is evidence of unfair practices or anti-competitive behaviour.

The CMA will now gather evidence on the

situation in the market and look at whether consumers are being treated fairly. Conversations will continue in the coming days and the CMA have the power to launch an investigation into anything relating to unfair contract terms, misleading consumer practices or anti-competitive behaviour.

The Government is keeping under review whether any further support or action may be needed to protect consumers and we will work with Devolved Governments if any support is developed.

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 limit price increases for heating oil during the current conflict in the Middle East.

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

Unlike the gas and electricity markets, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short‑term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Additionally, the CMA announced on 11 March they are probing further on two main issues consumers have raised with them on heating oil prices. The CMA will not hesitate to take action where there is evidence of breaches of consumer protections.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what cost of living support measures are available to households in rural and off-gas-grid areas where domestic heating oil is commonly used as the primary source of heating.

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off‑gas‑grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor has announced £53m for low income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. This funding will be available to the Northern Ireland Executive, Wales, and Scotland. More information can be found here: Over £50 million to help families struggling with soaring heating oil costs - GOV.UK

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.

We continue to monitor heating‑oil supply chains ensuring households can access fuel when needed. We are frequently engaging with industry to ensure supply and pricing remains resilient to demand. Fuel markets are governed by competition and consumer protection law, overseen by the Competition Market Authority.

Found: This solution has been the subject of a DESNZ consultation which has recently closed Exploring the role

Found: Chris McDonald MP Minister for Industry Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: We are now working through all our climate spending together with DESNZ and DEFRA. This is new.

Found: In next generation energy, we are working with DESNZ. For space, we are working with DSIT.

Found: Available at: https://www.edfenergy.com/about/nuclear/more-than-power 10 DESNZ (2025) International

Found: Ed Miliband MP Secretary of State for Department for Energy Security & Net Zero [By email] Subject

Found: Can I take you back to your time at DESNZ and the ECO4 home insulation scheme, about which I think

Found: Please, DESNZ, somehow or other keep it simple. Make it happen.

Found: Please, DESNZ, somehow or other keep it simple. Make it happen.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration her Department has given to the availability of refrigerant as part of the review of responses to the F gas Regulation in Great Britain: Reform of the HFC phasedown consultation.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and DESNZ worked together closely on the proposal set out in the HFC phasedown consultation and continue to do so. This is why the proposal reflects plans for the rollout of heat pumps. Responses to the consultation are still being considered. The consultation asked respondents questions about the assumptions underpinning the proposal and potential impacts of the proposal which could include availability of refrigerants.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the consultation on F gas Regulation in Great Britain: Reform of the HFC phasedown.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and DESNZ worked together closely on the proposal set out in the HFC phasedown consultation and continue to do so. This is why the proposal reflects plans for the rollout of heat pumps. Responses to the consultation are still being considered. The consultation asked respondents questions about the assumptions underpinning the proposal and potential impacts of the proposal which could include availability of refrigerants.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the electricity demand of proposed AI datacentre developments.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises that AI-driven compute, including largescale data centres, will increase electricity demand over the coming years. DSIT works closely with DESNZ and NESO to assess how projected AI-related demand is reflected in long-term energy system planning.

The AI Energy Council, co-chaired by Secretaries of State for DSIT and DESNZ, brings together regulators, energy companies and tech firms to address the growing energy demands of AI in a sustainable and scalable way.

The Council is also exploring how clean and low carbon energy solutions - including renewables and emerging technologies such as small modular reactors - could support future AI infrastructure, consistent with the Government’s clean power ambitions.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of support for the landfill gas to energy sector on methane emissions and landfill gas capture rates.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is working closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to explore how the cessation of the Renewable Obligations Certificates scheme affects the continued operation of landfill gas to energy plants and the potential impacts of this on methane emissions and landfill gas capture rates. With these issues in mind, Defra is working with DESNZ on options, including a potential transition scheme. In turn, Defra is considering options for a long-term alternative to landfill gas capture which would follow the end of this transition. These are in line with the Government’s commitments set out in the Methane Action Plan.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that inward investment agreements for new datacentres include binding requirements on energy efficiency, renewable power sourcing and heat‑recovery obligations; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential environmental risks arising from the absence of a single cross‑government standard for datacentre sustainability.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government is committed to ensuring that new data centres and AI infrastructure are developed responsibly, with due consideration of environmental impacts.

UK data and AI infrastructure is subject to the UK’s environmental and planning frameworks, which require assessment of impacts such as energy use. Larger data centres, which will be able to apply through the recently introduced Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project route, will also be subject to these requirements.

DSIT works closely with DESNZ, DEFRA, and MHCLG to ensure that the UK’s data centre growth align with wider policy objectives, including on sustainability and Clean Power 2030 ambitions. The AI Energy Council, co-chaired by Secretaries of State for DSIT and DESNZ, brings together regulators, energy companies and tech firms to address the growing energy demands of AI in a sustainable and scalable way.

Found: in similar climates, which dictate the kinds of cooling used, and with similar designs.26 A 2025 DESNZ

Found: DWPM oJ DefraC OM oD 19,348 15,355 6,917 3,266 UKEF 2,957 DSIT 845 DCMS 838 DfT 740 DfE 474 DHSC 348 DESNZ

Found: onshore wind turbines on upland peatland, following policy changes made by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: In February 2026, DSIT commissioned updated response plans from departments, building on work by DESNZ

Found: (DESNZ) and the Department for Transport are responsible for prevention, resilience

Found: (DESNZ) and the Department for Transport are responsible for prevention, resilience

Found: Looking ahead, the domestic 32 DESNZ (2025): UK Energy in Brief 2025 33 DESNZ (2025): Developing an

Found: Prize (2025): Introducing the 10 Smart Data Challenge Prize finalist teams | Challenge Works 32 DESNZ

Found: The industry -led Future Homes Hub, backed by government departments including MHCLG and DESNZ, will

Found: MHCLG are working with DESNZ to explore opportunities within existing evaluations.

Found: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: publications/evaluation-of-the-transitional- arrangements-for-demand-side-response-phase-4 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: been used in government to evaluate other complex change programmes (for example, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: 1854 1795 1361 1146.821952 1663 5636 4656 2945 4129 3475 3174.036286 3574 8395 6114 4799 5924 4836 DESNZ

Found: on UK government sources to underpin our modelling, including ONS productivity and capital data, DESNZ

Found: DBT - Strategy and Growth - DBT - SG - Analysis Group Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Group

Found: Grant delivery - DBT - CS - GD - Grant Delivery 300033 Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: 300033

Found: DACCS Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DESNZ

Found: feedstocks, hydrogen and greenhouse gas removals 1.11 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: The Department for Energy Security and Net -Zero (DESNZ) estimated aviation will receive approximately

Found: contrail specific regulation, policy and guidance ● Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: cross-cutting nature, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (or a Minister from DESNZ

Found: DESNZ are continuing to engage with industry to ensure supply and pricing for oil prices remains resilient

Found: For good practice, see DESNZ guidance: Guidance on designing and constructing new builds to be smart-meter-ready

Found: For good practice, see DESNZ guidance: Guidance on designing and constructing new builds to be smart-meter-ready

Found: 45%, between 2000/ 2001 and 2018, however since then have plateaued230. 224 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: (2004), providing clear context for oversight by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: : the interoperability and cyber security of energy smart appliances and remote load control”. 3 DESNZ

Found: through the Energy Act 2004, sponsored and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: The appointment of the Chair, Deputy Chair and Committee members is recommended by the DESNZ responsible

Found: CoRWM is an expert committee of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Found: The board will be chaired by DESNZ.

Found: Sizewell C Project: Summary Business Case 10 HMG CDEL At the 2025 Spending Review (SR), DESNZ was

Found: dated 10/09/2025 from the Strategy Directorate at the Department for Energy Strategy and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: dated 10/09/2025 from the Strategy Directorate at the Department for Energy Strategy and Net Zero (DESNZ

Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many wind farms there currently are in operation, broken down by how many are (a) connected to the grid and (b) fully operational.

Answered by Martin, Gillian - Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) publishes ‘Renewable electricity – number of sites by region’ on an annual basis as part of the Accredited Official Statistics publication Energy Trends. The latest statistics were published on 30 September 2025 and show that as at the end of 2024, there were a total of 3,721 onshore and offshore wind sites based in Scotland.

Site specific information is not published and would be needed to provide the requested breakdowns. This is held by DESNZ.

Found: interest process for voluntary Sarah Jones MP Minister of State for Industry Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: included: The Welsh Government worked closely with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Wales’ Fourth Carbon Budget. 4 DESNZ, 2025.

Found: Government and its relevant departments, such as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: form the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ