Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
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 adequacy of the guidance and resources available to assist homeowners in the post-installation certification process for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility following the installation of solar panels.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) legislation, Ofgem must publish guidance to SEG generators and SEG licensees on the operation of the SEG. The guidance for homeowners provides information about how the SEG works, who can apply and how, the SEG contract and payments and what to do if they have a complaint.
Ofgem must keep the guidance under review and will publish updated guidance if it thinks it is appropriate.
Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
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 barriers facing consumers in completing the Smart Export Guarantee certification process; and what steps he plans to take to tackle these.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a market-led mechanism that ensures individuals are guaranteed payment for any electricity exported to the grid.
The Government is aware of consumers’ concerns about the length of time it is taking the District Network Operator (DNO) to process grid connection applications before an export Metering Point Administration Number (MPAN) can be issued and SEG payments made by energy suppliers. Working with the Energy Network Association (the industry body for the UK gas and electricity transmission and distribution licence holders) the Government aims to make sure improvements are made.
Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
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 respond to the call for evidence entitled Land rights and consents for electricity network infrastructure, which closed on 15 September 2022.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government has made it a priority to review current land rights and consents processes and whether they are fit to facilitate meeting the government’s mission for clean power by 2030.
We published our response to the Call for Evidence on 2 December, which summarises the responses received from stakeholders to questions on land rights and consents. It also sets out a number of quick-win reforms government is in the process of implementing and announces the government’s plan to consult on further changes.
Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress he has made on the creation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Taskforce; and whether his Department plans to bring forward reforms to landowner compensation for the delivery of new infrastructure.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The previous Government established an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Taskforce of experts and representatives from relevant sectors. This government has reconvened the Taskforce and it met on 27 November. The Taskforce will in due course deliver a report to Ministers outlining its proposals on ADR for resolving compensation disputes between landowners hosting infrastructure and network operators, which we shall consider before deciding on next steps.
Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of independent networks in delivering network investment.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Independent network operators have an important role to play in delivering electricity network investment and, as such, are an enabler of the Government’s clean energy superpower and economic growth missions. As well as supporting investment in clean energy and low carbon technologies, independent networks contribute to the delivery of a smart and flexible electricity system and of grid connections for new housing developments.
Asked by: Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
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 establish Great British Energy.
Answered by Ed Miliband - Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
We have already made good progress on setting up Great British Energy, our publicly owned energy company overwhelmingly backed by the British people at the election.
We have published legislation, now making its passage through this House, announced former Siemens chief executive Juergen Maier as the start up chair, signed its first deal with the Crown Estate, and announced the GBE Headquarters in Aberdeen, delivering on our commitment to base the company in Scotland, the beating heart of our energy industry.