Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the finding by Ofgem that Drax had misreported data in relation to their annual profiling submission between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022, published on 29 August 2024, whether he plans to investigate its subsidies during the previous 10 years.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Compliance with biomass sustainability criteria is a priority and Ofgem as the independent regulator is responsible for ensuring generators’ compliance. Ofgem’s recent investigation found that whilst Drax complied with sustainability standards, it had failed to report data accurately. This is a serious matter and Government expects full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Ofgem did not find any evidence to suggest that Drax had been issued with subsidies incorrectly. Drax’s subsequent £25 million redress payment underscores the robustness of the regulatory system.
Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the KPMG interim investigation of December 2022 into Drax Power Station’s claims for government subsidy.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ofgem as the independent energy regulator is responsible for assuring the Government that large scale biomass generators, such as Drax, are in full compliance with sustainability requirements. Ofgem recently undertook a full investigation into Drax’s compliance and found that whilst Drax complied with the standards, it failed to report data accurately. The size of Drax’s redress payment in light of this, £25m, and the steps they’ve agreed to take to improve data accuracy, underscores the robustness of the regulatory system.
Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with Ofgem on disabled tenants in supported housing paying bills at domestic rates rather than business rates.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has regular discussions with Ofgem on a wide range of issues in relation to energy retail markets.
On 28 February Ofgem published a call for input on the non-domestic gas and electricity market. This included seeking inputs about the arrangements whereby some domestic customers have their energy supply collectively arranged for them by a managing entity that agrees a non-domestic energy contract, such as mobile park residents, care home residents, and residents of managed flats. Ofgem’s call for input is open until 31 March.
Asked by: Rosie Duffield (Independent - Canterbury)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to provide additional financial support to disabled people in receipt of Income-related (a) Employment Support Allowance and (b) Personal Independence Payment to help replace the support provided by the one-off Warm Home Discount.
Answered by Graham Stuart
The Government has expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme this year, providing £150 rebates to over 3 million households, an increase of 800,000.
Energy suppliers can provide additional support to households through the Industry Initiatives element of the scheme, including financial assistance. This support can be provided irrespective of whether a household is eligible for a rebate.
The Government is providing additional assistance this winter through the Disability Cost of Living Payments, alongside the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bill Support Scheme and other Cost of Living Payments.
The Government has also committed to continue Cost of Living payments next winter and is working to develop a new approach to consumer protection in relation to energy, which will apply from April 2024 onwards.