Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the migration of smart meters to second generation.

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

The migration of first-generation (SMETS1) smart meters onto the Data Communications Company (DCC) network is now complete. This means that all SMETS1 smart meters on the DCC network are able to retain smart services upon switching energy suppliers, just as second generation (SMETS2) smart meters do.

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 Ofgem on seeking seeking redress for affected customers of A Shade Greener.

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

Ministers regularly engage with Ofgem on a range of issues covering the full breadth of the energy system.

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 Cabinet colleagues on securing a new nuclear project at Wylfa.

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

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

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 implications for his Department’s policies of the report by the Nuclear Industry Association entitled Jobs May 2025, published on 5 December 2024.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a new nuclear project at Wylfa on (a) employment and (b) investment benefits in North Wales.

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

In 2024, Great British Energy – Nuclear acquired the site at Wylfa in 2024, which has previously hosted a nuclear power plant and has positive attributes for new nuclear.

No decisions have yet been taken on any projects to be deployed at Wylfa. Our plans will be set out in due course.

The government values nuclear energy’s important role in delivering energy security and homegrown clean power while generating investment and supporting thousands of skilled jobs in communities across the country.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an estimate of the funding required for local authorities to ensure the enforcement of proposed new minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector.

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

Local authorities are key to enforcement and my department has engaged with them extensively throughout policy development.

Government is already taking steps to empower local authorities, including proposing increasing the maximum fine to £30,000 per-property per-breach, carrying out significant improvements to the Exemptions Register, and introducing a Landlord Database through the Renters’ Rights Bill. These steps will better enable local authorities to identify non-compliant properties in their area and take action to support landlords to comply.

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 introduce a social tariff for energy.

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

I know that more needs to be done to support vulnerable households that are struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power.

The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 rebate off winter energy bills for eligible low-income households. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from next winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bill costs.

On 25 September we published a consultation setting out our intention to continue support for those 6 million households. The consultation sets out proposals for the next scheme period (up to winter 2030/31), after current regulations expire on 31 March 2026. Government is gathering feedback from stakeholders on the design of the core elements of the scheme, options for delivery of the scheme in Scotland, proposals to change some elements of the scheme for suppliers, a call for evidence on Industry Initiatives, and a call for suggestions for future improvements during the next scheme period. The consultation closes on Thursday 20 November.

In the interim, I appreciate that one of the biggest practical barriers to providing help to households that need it, is the availability of the right data to target financial support and advice. The Department for Net Zero and Energy Security is working closely with other Government Departments to unlock the data that will enable us to target support more effectively to those who need help with their energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for (a) energy support schemes and (b) the Warm Home Discount to people whose homes are not connected to electric or gas networks.

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

For schemes such as the Winter Fuel Payment, which helps pensioner households with heating costs, and the Cold Weather Payment, which offers additional support during periods of very cold weather to those on certain income-related benefits, households do not need to be connected to the gas or electricity networks.

To be eligible for the Warm Home Discount a consumer must be named on an energy account with an obligated supplier and be in receipt of a relevant means tested benefit. In February 2025 the Government consulted on broadening the scheme to include households without a direct relationship with an energy supplier, however it was not feasible to take this forward without increasing the cost of the scheme for all consumers.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support he plans to provide to households in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency with energy bills in winter 2025-26.

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

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

We recognise that we need to support households struggling with bills whilst we transition to clean power by 2030. This is why we delivered the Warm Home Discount to around 3 million eligible low-income households last winter. On 19 June we announced that we are expanding the Warm Home Discount to around an additional 2.7 million households. This means that from this winter, around 6 million low-income households will receive the £150 support to help with their energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress his Department has made in producing a climate action plan by 29 October 2025.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what engagement his Department has had with institutional investors to identify barriers to investment in green infrastructure; and what steps his Department is taking to address those barriers through policy or regulatory reform.

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

The Department engages regularly with institutional investors and industry associations through bilateral meetings, roundtables and targeted events to better understand and address investment barriers. Insights from these interactions inform policy and regulatory reform to best mobilise private investment into the Clean Energy Mission. For example, investors were actively engaged in the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. Engagement also informs planning reform, and changes to investment mechanisms such as recent Contracts for Difference reform. The Department works alongside public finance institutions to develop targeted interventions that crowd in private investment.

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 help reduce regional inequalities in energy bills.

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

Energy prices vary regionally due to differences in the costs of local electricity and gas distribution networks, which are influenced by factors like population density and infrastructure maintenance. The energy price cap accounts for these differences in regional network costs by adjusting unit rates and standing charges.

The Government knows that, for many consumers, too much of the burden of the bill is placed on standing charges. The Government is committed to reducing consumer bills and bearing down on the standing charges and have worked constructively with the regulator, Ofgem, on this issue.

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 the Climate Change Committee on whether the UK is on track to stay within its carbon budgets from 2025 until 2042.

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

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State regularly engages with the Climate Change Committee (CCC). This year, the CCC published their independent advice to government on Carbon Budget 7 (2038-2042) and their annual progress report to government, which found that the government has made “bold policy decisions” in the last year to deliver progress in key areas to reduce emissions. We are considering their independent advice to government and will respond in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of decoupling electricity prices from wholesale gas prices on household energy bills.

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

As unabated gas generation is displaced and transitions to a reserve role, wholesale electricity prices will increasingly decouple from the price of gas. Accelerating the deployment of renewable generation, as we are through our Clean Power 2030 Mission, will reduce the frequency with which gas sets the marginal price, helping to rapidly decouple electricity from gas prices without the need for more complex arrangements. This will in turn reduce consumer exposure to volatile international gas prices.

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 contribution of the civil nuclear supply chain in Warrington North constituency to (a) regional and (b) national economic growth.

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

As evidenced by the inclusion of civil nuclear the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the government recognises that our nuclear programme is an important driver of regional and national growth. We also recognise the considerable presence of the civil nuclear supply chain in Warrington North, with businesses in the region contributing a range of expertise across the programme.

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 Island Green Power on the proposed plans for The Droves Solar Farm; and if he will publish (a) the minutes and (b) the agenda of any such meetings.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of prioritising grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready to commence.

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

The Government is working closely with the National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and the network companies to deliver fundamental reform of the grid connections process. The reforms will prioritise connections for viable and strategically aligned projects, by releasing up to 500GW of capacity from the oversubscribed connections queue. This will enable accelerated connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and aligned with our strategic needs, as set out in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and help unlock £40 billion of mainly private investment a year in clean energy and infrastructure.

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 high-emission industries contribute fairly to funding climate recovery and adaptation.

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

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme ensures that high-emitting sectors like power pay a fair price for the emissions they produce. ETS participants must buy allowances to cover their emissions, with revenues supporting government priorities including climate change mitigation and adaptation. The carbon price faced by businesses covered also drives them to invest in decarbonising their operations – over half say it has prompted them to invest in decarbonisation. We are expanding the scheme to the energy from waste and maritime sectors.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to make (a) local fire services and (b) the Environment Agency statutory consultees for battery energy storage sites.

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

This government takes fire safety extremely seriously. In GB, fires at battery sites are rare and are mitigated by a regulatory framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025), lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24).

We do not intend to make fire authorities or the Environment Agency statutory consultees on planning applications involving Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS). However, DEFRA is currently consulting on the principle of including batteries under the scope of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). EPR requires sites to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that harms are avoided or controlled and would provide for ongoing regulatory inspections.

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 UK-manufactured (a) hydrogen and (b) fuel cell technologies are affected by (i) current and (ii) future (A) hydrogen production and (B) usage schemes.

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

The UK is taking a whole-system approach to developing a hydrogen economy, putting in place the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support deployment and attract private investment across the full hydrogen value chain.

We are driving demand through our hydrogen production and hydrogen transport and storage business models and supporting manufacturers of hydrogen equipment, including fuel cells, through our comprehensive Public Financial Institution offer, which includes Great British Energy, National Wealth Fund and the British Business Bank. We are also improving the visibility of the UK supply chain through “Meet the Specifier” and “Meet the Buyer” events.

We will publish a UK Hydrogen Strategy later this year which will set out clear priorities for collaboration with industry.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to strengthen fire safety regulations for battery energy storage systems.

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

In GB, fires at battery sites are rare and are mitigated by a regulatory framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025)[1], lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24)[2].

To complement this regulation, DEFRA is consulting on including batteries within the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). EPR requires sites to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that harms are avoided or controlled and provides for ongoing regulatory inspections.

[1] https://modoenergy.com/indices/industry-metrics?r=gb&m=operationalSites

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics-monitor

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will apply the forthcoming revised sustainability criteria for biomass to any new Contracts for Difference being developed for post-2027 generation at (a) Drax and (b) Lynemouth power stations.

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

Revised sustainability criteria for large-scale biomass electricity generators, such as Drax and Lynemouth, were published on 10 February 2025 following a consultation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transitional-support-mechanism-for-large-scale-biomass-electricity-generators

These criteria will apply to any potential contracts awarded under this mechanism.

More broadly, the Government plans to consult later this year on the development of a Common Biomass Sustainability Framework. The timeline for publication and implementation of the framework will depend on the outcomes of that consultation.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that employees in the oil and gas industry in England have adequate skills to find new employment.

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

We will shortly be publishing a clean energy workforce strategy which will set out our approach to upskilling and reskilling the workforce into clean energy roles through initiatives including the Energy Skills Passport, in collaboration with industry, which is helping oil and gas workers to identify routes into roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.

The skills system is delivering training for existing workers looking to retrain or upskill into clean energy. Support includes the announcement of 10 Technical Excellence Colleges for construction, which will transform existing further education colleges to deliver the skills needed for growth-driving sectors like clean energy; the Growth and Skills levy to deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers in England; and Skill Bootcamps to address the need for clean energy skills where this reflects regional priorities.

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 his policies on new nuclear on job creation.

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

This Government’s nuclear policies are set to create thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK. At peak construction, Sizewell C will support 10,000 jobs directly employed in the project, thousands more in the nationwide supply chain, and plans to create 1,500 apprenticeships. Furthermore, a small modular reactor project delivered through the Great British Energy – Nuclear SMR programme could create up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction. The new Atlantic partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy between the UK and the US will accelerate deployment of new nuclear power, unlocking opportunities for billions in private investment and delivering thousands more well-paid skilled jobs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress the Government has made on reviewing how future MPS surpluses should be shared.

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

The previous Minister of State for Industry met the MPS Trustees on 9 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward.

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 introduce additional incentives for hydrogen project developers to source (a) equipment and (b) components from UK manufacturers.

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

In the Industrial Strategy, we set out the UK's potential to be a global leader in both hydrogen deployment and supply chains, given the shared skills and infrastructure from the oil and gas sector, existing strengths in innovation, and our supportive policy environment. We have a strong offer for domestic manufacturing including support from our Public Finance Institutions and deployment certainty through Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HARs). Additionally, we welcome the industry-led voluntary ambition of 50% UK local content for hydrogen across the value chain from 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that revised sustainability criteria for biomass are in place before new Contracts for Difference are finalised for (a) Drax and (b) Lynemouth power stations.

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

Revised sustainability criteria for large scale biomass generators, such as Drax and Lynemouth, were published on 10 February 2025 following a consultation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transitional-support-mechanism-for-large-scale-biomass-electricity-generators

These criteria will apply to any potential contracts awarded under this mechanism.

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 safety regulations for battery energy storage sites.

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

In GB, battery fires are rare and are mitigated by a robust framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive, requiring responsible parties to ensure safety throughout a battery’s deployment. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025)¹, lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24).²

To complement this regulation, DEFRA is consulting on including batteries within the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). EPR requires sites to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that harms are avoided or controlled and provides for ongoing regulatory inspections.

[1] https://modoenergy.com/indices/industry-metrics?r=gb&m=operationalSites

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics-monitor

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 providing consumers with access to information on (a) historical and (b) real-time electricity supply interruptions in Surrey.

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

Access to real time information during power disruptions is essential for situational awareness at a national and local level. All Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) offer power outage information on their websites and have made significant improvements in customer communications, following the Storm Arwen review in 2022 with requirements to report on response times during outages.

Customers can access information on any disruptions by contacting their network operator by dialling 105 or alternatively visiting: https://www.powercut105.com/findoperator.

DNOs, per their license obligations, report their annual performance for customer interruptions to Ofgem each year. This information is published in Ofgem's RIIO-1 Electricity Distribution Annual Report.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any solar infrastructure built with the support of GB Energy will use solar panels built in regions where supply chains have evidence of (a) modern slavery and (b) other exploitation.

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

Great British Energy will lead the way in ethical supply chains, and there is no place for forced labour or unethical practices in the UK's energy transition. The Procurement Act 2023 enables public bodies to reject bids and terminate contracts with suppliers known to use forced labour. As a state-owned company, Great British Energy is expected to be a first-in-class example of adherence to the UK’s legislation and guidance on modern slavery, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

All contracts issued under the schools and hospitals solar initiative have complied with UK procurement rules, including extensive requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Great British Energy will uphold these standards in its contracting arrangements and is actively engaging with international partners to raise the bar globally on solar supply chain accountability.

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 extent to which oil and gas companies operating in the UK contribute to the costs of climate-related damage.

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

The North Sea Transition Authority enforces compliance with the North Sea Transition Deal to ensure the oil and gas sector halves its emissions by 2030 and achieves net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the UK’s carbon budget. The targets will be achieved through initiatives including the industry’s Methane Action Plan which includes a 50% methane reduction target by 2030.

The Government also published in June supplementary environmental impact assessment guidance. The guidance marks a step forward in ensuring the full environmental impact of oil and gas extraction - including end use emissions - is considered for offshore projects.

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 information to communities affected by battery energy storage sites on the safety of those sites.

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

Communities near potential grid-scale battery sites should be informed about them via planning law, which requires local planning authorities to notify neighbours regarding planning applications either by site notice or letter, and to publish information about the application on a website. This provides the local community the opportunity to make representations about the application

The government has published guidance on existing battery safety standards.[1] Separately, the Health and Safety Executive has published guidance[2] for battery duty-holders under health and safety law. While intended for developers, communities may find this information helpful in gaining assurance that appropriate standards are in place for batteries.

In GB, fires at battery sites are rare and are mitigated by a regulatory framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025)[1], lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24)[2].


[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661feca73771f5b3ee757fac/grid-scale-storage-health-safety-guidance.pdf
[2] https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/battery-energy-storage-systems.htm

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 ban the import of (a) solar panels and (b) solar panel components from Xinjiang.

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

The Government is committed to tackling forced labour in solar supply chains, including in Xinjiang. We are strengthening due diligence requirements through the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 and by reviewing Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act

The Solar Roadmap outlines actions to build ethical, resilient supply chains, including support for the Solar Stewardship Initiative, which is conducting independent audits of manufacturers. Furthermore, Great British Energy (GBE) is committed to acting on any evidence of forced labour in its supply chains, as required by the GBE Act.

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 monitor the proportion of solar developments in Lincolnshire that incorporate biodiversity net gain requirements.

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

Officials closely monitor planning applications and examinations of such projects. Defra recently consulted on extending biodiversity net gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in England, and confirmed it will apply from May 2026.

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 Scottish Government on the potential impact of its ban on new nuclear projects on future employment opportunities.

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

There is considerable potential for hosting new nuclear projects in Scotland, building on decades of experience of existing nuclear power across the country. Given the Scottish Government’s presumption against new nuclear, the UK Government cannot actively consider projects within Scotland at this time

At peak construction, Sizewell C will support 10,000 jobs directly employed in the project, thousands more in the nationwide supply chain, and plans to create 1,500 apprenticeships, whilst the Great British Energy - Nuclear-led small modular reactor project could support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction.

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 publish the revised sustainability criteria for biomass.

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

The Government plans to consult later this year on the development of a Common Biomass Sustainability Framework. The timeline for publication and implementation of the framework will depend on the outcomes of that consultation.

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 impact of trends in the number of jobs in the nuclear sector on the economy.

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

DESNZ do not produce their own figures on the number of jobs within the civil nuclear sector. The annual industry-led 2024 Nuclear Workforce Assessment (NWA), published by Cogent Skills, estimates that the civil and defence nuclear sector workforce increased from 83,000 jobs in 2023 to 96,000 in 2024, and could grow by an additional 24,000 employees by the early 2030s.[1] These roles are highly skilled, well paid and concentrated in regions where they provide significant economic benefit. Beyond direct employment nuclear investment boosts skills, infrastructure, and services, driving economic growth

[1] Cogent Skills, 2024 Nuclear Workforce Assessment

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 using geothermal heat from former, flooded coal mines to help reach his Department's clean energy targets.

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

To achieve net zero at lowest cost, we must look at how to accelerate all low carbon technologies including geothermal. The Government recognises that the mine water from coal mines shows good potential as a renewable source for heat networks. The government is therefore supporting such mine water schemes as Gateshead and Seaham Garden Village through the Heat Network Investment Project and the Green Heat Network Fund. The Mining Remediation Authority has also released opportunity maps for 10 Cities in England Mine Water Heat Opportunity Mapping for 10 Cities in England - data.gov.uk

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 (a) publish a revised timeline for the track-2 cluster sequencing process and (b) provide funding for non-pipeline carbon capture projects.

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

The Government announced its support for the Acorn and Viking clusters in the Spending Review and is providing the development funding to advance their delivery. We've been working with clusters to understand what they need to keep them progressing to a final investment decision (FID) this Parliament, subject to project readiness and affordability.

Non-pipeline methods of CO2 transportation (for example, road, rail and ship) will play an integral role in achieving decarbonisation across multiple regions and sectors of the economy, to meet our carbon budget targets and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Funding for NPT projects will be subject to future project selection processes and associated deliverability 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 ensure that electricity pricing structures support private sector investment in zero-emission transport infrastructure.

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

Our announcement on Reformed National Pricing in the summer set out a package of reforms that will deliver a more strategic and coordinated approach to the energy system, provide stronger signals for efficient siting of new assets and improve overall operation efficiency. This will support increased investment by industry in the coming years by encouraging market stability, reducing transitional burdens on industry and transport, and providing certainty for investors.

We will continue to work with stakeholders across industry through the development and delivery of these reforms, ensuring that any associated costs with changes to processes are kept to a minimum.

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 effectiveness of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme regulations for heat pumps operating at flow temperatures between 65°C and 75°C.

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

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) stipulates that all heat pumps operating at flow temperatures above 35°C are required to be tested and meet a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 2.8. Therefore, MCS holds heat pumps operating between 65 and 75°C to the same standards as other heat pumps.

DESNZ consulted in December 2024 on “Raising product standards for space heating” which would introduce a definition and standards for high temperature heat pumps. This would be defined as any heat pump operating at 65°C. A Government Response will be issued 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 routes of travel are undertaken to transport nuclear waste within the UK.

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

There are a number of proven routes to transport nuclear waste.

On the grounds of national security, the Government does not publish information on specific routes taken.

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 publish guidance on the (a) timeline and (b) requirements for private rented homes to achieve an EPC rating of C; and what support will be made available for landlords with older properties.

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

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. We received a significant number of responses and we will use this feedback to inform the government response, which will be published in due course.

Support is currently available to landlords improve their properties. An eligibility tool is available at the Government webpage ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in your Home’ (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), which provides tailored recommendations for home improvements to increase energy efficiency and clean heat.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of the technology selected by the Data Communications Company for the North of England smart meter rollout and (b) the potential impact on meeting installation targets.

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

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the proportion of households in the North of England that are unable to connect to the Data Communications Company smart meter network; and what steps he has taken to improve coverage in rural and hard-to-reach locations.

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

The DCC is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.5% of premises across its ‘North’ region, which includes the North of England. After consultation with industry, energy suppliers can now install 4G cellular smart meter communication hubs across the whole of GB. 4G will operate in the North alongside long-range radio communications for smart meters, offering suppliers an additional option for connectivity. Additionally, a new solution using consumers’ broadband connections, with consumer consent, in areas still with no WAN coverage will be piloted early next year, with a wider rollout expected later in 2026.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to United States' Department of the Interior's letter to Orsted North America Inc, dated 22 August 2025, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of that letter on international investor confidence in UK offshore wind projects.

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

The Government is aware of the US Department of the Interior’s 22 August 2025 letter to Ørsted North America. Overseas regulatory decisions are for those authorities; the UK is a separate market with our own regulatory framework.

The Government remains confident in the UK’s ability to attract international investment in the clean energy mission. We will achieve this by driving investment certainty, delivering targeted catalytic public investment, investing alongside industry where necessary, and breaking down barriers to investment.

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 providing support to solar cooperatives in Surrey Heath constituency.

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

Local communities must be at the centre of local project development and directly benefit from clean energy projects.

GBE, in support of the Local Power Plan, will enhance support for local and community energy by providing funding, capacity and capability support at all stages of project development, driving the growth of the local and community energy sector.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what economic analysis his Department has conducted on the potential impact of non-price factors in decisions on whether sub-100MW bioenergy power stations currently supported by Renewable Obligation Certificates will receive transitional support from 2027.

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

Small scale biomass generators have received many years of subsidy support under the Renewables Obligation scheme. These assets begin to roll off the scheme from 2027. Any assessment of further support must fully take into account value for money (including consumer bill impacts), electricity system and broader considerations – such as environmental impacts, which are a matter for Defra.

Biomass electricity generation is often more expensive than alternatives and reducing energy bills is a priority for this Government.

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 potential share of Great British Energy’s portfolio to be allocated to early-stage clean energy technologies by 2030.

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

Great British Energy will begin investing in projects this year – kickstarting its work in the development of nascent, clean energy technologies and helping to deliver a secure, clean homegrown energy supply for the UK that will support skilled jobs and supply chains across the country.

The Statement of Strategic Priorities requires Great British Energy to look across the clean energy technology spectrum, including in established technologies and nascent technologies (Technology Readiness Levels 6-9). The government expects GBE to work towards building a portfolio that balances the UK’s short- and long-term clean energy needs, which also provides social value and generates a return.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many vacancies are there at GB Energy.

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

Great British Energy (GBE) is currently in its initial start-up phase, with a strong focus on building staff capability to deliver against the Statement of Strategic Priorities. At present, there are 15 roles in recruitment, with numerous additional roles in development that are planned for recruitment in the coming months.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure increased access to electric vehicle transition for residents without off-street parking.

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

The Government is driving forward the expansion of public charging infrastructure so that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can confidently make the switch to an electric vehicle.

The £381 million Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund is supporting public EV charging for drivers without off-street parking.

The funding, alongside substantial private investment, will support at least 100,000 local chargers, ensuring the rollout continues at pace to support drivers in every part of the country.

In addition, the Government also announced a £25m fund to support the rollout of cross-pavement solutions in July, enabling thousands more drivers to charge from home.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what financial targets his Department has set to ensure that Great British Energy is self-sustaining by 2030.

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

The government has set a target for Great British Energy to start generating a portfolio-level return from its commercial activities by 2030, in support of its longer-term goal to be profitable and its wider policy objectives. The government has also tasked GBE with having a plan for becoming self-financing in place by 2030.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking through (a) regulatory reform and (b) market incentives to support the growth of the hydrogen technology manufacturing sector.

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

The UK is optimally positioned to develop a thriving hydrogen economy, with many UK companies at the forefront of hydrogen technology advancement.

The Government has announced a public finance offer for clean energy industries, to crowd private investment into sustainable UK supply chains, including in the hydrogen sector. This includes a new £1 billion Clean Energy Supply chain fund aligned with the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan; £5.8 billion for the National Wealth Fund to invest in industries including low carbon hydrogen across this Parliament; and a £4 billion British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital scale up and start up financing package.

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 plans to take to help prevent waste leakage offshore following the inclusion of Energy from Waste in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme; and whether his Department plans to take steps to help support local authorities with the financial implications of this decision.

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

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Authority consulted on expanding the UK ETS to the waste sector in 2024, including asking for views on managing the risk of increased diversion of waste to export abroad. The interim Authority Response published in July 2025 stated that policy positions are being developed to ensure that waste export is not used to avoid ETS costs and details will be set out in due course.

The Government recognises the challenges that the expansion of the scheme will place on local authorities and will confirm proposals to help them manage the impacts of the scheme 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 type of projects the the Great British Energy Community Fund is permitted to be spent on.

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

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

GBECF can support projects under two broad headings:

Type A – Community energy asset project (such as renewable or low carbon energy, electric vehicles)

Type B – Community energy efficiency or advice project

Further information on project eligibility can be found in the scheme guidance document, which is available on the Local Net Zero Hubs websites.

It provides funding for feasibility studies (stage 1 - up to £40k) and business case development (stage 2 - up to 100k).

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding he has allocated to support innovation in greenhouse gas removals in each year of this Parliament.

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

The Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation programme, delivered under the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, developed 14 First-of-a-Kind Demonstrator plants nationwide.

This Government has a clear focus on commercial deployment. The HyNet Track-1 expansion Project Negotiation List, which includes two Greenhouse Gas Removal projects, was published on 5 August 2025. These projects will now proceed to the negotiations phase of the selection process. Government has also made a significant funding commitment of up to £21.7billion, over 25 years, to kickstart the Carbon Capture Usage and Storage industry.

Allocation of funding to UKRI for research and innovation is ongoing so forecasts on future innovation spend are not currently available.

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 replace the Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation Programme.

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

The Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation programme, delivered under the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, developed 14 First-of-a-Kind Demonstrator plants nationwide.

This Government has a clear focus on commercial deployment. The HyNet Track-1 expansion Project Negotiation List, which includes two Greenhouse Gas Removal projects, was published on 5 August 2025. These projects will now proceed to the negotiations phase of the selection process. Government has also made a significant funding commitment of up to £21.7billion, over 25 years, to kickstart the Carbon Capture Usage and Storage industry.

Allocation of funding to UKRI for research and innovation is ongoing so forecasts on future innovation spend are not currently available.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the annual security costs are of nuclear waste transport within the UK; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on those costs.

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

The Government does not publish the specific security costs of nuclear waste transport on the grounds of national security.

The transportation of nuclear waste materials is long-established and has an excellent safety and security record.

Nuclear waste transports operate within extremely stringent safety and security standards, which are continuously monitored to minimise the risk of any incident.

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 meet the future energy demand placed on the grid by electrifying heavy goods vehicles.

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

The government is delivering a major expansion of electricity networks to ensure there is sufficient grid capacity to meet future electricity demand, including from the electrification of heavy goods vehicles.

We are working with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to speed up delivery of new network infrastructure through reforms to planning and regulation, support for communities and strategic network design. We are radically reforming the grid connections process to ensure that both generation and demand can connect in a timely manner.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what role he expects local authorities to have in implementing community energy schemes.

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

Together with local and community energy groups and other key stakeholders from devolved governments to mayoral strategic authorities, Great British Energy and the UK government will turbocharge support for local and community energy projects across the UK.

Great British Energy will work closely with Local Authorities to provide commercial, technical and project-planning assistance to increase their capability and capacity to build a pipeline of successful projects in their local areas.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities also have a vital role in offering local expertise with their communities and in July, Great British Energy awarded all 14 mayoral strategic authorities in England a share of £10 million in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the heart of their communities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to (a) encourage homeowners to make sustainable upgrades to properties and (b) make those improvements more affordable.

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

The government is committed to making the consumer journey easier for homeowners. The government's home retrofit tool on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), provides tailored recommendations for home improvements. A phoneline service is available on 0800 098 7950.

As part of the Warm Homes Plan, the government has committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers an up-front grant to help replace existing fossil-fuel heating with more efficient, low-carbon heating systems. The department has also launched the Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) to support low-income homeowners in England. Officials are exploring the role of incentives and private finance for households to support homeowners with the upfront costs.

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 plans to take to support research and development into hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

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

The Department has allocated around £170 million from the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to hydrogen R&D, including £60m for Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 and £31m for Hydrogen BECCS, advancing production, storage, transport, and negative-emission technologies.

The UK is engaging internationally to accelerate hydrogen research and innovation, for example, co-chairing the Clean Hydrogen Mission and participating in the International Energy Agency Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme.

This Government has a clear focus on commercial deployment, including hydrogen technologies and infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of ending the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme after 2028 on (a) commitments to reach 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and (b) public sector (i) emissions and (ii) climate resilience.

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

By the time the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme concludes in 2028, it will have delivered approximately £3.5 billion in capital funding to over 1,400 projects across England. These investments have supported heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency upgrades in public sector buildings, contributing to emissions reductions and progress toward net zero as well as climate resilience.

The Government will shortly publish its Carbon Budgets and Growth Delivery Plan, which will outline plans for non-domestic buildings, including the public sector. The Warm Homes Plan will also set out plans to support the decarbonisation of buildings.

No estimate has been made of the impacts on public sector climate resilience resulting from not decarbonising the public sector.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the (a) dates and (b) locations are of each of the radio teleswitch service switch-off phases.

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

The Radio Teleswitch (RTS) signal has been switched off in some carefully targeted localised areas, where suppliers have the capacity to respond quickly in case of any issues.

Industry’s phase out plan is flexible and subject to change, as suppliers must demonstrate to Ofgem and Government that they are sufficiently prepared before they can proceed further.

Suppliers are continuing to contact households with RTS meters to arrange appointments to have them replaced in advance of any switch offs, but are also encouraging consumers to not wait, with over a quarter of a million meters having already been replaced across GB this year. Ofgem has also been contacting local authorities and members of parliament to inform them of planned activity in their area ahead of any switch offs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to send a delegation to the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, to be held from 10-19 November 2025 in Nairobi.

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

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will not be attending the Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, to be held from 10-19 November 2025 in Nairobi.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department will consider setting a £7m wave energy ringfence in Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference mechanism.

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

Allocation Round 7 (AR7) budget details will be published shortly, before the bidding window opens.

Any decisions regarding the AR7 budget, including any minima, maxima or ringfences, are based on a wide range of factors, including an assessment of the pipeline of projects that could participate in the auction. The budget is set to help support effective competition in the CfD auction with the aim of delivering low carbon electricity deployment at low-cost to the consumer and supporting investment in emerging technologies.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of households currently in fuel debt.

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

The Government does not have its own estimate of the number of households in fuel debt, but more needs to be done between regulators, suppliers and Government to tackle the problem of energy debt. In December, Ofgem published an updated debt strategy which included the publications of two consultations. The first proposed an energy debt relief scheme for consumers who accrued debt during the energy crisis. The second consulted on ways to improve debt standards. Both of these consultations have now closed and Ofgem will carefully consider the feedback received, and we will stand ready to work closely with them on their findings.

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 VAT on the number of domestic retrofits undertaken annually.

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

A 0% rate of VAT on the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in domestic properties is already in place. Additionally, installations of qualifying energy-saving materials (ESMs) can benefit from reduced VAT. VAT treatment is the responsibility of the Treasury, and they keep all taxes under review. The Treasury assesses ESMs based on energy efficiency, carbon emissions, cost-effectiveness and alignment with broader VAT principles.

There are also already a number of government schemes offering financial support to consumers looking to upgrade their homes. The Warm Homes Plan will be published shortly and will provide further information on the government’s approach to decarbonising our housing stock.

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 or incentivise the reuse of building materials reclaimed from previous construction within new build or retrofit projects.

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

The Government will soon publish a Circular Economy Strategy, which will include a Built Environment Roadmap setting out measures to promote reuse of building materials and reduce unnecessary demolition. This will support resource efficiency and help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of construction. In addition, the Warm Homes Plan will drive energy efficiency improvements through retrofit, helping to extend building lifespans and reducing waste. These initiatives will embed circular principles across the built environment and encourage recovery and reuse of materials from previous construction projects.

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 press release entitled Great British Energy to cut bills for hospitals and schools, published on 21 March 2025, over how many financial years the partnership with Great British Energy to increase solar generation across the NHS will take place.

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

The investment announced by Great British Energy and the UK government in March is for schools and hospitals for the 2025/26 financial year. Beyond 2025/26, we expect decisions on funding and investment to be made by Great British Energy as it becomes fully operational.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many of the Warm Homes: Local Grant programmes will be delivered in Huntingdon constituency.

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

The Government does not hold data on Warm Homes: Local Grant delivery at the constituency level, as funding is awarded to local authorities and local authority consortia. Huntingdonshire is a member of the Cambridge consortium, which includes Cambridge, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough. This consortium was allocated £8.57 million under this scheme and can spend up to an average of £15,000 on energy performance improvement and £15,000 on low carbon heat per eligible home. How the funding is allocated within the consortia is determined by the consortia lead through individual retrofit assessments and not by the Government.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will hold discussions with the Chief Executive of GB Energy on changes to employment levels in the oil and gas sector in Aberdeen.

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

The Department continues to work quickly to set Great British Energy up for success and ensure all British people feel the benefits.

The Office for Clean Energy Jobs has already worked with industry, Scottish Government and unions to launch the ‘Energy Skills Passport’ for offshore Oil and Gas workers, putting clean energy at the heart of our modern industrial strategy.

We are committed to a just transition for industries based in the North Sea. Aberdeen will be at the heart of this transition, supported by initiatives such as the Energy Skills Passport and the Energy Transition Zone.

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 his Department's policy on hydrogen on regional water availability.

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

We are working with environmental regulators in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as DEFRA and National Energy System Operator (NESO) to ensure that the impact of projects on regional water bodies is carefully considered.

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 encourage (a) innovation and (b) research and development in the hydrogen technology manufacturing sector.

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

The Department has allocated around £170 million from the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to encourage hydrogen R&D, including £60m for Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 and £31m for H2BECCS, to support production, storage, transport, and negative-emission technologies associated with hydrogen.

The UK is engaging internationally to accelerate hydrogen research and innovation, for example, co-chairing the Clean Hydrogen Mission and participating in the International Energy Agency Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the total cost to the public purse was for the Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation Programme.

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

This initiative was part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. The total government investment in the Greenhouse Gas Removals Innovation Programme has been £53m.

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 Number 10 press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if he will list his Department's (a) projects and (b) programmes by directorate that will contribute to the resilience and security element of national security spending for each year between 2025-26 and 2034-35 inclusive; and if he will list the amount of spending for each item (a) in real terms (b) as a proportion of concurrent forecast GDP.

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

The Departments primary spending on National Security is focused on resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and cross-cutting capabilities such as cyber security.

Maintaining secure energy supplies is a key priority for Government as this underpins our economy, national security, and way of life.

DESNZ works closely with industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the security and resilience of energy infrastructure and networks to reduce vulnerabilities.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the large scale retrofitting of heating systems in social housing.

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

We have committed £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan up to 2030, in line with our Manifesto commitment. This will support investment in low carbon heating, solar, batteries and insulation to up to 5 million homes across England.

Within Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which launched earlier this year, in addition to targeted off-grid, low-carbon heating grant funding there is a new optional low-carbon heating funding incentive for homes on the gas grid.

Up to 10% of on-grid homes in an application can access a £20,000 grant per home to install low-carbon heating measures.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the annual cost is of armed protection of (a) nuclear energy, (b) nuclear waste and (c) other nuclear sites; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on those costs.

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

Armed protection is provided by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at our most sensitive nuclear sites and by some Home Office Police forces at less sensitive sites.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is funded by charges to its service recipients, the site license companies. The costs charged to these for the financial year 2024/25 was:

1. Nuclear Energy - £57.9M
2. Waste and decommissioning - £80.4M
3. Other nuclear sites - £6.0M

The security of the UK’s critical national infrastructure is of paramount importance to the Government. The department works with the regulator and industry to respond to changing national security threats.

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 his made of the potential impact of extending EPC C minimum energy efficiency requirements to self-catering holiday lets on the financial viability of small businesses.

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

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We have engaged widely with stakeholders during the consultation process, including the self-catering holiday lets sector, and a government response will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of requiring self-catering holiday lets to achieve Energy Performance Certificate rating C under the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards on the profitability of rural tourism businesses.

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

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. We have sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes, to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We have engaged widely with stakeholders, including self-catering businesses, on our proposals. A government response 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 he monitors EU implementation of Trade and Co-operation Agreement provisions on energy market access.

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

The Government monitors EU implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including provisions within the Energy Title, through the Agreement's established governance structures, in this case the Specialised Committee on Energy, the Trade Partnership Committee and the Specialised Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade as applicable.

The Partnership Council, which oversees the attainment of the objectives of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, provides strategic direction to this governance framework.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support (a) whisky distilleries and (b) other energy intensive industries located outside the government designated clusters to decarbonise.

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

The Government will set out plans to support industrial decarbonisation in the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan in October and in its upcoming Industrial decarbonisation Strategy. This will draw on extensive engagement with industrial sectors, which has included representatives of the distilleries sector.

The £6 million Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans (LIDP) competition has funded 13 decarbonisation projects in local clusters, supporting dispersed industrial manufacturers not located in the UK’s largest existing industrial clusters to start their journey towards Net Zero.

We are delivering on our Clean Power 2030 Mission to provide the electricity to help firms get off the rollercoaster of volatile fossil fuel prices. We are investing in the infrastructure and accelerating connections to help industrial firms across the country to electrify. And we have set our intention to design the first Hydrogen Transport and Storage Business Model allocation rounds to establish the UK’s first regional hydrogen network from 2031. Developing the first regional network is an important starting point and provides the foundations for future network expansion, including connections between regions or supporting demand further afield outside of clusters.

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 manufacturing firms on (a) their progress in adopting and (b) the barriers to the implementation of green technologies.

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

The Government is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including manufacturers, through expert working groups and workshops to inform policy on Net Zero technologies in industry.

In 2023, a call for evidence on industrial electrification was held, with a summary published on 1 September 2024 outlining progress and key issues raised by industry, academia and trade bodies. This has been followed by continued stakeholder engagement.

A renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy will guide efforts to build a competitive, low-carbon UK industrial base. Further details, including the role of fuel switching to electrification, will be set out in the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan in October.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how he plans to (a) evaluate and (b) report on the linking of UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

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

The Government will provide updates on negotiations where appropriate. Once any agreement is made to link the UK and EU ETS, the Government will consider the process to evaluate and report on the link consistent with the agreement reached, as well as with other reset priorities under UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The Government aims for negotiations to link the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to begin as soon as possible.

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 cost to the public purse of the (a) funding required to fully decarbonise the public sector and (b) adaptation costs from not fully decarbonising that sector.

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

The internal estimate made by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero in 2022 suggests that fully decarbonising the public sector would cost between £25–30 billion. The Department is currently updating this based on more recent cost assumptions. No estimate has been made regarding the adaptation costs that may arise from not decarbonising the public sector.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, for what reason he plans to end grant funding for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme after 2028; and if he will provide funding to support the decarbonisation of the public sector beyond 2028.

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

The decision not to provide further funding for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme was taken in the context of wider fiscal pressures and competing priorities which required difficult choices during the 2025 Spending Review.

In addition to the £1bn for public sector decarbonisation between 2025/26 and 2027/28, the Government and Great British Energy Solar programme is investing £255 million to fund around 250 schools, 260 NHS sites and 15 military sites to install solar panels.

Additional detail on the Government’s approach will be set out in the forthcoming Carbon Budgets and Growth Delivery Plan.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department will consider setting a £40m tidal stream ringfence in Allocation Round 7 of the Contracts for Difference mechanism.

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

The Government is undertaking analysis of the technology pipeline available for Contracts for Difference Auction Round 7 against our legal obligations. We are considering the appropriate parameters for all technologies, including tidal stream. Final parameters will be published in the Budget Notice by December 2025.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support manufacturing of the materials needed for the production of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies within the UK.

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

The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan sets out a clear plan to support the growth of the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen technologies, including deployment certainty and timelines for future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds; the launch of the first transport and storage allocation round and hydrogen to power business model; establishing the UK’s first regional hydrogen network from 2031; exploring options to expand the CfD Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen; working with projects to deliver events connecting developers and suppliers; and a comprehensive public financial institution offer including the £1 billion Great British Energy supply chain fund.

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 grow the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

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

The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan sets out a clear plan to support the growth of the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen technologies, including deployment certainty and timelines for future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds; the launch of the first transport and storage allocation round and hydrogen to power business model; establishing the UK’s first regional hydrogen network from 2031; exploring options to expand the CfD Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen; working with projects to deliver events connecting developers and suppliers; and a comprehensive public financial institution offer including the £1 billion Great British Energy supply chain fund.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timetable is for publication of the solar roadmap.

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

The Solar Roadmap was published on 30th June. It is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/solar-roadmap.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with energy producers on energy prices.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many staff GB Energy had on 5 July 2025.

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

On 5 July 2025, there were 38 people employed with Great British Energy (GBE), 2 Secondees and 8 Contingent Workers.

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 rooftop solar panel manufacturers on the minimum commercially-viable price for exports.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of extending minimum EPC rating requirements to short-term holiday lets on small accommodation providers.

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

Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. We have sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes, to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties. We have engaged widely with stakeholders, including self-catering businesses, on our proposals. A government response 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, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of receiving approval from NESO for additional grid connection for the final phase of Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s rebuild.

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

Details of the requirements for individual connections to the electricity network are held in private connection contracts between the relevant parties.

Faster grid connections are crucial to the Government's clean energy superpower and growth missions. We announced plans in the Industrial Strategy on a series of measures to accelerate connections for strategically important demand projects.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support hydrogen and fuel cell technology manufacturers to invest in (a) new manufacturing facilities and (b) research and development.

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

The Government announced a public finance offer for clean energy industries to crowd private investment into sustainable UK supply chains. This includes: a £1 billion Clean Energy supply chain fund; £5.8 billion for the National Wealth Fund to invest across this Parliament in clean industries including low-carbon hydrogen; and a £4 billion British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital scale up and start up financing package.

DESNZ has allocated around £170 million from the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to hydrogen research & development, including £60 million for Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 and £31million for H2BECCS, advancing production, storage, transport, and negative-emission technologies.

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 trends in the level of (a) jobs and (b) investment in the UK hydrogen technology manufacturing sector by 2030.

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

The sector is nascent but is expected to grow significantly; the global hydrogen market could exceed $1 trillion by 2050, with the UK well positioned to capture a substantial share.

We intend to publish a revised Hydrogen Strategy which will include the latest hydrogen jobs estimates and set out plans to optimise the job creation and economic benefits delivered by the UK hydrogen economy.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain; working together with industry and unions to identify actions that support the skills and workforce needs of the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy.

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 electrifying heavy goods vehicles on future demand on the energy grid.

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

The zero emission HGV sector is at early stages of deployment, but the demand is expected to grow as more trucks come to market. Government is taking a range of short and long-term actions, including new national and regional strategic planning processes, to ensure electricity infrastructure meets future demand.

This includes working with Ofgem and NESO to input into these actions and raise the awareness of future transport requirements, as well as encouraging a direct dialogue with transport stakeholders to provide clarity and evidence on electricity requirements to ensure strategic planning can properly prepare for future demand.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of homes in each region where installed smart meters remain non-functional due to lack of network connection.

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

The Department does not hold separate figures on the number of homes with smart meters not sending automatic readings due to lack of Wide Area Network (WAN) signal. The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated to provide WAN coverage to 99.25% of premises across GB, with a broadband solution (with consumer consent) soon to become available that will reach more of the premises currently without WAN signal.

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 effectiveness of consumer protections on (a) extended and (b) repeated electricity supply interruptions.

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

To help protect customers, Ofgem sets Quality-of-Service Guaranteed Standards that must be met by each DNO, these include supply restoration standards.

DNOs are directly incentivised by Ofgem to reduce customer interruptions and to invest in and maintain infrastructure to guarantee minimum standards of service.

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 suitability of current Seasonal Coefficient of Performance thresholds for high temperature heat pumps.

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

The current product standards regulations do not set distinct performance thresholds for high temperature heat pumps. The ecodesign heat pump efficiency standard applies to all heat pumps other than low temperature models. However, the government consulted in December 2024 on proposals for ‘raising product standards for space heating’. These included introducing a definition and standards for high temperature heat pumps. Under the proposals, this would be defined as any heat pump operating at 65°C flow temperature. The government will publish a response to that consultation in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the capacity of the national grid to support projected growth in electric vehicle charging demand over the next decade.

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

The Government is working closely with Ofgem to ensure that its price control framework supports the necessary investment in the electricity network to deliver our clean energy and growth missions. This includes ensuring that the distribution network has sufficient capacity to meet projected demand from electric vehicles into the future.

The current price control, RIIO-ED2 (2023–2028), enables forward-looking investment aligned with and incorporates uncertainty mechanisms to allow networks to respond flexibly to rising demand. The next price control, RIIO-ED3 (2028–2033), will be informed by Regional Energy Strategic Plans to support more strategic, anticipatory and coordinated investment.

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 green energy businesses in Tooting.

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

Net zero is the economic and industrial opportunity of the 21st century. The net zero economy has become a significant driver of growth and jobs in the UK where over 94% of employers are SMEs [1].

The Government is working in partnership with businesses to support their transition to net zero, including through the Net Zero Council. The Council’s work includes supporting sectors to develop transition plans and supporting SMEs to innovate, grow and decarbonise.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to provide grants of up to £7,500 for small non-domestic property owners, with the threshold for single heat pump installations set at 45kWh.

[1] Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit | The future is green: The…

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 that are off the (a) gas and (b) electricity grid to improve their energy efficiency.

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

We expect transitioning to clean heat will involve installing a heat pump for most off-gas-grid properties as these are cost-effective, proven technologies. The government has announced measures to support consumers with heat pump installations.

The government recognises heat pumps may not be a feasible option for all properties and we are committed to ensuring that there is the right solution for every household. Other low carbon heating technologies are available and the governments offers grants of £5,000 for biomass boilers under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Research is underway to collect data on the costs of different approaches to decarbonising the most complex housing archetypes.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has to review the contractual and regulatory obligations of the Data Communications Company in relation to improving smart meter network connectivity in the North of England.

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

The DCC is required by licence conditions to seek to provide coverage to all premises where it is practicable and cost proportionate, and to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of coverage. Ofgem is responsible for regulating the DCC against its obligations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what policies his Department is developing to ensure that (a) heavy-duty vehicle depots and (b) bus depots can access timely electricity grid connections.

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

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is implementing fundamental reforms to the connections process that will free up capacity and accelerate connections, including for heavy-duty vehicle and bus depots. Alongside this, we encourage transport stakeholders to engage with NESO to ensure that the regional energy strategic plans that will inform future investment in grid capacity reflect their future electricity requirements.

However, we recognise that further action is needed, which is why we announced plans in the Industrial Strategy to use new legal powers to accelerate grid connection timelines for the most strategically important demand customers.

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 expand consumer-led flexibility solutions in rural constituencies to (a) reduce household energy bills and (b) improve grid efficiency.

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

Consumer-led flexibility (CLF) will help households reduce bills and improve grid efficiency in both urban and rural areas. The Clean Flexibility Roadmap sets out actions to unlock CLF across all regions, including through improved consumer engagement, smart tariffs, and support for technologies such as EV smart charging.

Directly participating households can see immediate bill reductions. However all households will benefit from lower electricity system costs from a more flexible system that requires less generation and associated network infrastructure.

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 adequacy of the routes used to transport nuclear waste within the UK; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on the number of routes used.

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

Nuclear waste is transported in the UK via road, rail, and sea using specially designed, secure containers that meet stringent international safety standards.

The government takes the security of nuclear material very seriously. Nuclear waste transports operate within extremely stringent safety and security standards, which are continuously monitored to minimise the risk of any incident.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what criteria will be used to determine community access to Great British Energy (a) capacity-building and (b) financial support.

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

Great British Energy is an operationally independent company and will make its own decisions on how it supports the community energy sector.

We expect initial plans to be published as part of the Local Power Plan, which will be published in due course.

The Local Power Plan is a joint DESNZ and GBE strategy which will drive the long-term growth of the UK’s local and community energy sector over this Parliament.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the expected end-of-life date is for each operational gas-fired power station in the UK.

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

The retirement of individual unabated gas plants is a commercial decision for private operators, based on technical, operational and economic factors. NESO’s Resource Adequacy in the 2030s report notes that many of today’s gas plants were commissioned before 2000 and may be approaching retirement by the early 2030s. To mitigate risks to security of supply, we have made it easier for plants to access multi-year Capacity Market agreements. This will provide greater revenue certainty that enables the type of investment ageing plants will need if they are to extend their operating life.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that compensation arrangements for prolonged power outages are (a) fair, (b) transparent and (c) reflect the impact on affected households in Surrey Heath constituency.

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

All customers are entitled to compensation if distribution companies fail to meet Ofgem’s Quality-of-Service Guaranteed Standards. Ofgem clearly outlines the eligibility criteria for compensation on its website and will take action if companies do not meet their obligations in regard to delivering compensation.

Ofgem regularly review and update their compensation arrangements. The most recent changes were made following the Storm Arwen Review which came into effect on 1 September 2023 and enable higher levels of compensation at more regular intervals.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had recent discussions with utility companies on the exclusion of people in (a) flats and (b) houses in multiple occupation from off-peak reduced tariffs due to quiet time conditions in leases.

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

The Department has regular discussions with energy suppliers on a range of issues.

The Government is unable to comment on individual tariffs offered by energy suppliers, and we recommend that consumers contact their energy supplier directly to discuss their tariff.

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 Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy on the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (a) safety standards and (b) independence and impartiality.

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

The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy builds on existing collaboration and will accelerate licensing and reactor design checks, provide certainty to industry and uphold safety standards, while making both the UK and US an attractive place to invest.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the UKs independent regulator, will need to be satisfied that any design to be deployed in the UK meets UK safety standards and complies with UK law.

By working with the US the ONR will streamline processes, while continuing to maintain rigorous UK regulatory standards and its independent decision making.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he is taking steps to prevent job losses at the Lindsey Oil Refinery.

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

The insolvency process at Prax Lindsey is led by the court-appointed Official Receiver, who must act in accordance with his statutory duties and independently of government.

On 30 September, the Official Receiver made the independent decision to issue 125 redundancy notices effective from 31 October in order to provide employees with as much notice as possible, while concluding the sales process in the coming weeks. The majority of the workforce will be retained beyond the end of October.

The Official Receiver is independently assessing potential bids for the future of the refinery and its assets and has made clear he will continue to work with all bidders with credible and deliverable proposals. The Government remains hopeful that a solution will be found that supports jobs on the site long-term.

The Government’s first priority is supporting the workforce. Employees will be able to access support from the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Careers Service. We are also funding a Training Guarantee for refinery workers, to ensure they have the skills they need and are supported to find long-term jobs, including in the growing clean energy workforce. Those affected are able to enrol onto the scheme now with over 60 workers already registered to complete Training Need Assessments.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support his Department is providing to households to access home insulation schemes in Eastleigh constituency.

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

The government is supporting the delivery of installation of fabric insulation across the country, including those households in Eastleigh, through schemes including the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) and Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH: LG)

The government also recognises the need to provide trusted and impartial information to consumers when making choices about how to retrofit their homes. The government's home retrofit tool on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency), provides tailored recommendations for home improvements. A phoneline service is available on 0800 098 7950.

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 the (a) consumer protection and (b) quality assurance frameworks for the Energy Company Obligation.

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

Government is committed to creating a simpler, stronger system of standards and oversight, with reforms to ensure work is done right first time, create a clear and straightforward installation process, and enable swift redress.

The Government’s Retrofit System Reform Advisory Panel will continue to support us to develop these proposals. Further detail will be provided in the Warm Homes Plan.

In the short-term, Government is offering comprehensive on-site audits to every household with external wall insulation installed under ECO and GBIS, at no cost to the consumer.

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Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of electricity network charging costs on the (a) financial viability of electric bus operations and (b) transition away from diesel vehicles.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We are committed to expanding the electricity network to support the electrification of transport and are working closely with bus operators and DESNZ about electricity provision for depots. Due to lower operating costs of battery electric buses compared to diesel buses, this makes them an attractive option for bus operators.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with (a) bus operators and (b) electricity providers on the potential impact of electricity standing charges on the operating costs of zero-emission bus fleets.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We are committed to expanding the electricity network to support the electrification of transport and are working closely with bus operators and DESNZ about electricity provision for depots. Due to lower operating costs of battery electric buses compared to diesel buses, this makes them an attractive option for bus operators.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing tenants' protections from eviction after landlords have accessed grants to improve energy efficiency.

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

The government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. The consultation closed in May this year and DESNZ are currently reviewing responses ahead of publishing a response.

The government is committed to protecting and improving the rights of tenants. The Renters’ Rights Bill will put in place new regulations to protect tenants. This includes providing stronger protections to ensure that tenants are able to appeal excessive above-market rents, abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’, and moving to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies ae periodic. These measures provide more security for tenants and enable them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the press release entitled US-UK pact will boost advances in drug discovery, create tens of thousands of jobs and transform lives, published on 16 September 2025, whether her Department has undertaken an impact assessment for the projected (a) water and (b) energy usage for the data centres announced.

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

Developers are responsible for undertaking environmental impact assessments for new data centres, including assessments of water and energy usage. As part of the criteria for hosting an AI Growth Zone (AIGZ), applicants must demonstrate access to sufficient water resources to support at least 500MW of AI infrastructure. This includes written confirmation from the relevant water supplier detailing volumes available, infrastructure requirements, and wastewater discharge plans.

DSIT are working closely with DESNZ to ensure AI energy demand aligns with future energy planning and ensure long-term sustainability.

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