Asked by: Connor Naismith (Labour - Crewe and Nantwich)
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 prevent companies fraudulently mis-selling (a) solar panels and (b) other energy generating equipment.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The sale of energy generation equipment is governed by consumer protection law.
There are opt-in consumer codes such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code and standards such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. These are adopted by many companies selling generation equipment.
The Government is also undertaking a review of Ofgem’s role, to ensure that it has the appropriate powers to protect consumers. A recent call for evidence sought views on Ofgem’s remit in enforcing consumer protection law in respect of low carbon technologies.
Asked by: Connor Naismith (Labour - Crewe and Nantwich)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the consequences will be for landlords who do not raise their EPC rating to C when it is unfeasible to do so.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is currently consulting on raising minimum energy efficiency standards to EPC C or equivalent. Current regulations already include a number of available exemptions and we are looking to ensure appropriate exemptions are in place for any new standards. The consultation also sets out proposals about maximum non-compliance fines where no valid exemption applies.
Asked by: Connor Naismith (Labour - Crewe and Nantwich)
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 ensure that (a) commercial and (b) retail units utilise (i) solar panels and (ii) other renewable energy sources.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Future building standards this year will set new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuel markets and ensures they are fit for a net zero future.
Changes have been introduced to permitted development rights, enabling more solar installations to benefit from these flexibilities and planning freedoms.
The Government will assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor carparks over a certain size through a call for evidence this year.