Asked by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)
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 Ofgem on potential regulatory enforcement action for companies that do not enable Total Heating Total Control customers to change metering systems.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The smart metering system has been designed to enable a wide range of tariffs, independently of the Radio Teleswitch Service, which Total Heating Total Control tariffs rely on. Energy suppliers are obligated under their licence conditions to taking all reasonable steps to install a smart meter where a meter is fitted for the first time or when an existing meter needs replacing.
The regulator Ofgem is responsible for ensuring energy suppliers comply with their regulatory obligations and take any necessary enforcement action. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with Ofgem on monitoring supplier performance.
Asked by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)
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 number of businesses that have entered new fixed period energy price agreements in the last six months.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Government does not currently hold data for all business energy contracts. Of those subject to Energy Bill Relief Scheme support, it is currently estimated is that up to 400,000 electricity contracts and 100,000 gas contracts were fixed since September 2022. This would not capture any contracts that may be fixed on an annual, or less frequent basis, and were done so prior to this point. The Government does not have information on the number of businesses these contracts equate to, as a single business can have multiple contracts and would also expect some businesses to have fixed both electricity and gas contracts.
Asked by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)
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 discussions with Liquified Petroleum Gas providers on securing deliveries to rural communities during periods of inclement weather.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The supply of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) remains sufficient to meet customer demand across the UK, including those in rural communities. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works with industry to monitor the LPG supply position and proactively take steps to mitigate any risks that may affect distribution to customers and essential services.
Members of the sector trade association, Liquid Gas UK, signed up to a Customer Charter, which includes a Cold Weather Priority Delivery scheme to ensure that the elderly or chronically ill will not run out of energy. Further information can be found at: https://www.liquidgasuk.org/domestic/liquid-gas-uk-customer-charter-switch-lpg-supplier.