Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

This action follows the decision to expand the Warm Home Discount this winter, which will see around six million households receive an additional £150 off their energy bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to launch the allocation rounds for the Hydrogen Transport Business Model and Hydrogen Storage Business Model.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. The Government continues to monitor the situation closely. Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. The Government continues to monitor the situation closely. Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality, so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Humber’s hydrogen production capacity on UK hydrogen targets.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off gas grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a core hydrogen network on linking hydrogen production in the Humber to other industrial clusters.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off gas grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes.

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Once the decision has been taken, the report and its recommendation will then be published alongside the Secretary of State’s decision documentation on the Planning Inspectorate website.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Policy Paper published on 11 February 2026 entitled Local Power Plan, when the route to market for unlocking SLES will be operational.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to incentivise the installation of insulation to reduce private rented sector tenants’ energy bills.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking in the Warm Homes Plan to support insulation upgrades for fuel-poor households in the private rented sector.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support individuals with high domestic power bills arising from complex medical needs, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in energy prices.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the indexation of feed in tariffs to align with CPI rather than RPI from financial year 2026-27 on community energy schemes.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what estimate he has made of the amount of offshore wind capacity that has been delayed or constrained due to radar-related issues.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of wholesale electricity prices being set by the marginal cost of gas generation on the extent to which consumer bills reflect lower-cost renewable generation.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Product designers and installers will take architecture into account. The Government is also supporting improved skills, standards, and oversight across the sector to drive better outcomes for households and reduce bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of local variations in petrol and diesel prices between fuel retailers; and what steps he is taking to improve consistency and transparency.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure that reforms to energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector drives heat demand reduction via insulation.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the role grid-scale energy storage will play in maintaining electricity supply when renewable generation is low.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

Numbers on Performance Management Plans:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

2024: 30,823,937

2025: 25,451,671

2026: 24,107,382

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help support the decarbonisation of non-domestic buildings.

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

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

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

The department also consulted strengthening non-domestic minimum energy efficiency standards to EPC B and will publish its government response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the role of battery storage in reducing the UK's reliance on international energy markets.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what monitoring arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the radar upgrades deliver the expected increase in offshore wind deployment.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what contingency plans are in place if the radar upgrades do not unlock the full 10 GW of offshore wind capacity anticipated.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding on linking the Emission Trading Systems of the European Union and the United Kingdom, of December 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the proposed reform of the EU Emissions Trading System.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support individuals with high domestic power bills arising from complex medical needs.

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current grid reserve capacity as renewable generation increases.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of intermittent renewable energy generation on grid stability.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Defence in previous years regarding the impact of offshore wind on radar systems.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of radar-related constraints on previous offshore wind project delays.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

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

2024: 284

2025: 273

2026: 265

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his department is taking to address a) accreditation, b) oversight and c) verification failings of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and other previous programmes, and to ensure that these failings are not repeated in the Warm Homes Plan.

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

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

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

There were

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what estimate he has made of how much of the 10 GW of offshore wind capacity unlocked has already been contracted but not yet constructed.

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

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

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made any assessment of the potential merits of leveraging private investment in the gas-to-heat-pump transition by underwriting a net saving to the consumer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Found: of the Minister for Energy’s responsibilities.59 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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