Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to reconsider the ban on new oil and gas production licences for the North Sea in the light of the conflict in Iran.

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

The government set out details of how it will deliver on its commitment not to issue further oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the North Sea Future Plan. The government has no intention of reconsidering this.

It typically takes up to 10 years for new licences to explore new fields to lead to production. Any additional supply from such fields would make only a marginal difference to overall production. It would not change the UK’s status as a net importer of oil and gas. It would have no material impact on prices nor on security of supply.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the additional cost to ferry travellers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a result of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026.

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

The Impact Assessment does not identify significant consumer price impacts and finds that compliance costs for domestic maritime operators are modest relative to their overall operating costs, with fuel and carbon costs forming only one part of total running costs. These findings are consistent with international evidence showing changes to ferry ticket prices in the low single digit range under equivalent carbon pricing.

The Government will review the maritime element of the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme in 2028 to ensure that its impacts remain accurate, proportionate and fully assessed as the sector continues to decarbonise.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to provide an exemption to passenger ferry operators between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the provisions of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 which is similar to the exemption for operators to the Scottish Islands.

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

There is a high bar for any exemptions from the UK ETS. We are exempting ferries serving Scotland’s islands and peninsula communities given the unique and pressing challenges they face and the legal duties to consider island populations under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

We will be evaluating the impacts of the scheme, as well as the existing exemptions, in a review of the maritime regime in 2028. We will not be extending this exemption to other UK islands at this time.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks prevent the displacement of emissions to unregulated regions.

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

The Government is working to reduce the risk of emissions displacement through adopting and supporting the use of internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The Government is also taking action to address carbon leakage, including by introducing a carbon border adjustment mechanism from January 2027. This will ensure highly traded, carbon intensive products from jurisdictions outside the UK face a comparable carbon price to that paid by UK manufacturers, so that UK decarbonisation efforts lead to a true reduction in global emissions rather than simply displacing carbon emissions overseas.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of corporate Environmental, Social and Governance targets in reducing global emissions.

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

Evidence from DESNZ analysis and evaluations, including the evaluation of the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting framework, suggests that well-designed climate and ESG disclosures can strengthen corporate governance, improve monitoring and management of emissions, and support firms to identify and implement emissions reduction measures. The Government therefore supports approaches that promote credible, science-based targets and transition planning.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to speed up the reduction of the proportion of the UK's energy needs met by oil and gas.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to decouple the price of wholesale electricity from the cost of gas beyond moving more renewables into Contracts for Difference.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to reverse the prohibition on domestic production of coking coal; and if so, on what timetable.

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

The Government announced on 14th November 2024 its intention to introduce new legislation to restrict the future licensing of all new coal extraction. It will bring forward legislation to do this when parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposal in the report by Greenpeace and Stonehaven, Power Shift, published in March, to move gas-fired power stations into a Regulated Asset Base strategic reserve.

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

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

Under current market frameworks, technologies with the lowest marginal cost dispatch first. Unabated gas generators have high marginal costs so generally dispatch last.

By 2030 unabated gas will account for less than 5% of total generation. As low‑carbon technologies are deployed at scale, gas will increasingly shift to a reserve role in the system, meaning it will set electricity prices less often over time, reducing consumers’ exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.

As the role of unabated gas diminishes, we continue to work with NESO and Ofgem to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on consumer bills, including considering the potential benefits and risks of alternative market reforms.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator about the feasibility and potential impact of implementing a Regulated Asset Base model for gas-fired power stations.

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

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

Under current market frameworks, technologies with the lowest marginal cost dispatch first. Unabated gas generators have high marginal costs so generally dispatch last.

By 2030 unabated gas will account for less than 5% of total generation. As low‑carbon technologies are deployed at scale, gas will increasingly shift to a reserve role in the system, meaning it will set electricity prices less often over time, reducing consumers’ exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.

As the role of unabated gas diminishes, we continue to work with NESO and Ofgem to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on consumer bills, including considering the potential benefits and risks of alternative market reforms.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Peak Cluster project which proposes building a pipeline to carry compressed carbon dioxide from cement producers in Staffordshire and Derbyshire to gas storage facilities in Morcombe.

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

In July 2023, the previous government outlined the next two clusters it felt were best placed to take forward carbon capture after ECC and Hynet. These were Acorn, in the Northeast of Scotland, and Viking in the Humber. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are continuing to engage with potential future projects, including the Peak Cluster, to understand their proposals.

The assessment for commissioning this project is undertaken through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process itself. The planning system is designed to assess whether the anticipated benefits of the project outweigh its potential costs and adverse impacts.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government on what dates companies and individuals fully paid the fines levied by Ofgem during 2024 and 2025.

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

Ofgem is directly accountable to Parliament for the performance of its functions. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) does not oversee Ofgem’s regulatory or organisational activities. As such, this information is not held by DESNZ and so is not readily available. However, I have asked the Chief Executive of Ofgem to write to my noble Friend to provide the information. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are having discussions with Ofgem about (1) shifting its regulatory focus from gas to heat, and (2) considering cost recovery for heat networks through its upcoming price control framework.

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

Ofgem took on responsibility for regulating heat networks in January, and Ministers have been engaging regularly with Ofgem on how their role will develop.

Under current Ofgem rules, heat networks have a requirement to set fair and transparent prices. Whilst Ofgem have consulted on bench marking proposals in relation to these rules, they do not set the prices heat networks charge and heat networks are not governed by the energy price cap or regulated under Ofgem's network price control framework.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether domestic production has a lower lifecycle emissions intensity than imported liquefied natural gas.

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

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published analysis in September 2025 comparing the emissions intensity of domestically produced gas with imported liquefied natural gas. This analysis is available on the NSTA’s website. In 2024, domestic gas production made up 43% of gross supply, LNG imports accounted for 14%, with the remainder coming from pipeline imports – principally from Norway.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have modelled the emissions implications of replacing domestic production with imported liquefied natural gas.

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

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published analysis in September 2025 comparing the emissions intensity of domestically produced gas with imported liquefied natural gas. This analysis is available on the NSTA’s website. In 2024, domestic gas production made up 43% of gross supply, LNG imports accounted for 14%, with the remainder coming from pipeline imports – principally from Norway.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that residents of park homes are eligible for energy efficiency support schemes.

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

The Government’s Warm Homes Plan (WHP) is the biggest ever investment in home upgrades and includes an offer for every household.

Park home residents may be eligible for support with home upgrades through the Warm Homes: Local Grant. Additionally, all eligible households in England and Wales can benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme, funded with £2.7 billion to 2030.

We are also working with the finance sector to make a range of low-cost finance solutions available to homeowners, with Government backing a total loan portfolio of £2 billion, including up to £1.7 billion from our new Warm Homes Fund.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of issuing no new oil and gas exploration licences on (1) supply chain capacity, and (2) retention of skilled offshore workers.

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

The government aims to ensure our oil and gas workers and supply chain can take advantage of our energy transition, creating a global blueprint for a transition that supports prosperity, jobs, economic growth, communities and energy security.

In the North Sea Future Plan, the government committed to develop support for supply chain businesses, investors, and workers to help them benefit from a pipeline of projects across the North Sea and in the UK’s energy future. We are also developing a world-class North Sea Jobs Service to provide end-to-end support for oil and gas workers to move into growing industries.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential for the heat network sector to drive economic growth and job creation.

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

We set out our long-term strategy for heat networks in the Warm Homes Plan, including our target for heat networks to supply 7% of heat demand by 2035, on a path towards meeting a fifth of demand by 2050. We estimate that delivering this ambition will result in 18,000 jobs supported in 2030, and attract £60 billion of investment in the UK by 2050.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what level of support is available for energy costs under the cost of living provisions and additional support under the warm homes discount; whether that support totals £300; and if not, whether they will correct the figure on the Gov.uk website.

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

We announced in the Autumn Budget that we would cut the cost of living, and as a result, the price cap fell by 7% / £117 to £1,641 per year for an average dual fuel customer paying by Direct Debit.

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, when he plans to launch the allocation rounds for the Hydrogen Transport Business Model and Hydrogen Storage Business Model.

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

We are progressing the design of the business models and the first allocation round at pace. We will award the first contracts for the Hydrogen Transport Business Model and Hydrogen Storage Business Model through the Regional Hydrogen Network competition.

Further clarity on publication timings will be provided in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the receipt of benefits designed to support disabled people with the additional costs of living with disability, such as a) PIP, b) DLA and c) AA, being within targeting criteria for energy cost support initiatives.

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 continues to monitor the situation closely. Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most

In addition, DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consideration he has given to the additional energy needs of disabled people who do not receive means tested benefits when evaluating potential energy bill support for households as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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 continues to monitor the situation closely. Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most

In addition, DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he refer the issue of fraud within ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme to the Serious Fraud Office as recommended by the Public Account Committee report on Faulty Energy Efficiency Installations, published on 23 January 2026.

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

The Department will be responding to the Public Accounts Committee via Treasury Minute as is the standard process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Humber supporting industrial decarbonisation through the development of hydrogen infrastructure.

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

The Humber is the UK’s largest industrial cluster and is home to a number of hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation projects, which aim to supply low-carbon hydrogen to local industrial users, supporting decarbonisation, skilled job creation and regional economic growth across the Humber region. Proposals for hydrogen infrastructure in the Humber will be able to participate in the proposed Regional Hydrogen Network when launched.

Three projects in the Humber area were shortlisted in Hydrogen Allocation Round 2. If successful, these projects will produce low-carbon hydrogen to power gas turbines and help decarbonise oil refineries and lime kilns in the Humber area.

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 Humber’s hydrogen production capacity on UK hydrogen targets.

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

Hydrogen has the potential to support decarbonisation and economic growth across the UK. The Government recognises the Humber as one of several regions that could supply, as well as benefit from, low‑carbon hydrogen production.

As part of the Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2), three projects in the Humber area were shortlisted in April 2025, specifically Aldborough Hydrogen Pathfinder, Humber H2ub, and Singleton Birch Kilns. If successful, these projects will produce low-carbon hydrogen which will power gas turbines and help to decarbonise an oil refinery and lime kiln in the Humber area, as well as generate low carbon power.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that the requirements of rural households are addressed in policies aimed at tackling potential increases in energy prices.

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.

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. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what elements of the Warm Homes Plan will be delivered in Wales by (a) Local authorities and (b) Welsh Government.

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

All eligible households in England and Wales can benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme, funded with £2.7 billion to 2030. The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) applies to the whole of the UK, as will round 2 of the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition.

The Heat Network Efficiency scheme is open to public, private and third sector grant applicants in England and Wales, and the Heat Network Market Framework also applies in Wales.

New minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector will help to lift households out of fuel poverty in England and Wales.

The Government has also been actively engaging with the Welsh Government on the Warm Homes Agency since Spring 2025. The Agency will only operate in Wales with agreement from the Welsh Government, and discussions to secure this agreement are ongoing.

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 a core hydrogen network on linking hydrogen production in the Humber to other industrial clusters.

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

In the early hydrogen economy, we expect that most hydrogen demand will be located within our existing industrial clusters. Government is therefore prioritising the development of regional network infrastructure. Government continues to assess the economic and system benefits that could be presented by a core hydrogen network. However, determining the determining the needs case for inter-regional networks, as well as the location, scale and timing for any such networks requires further evidence.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what criteria he will use to decide the location of the UK’s first integrated hydrogen transport and storage network.

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

Officials are progressing the design of both the business models and the Regional Hydrogen Network competition at pace. Criteria are being developed to select the most strategically beneficial location for the first regional hydrogen network. As part of this, we expect to assess deliverability of the transport and storage projects involved, value for money, potential contribution to decarbonisation of key industrial and power sectors, and wider economic benefits such as contribution to green job creation and economic growth.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Government plans to reintroduce grant schemes for the insulation and cladding of park homes.

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

The Warm Homes Plan, the biggest investment in home upgrades ever, aims to provide an offer for every type of household, including park homes. Residents can apply for support via the Warm Homes: Local Grant, which provides grant support for a range of upgrades to low-income homes, including insulation.

Government is also working with the finance sector to make a range of low-cost finance solutions available to homeowners, with Government backing a total loan portfolio of £2 billion, including up to £1.7 billion from our new Warm Homes Fund.

Additionally, all eligible households in England and Wales can benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme, funded with £2.7 billion to 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when his Department plans to respond in full to the Public Account Committee report on Faulty Energy Efficiency Installations, published on 23 January 2026.

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

The Department will be responding to the Public Accounts Committee via Treasury Minute as is the standard process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what research and support mechanisms they are providing to develop the agrivoltaics sector; and what assessment they have made of its potential contribution to energy generation and agricultural productivity.

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

The Government closely follows developments in the agrivoltaics sector, and supports innovative technologies, including through initiatives funded by UK Research and Innovation. In the Solar Roadmap, Government and industry committed to explore future research and demonstration opportunities for agrivoltaic systems.

Although the technology is fairly nascent in the UK, the Government believes that it can play an important role in the decarbonisation of agriculture (for example, where panels are arranged around a field). The technology also has the potential to ensure that land is used efficiently, by maximising agricultural output on land devoted to solar generation.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what levels of finance and support are required through schemes such as the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme to bring legacy networks up to the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme standards.

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

The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which provides grants to heat networks to carry out performance and efficiency improvement works, has the potential to provide some funding to networks for works that will bring them up to HNTAS standards.

We are currently consulting on the implementation of HNTAS, and are actively encouraging the sector to provide cost data through the consultation, so we can strengthen our evidence base on financial support that may be required and ensure the final policy is proportionate and deliverable.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment the Government has made of the differential impact of increases in energy prices on households in (a) rural and (b) urban areas.

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.

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. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for the use of strategic heat network zoning to inform a phased and planned approach to gas grid decommissioning or repurposing.

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

We set out our long-term strategy for heat networks in the Warm Homes Plan, including our target for heat networks to supply 7% of heat demand by 2035, on a path towards meeting a fifth of demand by 2050.

This ambition is based on the heat network zoning model, which will use a standardised methodology to identify areas where heat networks are expected to provide the lowest cost, low carbon heat to buildings.

Policies such as strategic heat network zoning will help to inform the design of the future gas system, including any repurposing or decommissioning that takes place.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on UK energy import dependency of issuing no new oil and gas exploration licences.

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

We became a net importer of energy in 2004. Given the maturity of the basin, and the high proportion of future production projected to come from existing developments versus new developments and discoveries, further licensing in the North Sea would not reverse the basin’s natural decline.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 24 March (HL15443), what steps the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has taken in the last year to meet its legal duty to keep under review the question of when uncommenced legislation that falls within its area of responsibility should be brought into force.

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

Policy teams within the department are responsible for ensuring effective legislative practice within their area, including uncommenced legislation and considering when to bring forward commencement orders. Where needed, they draw on advice of legal professionals and our central legislative functions to support their delivery.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Written Statement HCWS1471 of 26 March 2026 on Energy Infrastructure Planning – Botley West Solar Farm, what in his assessment of the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s recommendation led him to seek further information from the applicant.

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

Under Section 53 of the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State may require further information from an applicant where this is considered necessary to inform the planning decision.

Given the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate for a Minister in this department to comment on specific matters related to the proposals, as this could be seen as prejudicing the decision-making process. All requests for further information, and responses to those requests, will be published on the Planning Inspectorate website for this case in the usual way.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Written Statement HCWS1471 of 26 March 2026 on Energy Infrastructure Planning – Botley West Solar Farm, if he will publish the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s report and recommendation in relation to that application.

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

In line with normal procedure under the 2008 Planning Act, the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s report and recommendation of the proposed Botley West Solar Farm will be published after the conclusion of the decision-making phase of the development consent process.

Once the decision has been taken, the report and its recommendation will then be published alongside the Secretary of State’s decision documentation on the Planning Inspectorate 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 the Policy Paper published on 11 February 2026 entitled Local Power Plan, when the route to market for unlocking SLES will be operational.

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

The Department recognises requests to take steps to better enable local energy markets and trading to lower bills and increase the resilience of the electricity networks. The Department is investigating barriers to local supply and is working with Ofgem, Great British Energy and relevant stakeholders to find solutions that work in the best interests of local generators and consumers.

The Department is also actively exploring policy options that will unlock Smart Local Energy Systems, including working with Innovate UK, local government and communities to develop opportunities for place‑based approaches.

Ofgem and Elexon’s work on code modifications, like P441, will help more community energy groups identify and understand the different routes to market in order to sell their energy. Industry feedback informed the Draft Modification Report considered by the Panel on the 12 March leading to the Final Modification Report submitted to Ofgem on the 17 March.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any review was undertaken of the mitigation package secured through the Sizewell C Deed of Obligation following the increase in the project’s estimated cost.

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

The Deed of Obligation was agreed between Suffolk Council, East Suffolk Council, and NNB Generating Company (SZC) Limited in October 2021. It sets out mitigation measures to reduce the impact of the development and operation of Sizewell C within each Councils boundary and is reflected in Requirements within the Development Consent Order. We are not aware of any review of the mitigation package in the light of increased project costs. Any application to change the Orders Requirements would need to be approved by the Secretary of State.

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 incentivise the installation of insulation to reduce private rented sector tenants’ energy bills.

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

The Warm Homes Plan will cut bills, with an offer for every household, whether they own their home, rent privately, or live in social housing. We will reach up to five million homes by 2030, through direct support for those on low incomes and in fuel poverty, grants and innovative low-interest finance available to all.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is accessible to those living in privately rented accommodation, subject to eligibility. We are also standing up for renters through our new minimum energy efficiency standards in the private and social rented sectors, which will lift around 650,000 households out of fuel poverty.

From 1 October 2030, private rented homes must meet the required standard, or have a valid exemption registered in order to be let.

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 in the Warm Homes Plan to support insulation upgrades for fuel-poor households in the private rented sector.

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

The Warm Homes Plan will cut bills, with an offer for every household, whether they own their home, rent privately, or live in social housing. We will reach up to five million homes by 2030, through direct support for those on low incomes and in fuel poverty, grants and innovative low-interest finance available to all.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is accessible to those living in privately rented accommodation, subject to eligibility. We are also standing up for renters through our new minimum energy efficiency standards in the private and social rented sectors, which will lift around 650,000 households out of fuel poverty.

From 1 October 2030, private rented homes must meet the required standard, or have a valid exemption registered in order to be let.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of the number of households in fuel poverty who live in properties that do not have loft insulation.

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

The latest annual fuel poverty statistics estimate that around 873,000 households in England were in fuel poverty in 2025 and lived in properties with under 125 mm of loft insulation, equivalent to a fuel poverty rate of 13.3% for this group. This compares with a rate of fuel poverty of around 7.8% (1.17 million households) among households with 125 mm or more of loft insulation, and 9% (316,000 households) among households where loft insulation is not applicable.

These estimates are produced under the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE) metric and are published in Table 17 of the Fuel poverty detailed tables 2026 (2025 data).

Found: framework and governance designed by Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

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

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

Found: interactive map, though peat layers are not included: https://data.barbour-abi.com/smart- map/repd/desnz

Found: We would strongly encourage urgent engagement with DESNZ and Ofgem to secure near-term reform or transitional

Found: Jonathan Mills: I am Jonathan Mills, the director general for energy markets and supply in DESNZ, covering

Found: House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Jonathan Brearley Permanent Secretary Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

Found: DESNZ has recently released guidance to assist industry in navigating the regime.

Found: Grid capacity sits with DESNZ and Ofgem. Depot planning sits with local authorities.

Found: third party matters, providing a route for dispute resolution to avoid the need for referral to the DESNZ

Found: the European Union, the Treasury has responsibility for the carbon border adjustment mechanism, and DESNZ

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Found: Recommendation implemented 4.2 Risk management and associated escalation within DESNZ is managed through

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues regarding expanding work-based training capacity for sustainable built environment careers.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

We are working closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on a range of sustainable built environment careers to ensure that the move to a clean economy benefits us all.

We are contributing labour market insight and employer engagement expertise to DESNZ’s work on the Clean Jobs Employer Handbook, which is being developed to help employers recruit into green and net zero roles.

We have also established support for our customers to apply for clean energy jobs. Our Strategic Relationship Team (SRT) has utilised employer and partner expertise to create digital resources for work coaches and employer advisors, so they are aware of the clean energy job opportunities available to our customers. In late 2025, SRT partnered with Energy and Utility Skills to develop a ‘sector-entry’ pilot. This commenced in early 2026 and supports entrants into the sector.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of implementing the Fingleton Nuclear Regulatory Review on existing environmental protections.

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

Defra worked closely with DESNZ and other government departments to consider how to implement the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review, whilst taking account of our international obligations and our important environmental protections.

Our approach to achieve this is set out in the implementation plan published on 13 March 2026. The implementation plan sets out how we can simplify regulations and processes for new nuclear projects whilst continuing to protect the environment.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to establish a minister for critical mineral security.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Chris McDonald MP was appointed Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on 11 September 2025. As Minister for Industry, his responsibilities cover critical minerals, including their security of supply.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to the Critical Minerals Strategy, published on 22 November 2025, what assessment they have made of the potential merits of appointing a single minister responsible for coordinating critical mineral security policy between departments.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Department for Business and Trade holds regular meetings to discuss critical minerals policy with other departments, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of critical mineral supply chains. Chris McDonald MP as Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) holds responsibility for critical minerals and regularly engages other Ministers on critical minerals policy.

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

Found: DESNZ (2025).

Found: This requires the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to carry out two specified calculations

Found: Home Office”, DHSC = “Department of Health & Social Care”, UKISF = “UK Integrated Security Fund”, DESNZ

Found: The Referral 1.1 On 3 March 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) requested

Found: The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has published its report providing advice to DESNZ concerning the proposed

Found: The SAU has published its report providing advice to DESNZ concerning its proposed modified Green Heat

Found: The Referral 1.1 On 19 February 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) requested

Found: g roupIds=48b4782b858e4340a9752fa35dac346 e Onshore wind DESNZ Renewable Energy Database https:

Found: joins the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: Since its inception, the FIA has worked hand in hand with DESNZ and UKAEA to commercialize fusion.

Found: We are an arm’s-length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), dedicated to

Found: Meeting • 25 Feb - Meeting of APCCS Briefing on the Crime and Policing Bill • 25 Feb DESNZ

Found: arrangements and SI process - Report Ref: PAB(25)R06 Approval was sought for a loan agreement with DESNZ

Found: . • Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ): Responsible for UK energy security, protecting

Found: Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: , energy, and industrial policy, now merged into the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: ‘Awel Co-op: Mynydd y Gwrhyd Wind Farm’. 113 Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (2025).