Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of standing charges on single member households, particularly where standing charges make up a disproportionate share of the bill.

The Government knows that many people are concerned with the proportion of their bill that is made up of standing charges. This is why, at the Autumn Budget on 28 October, the Chancellor announced that the Government has asked Ofgem to abolish gas standing charges on domestic energy bills, aiming for delivery by the end of 2027 or as soon as possible after then.

Ofgem will ensure that energy suppliers recover these costs through gas unit rates instead and work with suppliers and consumer groups to maintain a stable, fair and competitive retail market.

This change will be implemented fairly, including through the Government setting out targeted mitigation.