Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with energy suppliers on providing additional support for households with energy bills in winter 2024-25.

The Government and industry have worked together to deliver a £500m Winter Support Commitment for customers, and we applaud suppliers stepping up on this matter. I also meet regularly with energy suppliers to outline the Government’s expectations of the standard of service that should be provided to their customers, including supporting vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills this winter.

Additional energy suppliers are delivering Government support this winter through the Warm Home Discount, providing an annual £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households.

As part of its Warm Homes Plan, the Government have committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency.

At the Autumn Budget 2024, my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that an additional £1 billion, including Barnett impact, will be invested to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) in England until 31 March 2026, and to maintain Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales. This builds on the previous commitment of £421 million in England to extend the HSF until 31 March 2025.