Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Creagh Excerpts
Tuesday 7th November 2017

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I totally agree with my hon. Friend’s analysis. Smart meters enable consumers to make more confident and informed decisions about which supplier and tariff is right for them. Interestingly, Ofgem’s survey for 2017 showed that consumers who say they have a smart meter are more likely to have switched supplier in the past 12 months.

Mary Creagh Portrait Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab)
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Energy consumption and awareness is a two-way street, and the companies are aware of what energy is being consumed in the home, so what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that energy companies do not increase the customer’s daily rate as customers reduce their energy consumption?

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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The hon. Lady should rest assured that this is on our agenda. Increases must have Ofgem approval, and it is something we are monitoring very carefully.[Official Report, 14 November 2017, Vol. 631, c. 1MC.]