Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of Electricity Network Operators on (a) upgrading the electricity network to ensure that it can cope with the combined requirements of electric vehicle charging, heat pumps and other household appliances and (b) the cost of that potential upgrade.

Network regulation, including ensuring that the electricity network has the capacity to meet increased electricity demand from Low Carbon Technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps is a matter for Ofgem, the independent energy regulator. Ofgem uses the RIIO price control framework to incentivise electricity network companies to invest in the grid, providing a safe, secure and reliable network for all consumers at the lowest possible cost. Ofgem is currently formulating the next electricity distribution price control (RIIO-ED2) due to commence in April 2023.

Government maintains regular engagement with Ofgem and electricity network companies to support them in providing consumers with a network capable of delivering future electricity requirements.