Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking with social housing providers in the Macclesfield Constituency to help reduce energy costs for tenants.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Warm Homes Plan will deliver £15bn of public investment and help lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030. This includes support for those on low-incomes and the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards for the social rented sector, which will slash the cost of heating for families, making homes warmer and more comfortable. Macclesfield-based Peaks and Plains Housing Trust has secured £6.58m as part of the just under £1.15bn Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. The funding will support energy efficiency and low‑carbon heating upgrades, helping raise properties below EPC Band C up to that standard.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his department has set a benchmark for the proportion of the UK’s electricity supply that should be imported from abroad in the medium to long term; and how electricity imports are factored into energy security planning.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Capacity Market is our main tool for ensuring security of electricity supply. Each year the National Energy System Operator assesses the capacity required to meet expected peak demand four years ahead. All participating technologies are de-rated to reflect their expected contribution under periods of system stress, with interconnectors de-rated based on expected flows and technical availability. In the longer term, the Government is supportive of additional interconnection where future projects provide system benefits.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking with utilities companies to protect consumers from utility account identity fraud.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is the lead department for the energy sector only.
Regarding energy utility accounts, Ofgem is the energy regulator for Great Britain. Ofgem works to protect energy consumers and ensure they are treated fairly.
Ofgem has a specific counter fraud team who work to detect, prevent, deter, and take firm action where there is evidence of fraud.
Ofgem has also issued guidance to energy suppliers regarding identity checking of new customers. Due diligence on verifying the identity of a customer is important for energy suppliers, especially if they are extending credit on an energy account.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of decarbonising the grid by 2030 on job creation in Macclesfield constituency.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Through our clean power mission, including through investments made by Great British Energy, and the National Wealth Fund, we will work with industry to deliver the jobs and investment required to achieve our clean power 2030 ambition.
Whilst we are still deciding where investments will be made, we expect that good jobs will be available across the country as we see a rapid expansion in the renewable workforce by 2030.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which Ministers will attend COP29 in November 2024.
Answered by Kerry McCarthy
COP29 will be a major moment in the international climate and diplomatic calendar. The UK will be well represented at Ministerial level – exact attendance across Government Departments is still being determined.
From the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, I look forward to attending as Minister for Climate, alongside Ed Miliband MP as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.