Annual Energy Statement

Duncan Hames Excerpts

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

We are pleased that Wales is making such a contribution. That is good for the Welsh economy and Welsh jobs, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman supports the fact that our policies are ensuring that the energy industry is strong in Wales. He knows that distribution costs vary across the country, and it is not only Wales that has higher-than-average bills. Ofgem keeps the issue under review.

[Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD)]

I am glad that the Secretary of State wants to make it easier for people to switch electricity suppliers. Will he also look at obstacles to switching suppliers of heating oil and LPG, which include tactics such as bills stating that tanks and cages outside homes do not belong to bill payers, which are designed to deter customers from switching? That would help those living off the gas grid.

[Mr Davey]

I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. The code of conduct, which the Minister of State with responsibility for energy, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), has negotiated, will stop that practice.