Asked by: Robin Millar (Conservative - Aberconwy)
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 assessment of the potential impact of increases in electricity standing charges on (a) charities and (b) businesses in Aberconwy constituency; and whether he has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of the level of Government support for energy costs in the the context of recent changes in market pricing.
Answered by Graham Stuart
Ofgem has launched a wider review into the non-domestic market and has recently issued a Request-for-Information (RFI) to gather evidence on suppliers' deemed rates charges and EBRS scheme application.
The Government has been clear that current levels of support were time-limited and intended as a bridge to allow non-domestic customers to adapt. The new Energy Bills Discount Scheme has a cap set at £5.5 billion based on estimated volumes.
Asked by: Robin Millar (Conservative - Aberconwy)
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 assessment of the potential impact of increases in electricity standing charges on (a) charities and (b) businesses in Aberconwy constituency; and whether he is taking steps to help reduce electricity standing charges.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The setting of the standing charge is a commercial matter for individual suppliers.
However, Ofgem has launched a wider review into the non-domestic market. Ofgem has recently issued a Request-for-Information (RFI) to gather evidence on suppliers' deemed rates charges, ensuring they follow rules so as not to charge unduly onerous rates.
A new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April 2023 until March 2024, and will provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers. This scheme will support non-domestic customers while also limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets.