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 potential merits of a bespoke strategy to reduce energy costs for the ceramics industry.

The government recognises high energy prices as a significant pressure on UK industry, including ceramics. The only way to bring down bills for good is by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets, through the government’s Clean Power Mission.

Around 10% of ceramics manufacturers currently qualify for the British Industry Supercharger discount on electricity network charges that will increase from 60% to 90% in 2026. From 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for foundational manufacturing industries, such as ceramics, by c.£35-40/MWh.

We will publish a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (IDP), setting out a refreshed, strategic approach to delivering a competitive and low-carbon future for UK industry, shaped in close collaboration with industrial stakeholders. The government also intends to consult on further policies to bring down electricity costs relative to gas for the non-domestic sector.