Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help ensure all eligible heat network consumers receive financial support via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) regulations placed a legal duty on heat network suppliers with at least one domestic customer to apply for EBDS Heat Network support, and to pass through any benefit received to the end consumer.

The Department has conducted extensive engagement to maximise applications from eligible heat networks, to try and reach as many customers as possible. This included extensive stakeholder communications campaigns and reaching out to all known heat networks on government databases. We also wrote to Members of Parliament who have qualifying heat networks in their constituency, asking them to reach out to the heat network suppliers to inform them of their requirement to apply for the scheme.

We have also streamlined the application process to make it easier for heat networks to apply and worked closely with the Office for Product Safety and Standards to initiate enforcement action against known heat networks who have failed to apply.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many and what proportion of heat suppliers has her Department taken enforcement action against under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme as of 25 March 2023.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Office of Product Safety and Standards acts on behalf of the Secretary of State to enforce the scheme. They have taken action against 657 heat network cases.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many qualifying heat supplier certificates have been issued via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

As of 28 March 2024, 12,743 heat network applications for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme have been approved (and therefore certificates issued).

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make it her policy to accept retrospective support applications from heat suppliers via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme after 31 March 2024.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

For eligible heat networks, the deadline to apply for the scheme was 31 March 2024. The closure of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme for heat networks has been communicated through numerous campaigns, online, and through targeted outreach to suppliers and networks. We also wrote to Members of Parliament who have qualifying heat networks in their constituency, asking them to reach out to the heat network suppliers to inform them of their requirement to apply for the scheme.

However, the Department is allowing a two-week grace period following the 31 March 2024 deadline for any newly eligible heat networks to submit an application.

Any applications that submitted their application before the deadline, and were eligible on 1 April 2023, will receive support backdated to that date.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many and what proportion of applications her Department has received from heat suppliers via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme; and how many individual heat networks are covered by those applications.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department has received around 14,400 Energy Bills Discount Scheme applications for heat networks. There is no centralised list of heat networks across the UK, or how many domestic customers these networks serve. The most reliable data we have access to is taken from the Heat Network Metering and Billing Regulations, which estimates that there are 8,900 heat networks serving residential customers in the UK.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2024 to Question 16114 on Offshore Industry: Employment, what steps she has taken to verify the methodology behind the Offshore Energies UK’s Workforce Insight reports.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The workforce estimates developed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) come from statistics provided by the data analysis company Experian, who in turn use Government jobs data and track expenditure as it flows through the economy. These figures are produced independently of Government but OEUK has previously shared some underlying data with the Department. Experian has said that its calculation is standard and widely used.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the 2023 UK greenhouse gas emissions, provisional figures, published on 28 March 2024, what assessment she has made of the reasons for the increase in emissions from commercial buildings since 1990; and what steps her Department is taking to help reduce such emissions.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Between 1990 and 2023, provisional statistics show total greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings and product use sectors have fallen by an estimated 28%. However, in the same time period, emissions from commercial buildings have risen by 3% largely due to the use of natural gas for heating. To address this issue, the UK Government is working with industry to understand how to decarbonise commercial buildings in an affordable and appropriate manner, including through supporting energy efficiency improvements, developing the market for heat pumps, and developing heat network capacity. This approach is detailed in the Heat and Buildings Strategy, which can be accessed here.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had recent discussions with consumer rights groups on the potential introduction of a more dynamic energy price cap.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government is seeking views on how default tariffs should support households in the future https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/default-energy-tariffs-for-households-call-for-evidence.

Alongside this Ofgem are seeking views on how price protections could apply in future, considering innovations such as time of use tariffs www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/ofgem-launches-discussion-future-price-cap.

As part of these discussions the Government is meeting stakeholders, including those from consumer rights groups to seek their thoughts on options for the price cap going forward.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many gigawatt hours of electricity has been imported by individual interconnectors since 2019; and what proportion of total electricity output was generated by interconnectors in (i) 2020, (ii) 2021, (ii) 2022 and (iv) 2023.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

UK electricity imports from 2019 to 2023 via each interconnector are presented in the following table, in gigawatt hours (GWh):

The share of the UK’s gross electricity supply (generation plus imports, excluding exports) supplied via interconnectors each year was: (i) 2020 6.6%, (ii) 2021 8.5%, (iii) 2022 4.6%, (iv) 2023 10.4%. 2023 data is provisional. Final figures will be published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics at the end of July 2024.

In February 2024, the UK imported 3,696 GWh of electricity.

In 2023, 9,499 GWh of electricity was exported from the UK via interconnectors. This compares to 20,793 GWh in 2022 when the UK was a net exporter of electricity for the first time in 40 years.

Source: National Grid and EirGrid data.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many gigawatt hours of electricity was exported via interconnectors in the last 12 months.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

UK electricity imports from 2019 to 2023 via each interconnector are presented in the following table, in gigawatt hours (GWh):

The share of the UK’s gross electricity supply (generation plus imports, excluding exports) supplied via interconnectors each year was: (i) 2020 6.6%, (ii) 2021 8.5%, (iii) 2022 4.6%, (iv) 2023 10.4%. 2023 data is provisional. Final figures will be published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics at the end of July 2024.

In February 2024, the UK imported 3,696 GWh of electricity.

In 2023, 9,499 GWh of electricity was exported from the UK via interconnectors. This compares to 20,793 GWh in 2022 when the UK was a net exporter of electricity for the first time in 40 years.

Source: National Grid and EirGrid data.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many gigawatt hours of electricity was imported in February.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

UK electricity imports from 2019 to 2023 via each interconnector are presented in the following table, in gigawatt hours (GWh):

The share of the UK’s gross electricity supply (generation plus imports, excluding exports) supplied via interconnectors each year was: (i) 2020 6.6%, (ii) 2021 8.5%, (iii) 2022 4.6%, (iv) 2023 10.4%. 2023 data is provisional. Final figures will be published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics at the end of July 2024.

In February 2024, the UK imported 3,696 GWh of electricity.

In 2023, 9,499 GWh of electricity was exported from the UK via interconnectors. This compares to 20,793 GWh in 2022 when the UK was a net exporter of electricity for the first time in 40 years.

Source: National Grid and EirGrid data.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an assessment of adequacy of local content levels in supply chains for the (a) oil and gas and (b) renewable energy sector.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) monitors UK content in upstream oil and gas through Supply Chain Action Plans. NSTA reports that, over the last three years, oil and gas related Operating Expenditure consistently delivered UK content above 85%, with Capital Expenditure and Abandonment Expenditure consistently delivering above 75% UK content.

For renewables, the Department requires all large Contracts for Difference applicants to submit Supply Chain Plans, asking for the percentage of UK content of a project. These figures are commercially sensitive and only shared when Supply Chain Plans are published.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the level of carbon emissions produced by electricity (a) generated and (b) imported to Great Britain from the EU in (i) 2015, (ii) 2020 and (iii) 2023.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

(a) Greenhouse gas emissions estimates from electricity generation in Great Britain in 2015 were 100.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e). In 2020, emissions from electricity generation in Great Britain were 46.6 MtCO₂e. This includes emissions from major power producers, but not emissions from companies generating their own electricity.

Estimates for 2023 for Great Britain will be published in 2025.

(b) The UK Government has not produced estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity imported from the EU to Great Britain as these are not within the geographical scope that it is required to report on.

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 the potential role of kinetic energy floor tiling in decarbonising the British energy supply.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department has not made any assessment of the potential role of kinetic energy floor tiling in decarbonising the British energy supply as the power output achievable is very small compared to the total power requirements of the UK.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2024 to Question 19394 on Fuel Poverty, if she will take steps to extend the list of energy efficiency measures to include new technologies; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of extending that list on energy bills for low-income households.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Government energy efficiency schemes prioritise measures that have beneficial long-term effects on lowering bills and making homes more comfortable and affordable to live in, within the scope of the Standard Assessment Procedure model. The Government is currently developing the Home Energy Model which will replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).

The current Energy Company Obligation schemes require eligible measures to result in a reduction in the cost of heating a consumer’s home. There are mechanisms for new measures to be eligible where they meet this and other scheme requirements. The potential impact of new measures on energy bill savings for low-income households would have to be assessed in relation to the specific new measures selected.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 15 March 2024 to Question 18893 on Energy: Meters, whether her Department has had recent discussions with energy providers on the availability of technological solutions for households to replace radio teleswitching meters.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Smart meters are the natural technological solution to replace the Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) and associated meters.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2024 to Question 14127 Wind Power: Seas and Oceans, when she expects the assessment of AR6 Supply Chain Plans to be completed.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The assessment of AR6 Supply Chain Plans was completed in late March.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Mingyang Smart Energy turbine manufacturing facility was subject to national security checks.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We cannot comment on individual investment cases, but investment into the energy sector is subject to the highest levels of national security scrutiny, and we will continue to work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and ensure the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information her Department holds on the number of reports of faulty smart meters in (a) the North West, (b) Lancashire and (c) Preston in the last 12 months; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure energy companies are accountable for the quality of smart meters they install.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Almost 9 in 10 smart meters are sending automatic readings, but those that don’t will still be accurately measuring consumers’ energy, like a traditional meter.

The Government is working closely with industry to drive down the number of smart meters not sending automatic readings. The numbers are improving but more progress is needed.

Energy suppliers have an obligation to take all reasonable steps to operate smart meters in smart mode and Ofgem are responsible for regulating suppliers against this obligation.

The Government does not hold geographic data on smart meters that aren’t sending automatic readings.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to reduce daily standing charges for gas and electricity in (a) Coventry and (b) the Midlands.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Ofgem launched a call for input on standing charges looking at how it is applied to energy bills and what alternatives could be considered. Ofgem is currently analysing the responses and will publish its response in due course.

The variance in standing charge is mainly due to regional differences in energy distribution costs. These costs reflect the expenses of maintaining and upgrading the distribution network in a specific area, and the number of consumers those costs are spread across.

On 30 March, my Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State and I wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping standing charges as low as possible.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many energy-saving home improvement projects have been completed through the Green Deal in South Holland and the Deepings constituency as of 3 April 2024.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department estimates that in South Holland and the Deepings constituency, eight projects are live (all measures installed but not yet paid off) and 12 projects have been completed (all measures installed and paid off).

Data covers the period from May 2013 to March 2024.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the proportion of (a) coal, (b) gas fired, (c) nuclear and (d) renewable generated electricity which is imported into Britain via interconnector each year.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold data estimating the proportion of imported electricity generated from each fuel type. Total electricity imports by country are published in Energy Trends table 5.6.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending until 2027 periods for finalising reconciliation for energy supplier subsidies following the closure of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department has been working with energy suppliers and industry stakeholders to determine the best course of action on this matter, which includes ensuring that we retain the necessary protections to protect public funds.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

What steps she is taking to increase grid capacity.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Through the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan, we are halving the construction time of new transmission infrastructure from 14 years to 7, delivering the grid capacity needed for a decarbonised energy system and meet a doubling of electricity demand by 2050.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

How many and what proportion of households have applied to the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department does not hold all of the data on who has applied to the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) through the different avenues. There have been over 120,000 referrals through the GBIS referral service up to March 2024.

However, the scheme is only a third of the way through, suppliers will have required time to adapt to changes and to accommodate new obligations imposed on them, and we expect the rate of installations to increase over coming months.

GBIS is one of a number of schemes improving the energy efficiency of homes across Great Britain. Its sister scheme ECO has installed 3.8m measures in 2.5m homes since 2013.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

What estimate her Department has made of the cost to leaseholders of complying with the proposed heat network technical standards requirements.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

All heat network regulation is designed to be proportionate, to deliver better quality of service, and to reduce costs in the longer term.

The Department continues work on introducing effective technical standards for heat networks while protecting consumers from excessive costs.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

What progress she has made on reaching the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

Answered by Claire Coutinho - Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Britain is the first major economy to halve emissions, whilst growing the economy by 80%. We have more ambitious targets for 2030 than the EU, with the UK aiming for a 68% reduction in emissions to their 55%. We have over-achieved on all carbon budgets to date, and remain on track for the next.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

What steps she is taking to promote energy self-sufficiency in the UK.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are investing in homegrown renewable energy and recently announced the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years. We are also ensuring sustained oil & gas production through annual licencing rounds under the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the oral Answer of the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero to the Question from the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston of 19 September 2023, Official Report, column 1231, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The then Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart, wrote to the Hon. Member on 11 April 2024.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of recoupling the GB and EU day-ahead electricity markets without recoupling the intraday markets on the competitiveness of wholesale electricity markets.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In 2021, HMG consulted on current arrangements for trading electricity on power exchanges in the GB wholesale electricity market and outlined proposals to support efficient cross-border trading. That consultation focused on day-ahead trading but also sought views on the intraday timeframe.

HMG’s consultation response outlined the intention to legislate to achieve a single GB clearing price in the day-ahead timeframe, subject to engagement with the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Energy, industry and stakeholders to ensure HMG is well placed to make a final decision on progressing legislation. HMG confirmed development of efficient arrangements in other timeframes should remain under review.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/re-coupling-great-britain-electricity-auctions-for-cross-border-trade

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Written Statement of 22 February 2024 on UK withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty, HCWS279, what her planned timetable is for withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK has initiated the process to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and will provide notification to the ECT depository in Portugal as soon as possible.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has committed (a) tax-payer and (b) tariff-backed guarantees to the North-West Hynet project.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced up to £20 billion for the early deployment of CCUS in the UK and aims to establish four clusters by 2030, including the Track-1 HyNet cluster.

No contracts have yet been awarded through the Cluster Sequencing process. The form and amount of support provided to projects is subject to ongoing negotiations. Final decisions on whether to award support will be subject to achieving value for money outcomes for taxpayers and consumers.

To maximise participation, diversity, and resilience in the Cluster Sequencing process, we have also supported early-stage design work in industrial clusters, via the existing Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge Fund, which is run by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). They announced the outcome of the challenge in 2021, committing up to £171m across nine projects, including £33m to projects in the HyNet cluster, crowding in private sector co-funding.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to address the loyalty penalty paid by households reliant on (a) heating oil and (b) LPG; and whether she has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to make an assessment of the adequacy of competition in markets for these products.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

We believe consumer choice provides the best long-term guarantee of competitive prices.

The structure of the heating oil market allows for switching of suppliers on a delivery-by-delivery basis. There are commercial price comparison sites and the trade association UKIFDA provides a ‘Find a distributor’ facility at https://ukifda.org/find-a-distributor/.

There is similar consumer choice for bottled LPG users, supported by the trade association LGUK ‘Supplier search’ facility (https://www.liquidgasuk.org/domestic/supplier-search). The bulk domestic LPG market is subject to regulation under the Competition and Markets Authority’s LPG Orders (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liquefied-petroleum-gas-lpg-market-orders-and-calculator) to enable easier switching of domestic bulk LPG supplier by domestic customers and the CMA continues to monitor that market.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people are employed in the gas and oil industry; and what methodology her Department uses to calculate this statistic.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department uses widely recognised industry estimates provided by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK). According to OEUK’s 2022 workforce estimates (https://oeuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OEUK-Workforce-Insight-2022.pdf), oil and gas companies support around 200,000 jobs across the supply chain and wider local economy. This includes 30,000 people who are employed directly by the sector.

Information on the methodology used by OEUK to estimate workforce numbers was provided in the answer given to the hon. Member for Brighton Pavilion on 25 March 2024 to Question UIN 18876.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to paragraph 22 of the fifth Special Report of the Energy and Climate Change Committee of Session 2010-11 entitled UK Deepwater Drilling: Implications of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: Government Response to the Committee's Second Report of Session 2010–11, HC 882, published on 22 March 2011, what recent progress the Government has made on ensuring that oil spill response equipment is designed to take full account of the harsh environment in the West of Shetland.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The response to pollution incidents from offshore hydrocarbon operations is led by Industry and their primary response contractor Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL). Since the report was published, the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Advisory Group (OSPRAG) cap was developed and been in service since 2011. OSRL have also developed additional higher rated capping devices which have been in service since 2013. OSRL have also extended their response capability to include a base in the Shetland Islands to respond promptly to incidents West of Shetland. This base contains response equipment which has been specially selected for West of Shetland conditions.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made an estimate her Department of the potential (a) quantity of and (b) proportion of the total UK oil supplies that will come from Ineos development in Antwerp.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not assessed potential supply from the development in Antwerp. Import countries of origin are published monthly in Energy Trends Table 3.14: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/oil-and-oil-products-section-3-energy-trends. The Department does not collect data on facility of origin.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which electricity interconnector projects (a) have received approval and (b) are awaiting approval; and what the megawatt capacity is of each proposed project.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Ofgem is responsible for awarding regulatory approval to electricity interconnector projects in Great Britain. There are two main routes to regulatory approval, through the awarding of a cap and floor regime, or a merchant route. Including both routes, Ofgem has given approval to the following projects:

• IFA 2000MW (GB - France)
• Moyle 500MW (GB - Northern Ireland)
• BritNed 1000MW (GB - Netherlands)
• East-West 500MW (GB - Republic of Ireland)
• Nemo Link 1000MW (GB - Belgium)
• IFA2 1000MW (GB - France)
• North Sea Link (NSL) 1400MW (GB - Norway)
• ElecLink 1000MW (GB-France)
• Viking Link 1400MW (GB - Denmark)
• Greenlink 500MW (GB - Republic of Ireland)
• GridLink 1250MW (GB - France)
• FAB 1250MW (GB - France)
• NeuConnect 1400MW (GB-Germany)

Ofgem is assessing a selection of projects that applied for regulatory approval through the third cap and floor application window. These results are interim and are being consulted upon. The final decision will be made in summer 2024 by Ofgem. The projects that are awaiting final regulatory decisions are:

• Aminth 1400MW (GB - Denmark)
• Cronos 1400MW (GB - Belgium)
• NU-Link 1200MW (GB - the Netherlands)
• LirIC 700MW (GB - Northern Ireland)
• MaresConnect 750MW (GB-Republic of Ireland)
• Aquind 2000MW (GB - France)
• Nautilus 1400MW (GB - Belgium)
• Tarchon 1400MW (GB - Germany)
• Lion Link 1800MW (GB-the Netherlands)

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many gigawatt hours of electricity was produced domestically in the last 12 months.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Figures for UK electricity generation are published in Energy Trends table 5.1, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electricity-section-5-energy-trends. Provisionally, in 2023, UK generators produced 285,606 GWh of electricity.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what her Department's policy is on the future capacity of new electricity interconnectors in (a) 2025, (b) 2030 and (c) 2040.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As of March 2024, Great Britain has 9.8GW interconnection capacity in operation. A further 1.9 GW of interconnection is in construction, with 0.5GW expected to be operational by 2025. Anticipated interconnection capacity by 2025 is therefore approximately 10.3GW.

In 2020, the Government set an ambition to realise at least 18GW of interconnection by 2030; this was reaffirmed in 2023.

Two additional interconnectors, totalling 3.2GW, have recently received positive interim regulatory decisions from Ofgem. If progressed, Great Britain will be on track for 13.1GW of interconnection capacity by 2030, and 14.9GW by 2031.

The Government will provide more information on interconnection post-2030 in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many electricity interconnectors are operational; and what the megawatt capacity is per interconnector.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Great Britain currently has nine operational interconnectors, listed alongside their deployed capacity:

• IFA 2000MW (GB - France)
• Moyle 500MW (GB - Northern Ireland)
• BritNed 1000MW (GB - Netherlands)
• East-West 500MW (GB - Republic of Ireland)
• Nemo Link 1000MW (GB - Belgium)
• IFA2 1000MW (GB - France)
• North Sea Link 1400MW (GB - Norway)
• ElecLink 1000MW (GB - France)
• Viking Link 1400MW (GB - Denmark)

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an estimate of the average transmission network costs for (a) inter connectors and (b) domestic generators of electricity in the last 12 months.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Electricity System Operator has published its “Final Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) Tariffs for 2023/24” document, which details that interconnectors are exempt from transmission charges, and the average transmission network tariff for generators is £12.45/kW.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to publish a response to the consultation on Introducing a performance-based policy framework in large commercial and industrial buildings, which closed on 9 June 2021.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Government paused the rollout of the operational energy rating pilot scheme but remains interested in exploring the role that operational ratings can play in supporting energy reduction within the wider landscape for decarbonising commercial and industrial buildings.

We continue to engage with stakeholders to understand more about potential options for moving the dial on reducing carbon emissions and Government’s role in this.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she is taking steps to equalize the price of electricity with gas to encourage people to install Heat Pumps in their homes.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

In ‘Powering Up Britain’, the Government committed to outlining a clear approach to gas and electricity price rebalancing – and will do so in due course. We are working to develop our approach to rebalancing to meet these commitments. No decisions have yet been taken on our approach, and fairness and affordability for consumers and taxpayers will be at the heart of our decision-making.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to respond to the consultation entitled Non-domestic Private Rented Sector minimum energy efficiency standards: EPC B implementation, published on 17 March 2021.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

We have reviewed the responses to our consultation on minimum energy efficiency standards in the non-domestic private rented sector. We are working hard to ensure the policy design remains fair and proportionate for landlords and tenants within the current economic climate and to help realise the benefits of energy efficiency, including reduced energy bills, more comfortable and healthier workplaces and greater energy security. We are continuing to engage with commercial building owners and representative groups to understand the different pathways to support decarbonisation and give certainty to the energy efficiency supply chain. We plan to publish the response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Government meets its heat pump installation targets.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government is committed to growing the market to 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028. We are supporting installations through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme and Energy Company Obligation. From 2025, we expect the Future Homes Standard and the Clean Heat Market Mechanism to support further market growth.

The Government is supporting the supply chain, through Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition for manufacturers and the Heat Training Grant. We are also consulting on changes to Permitted Development Rights to make it easier for people who want a heat pump to install one.

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 trends in energy bills over the last 24 months for people living in residential properties with third party communal heating systems.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department does not collect energy bill data for communal heating consumers. We are introducing regulation from Spring 2025 to appoint Ofgem as the heat network regulator and will provide Ofgem powers to monitor communal heat prices. The Government has already invested over £55 million on Heat Network support through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which is estimated to have reduced the average bill per supported customer by £1200 over the last year.

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 (a) merits and (b) impact on vulnerable groups of dynamic energy pricing.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Smarter technologies, tariffs, and services, including potentially dynamic energy pricing, can bring benefits for many consumers.

At the same time, we recognise that we must have the right consumer protection framework in place, particularly for vulnerable consumers.

In February, the Department launched a Call-for-Evidence on Default Tariffs which explores how default tariffs should evolve to work in a future, more dynamic, market. More information can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66019a0065ca2fa78e7da7dc/future-default-tariffs-for-households-call-for-evidence.pdf

Additionally, in their future work plan, Ofgem have committed to look at consumer protection in the future market and update their vulnerability strategy, alongside their ongoing work to protect vulnerable consumers.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to (i) support and (ii) enhance the domestic solar manufacturing sector.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Solar is a mature technology with established global supply chains. Whilst we have no plans for the UK to become self-sufficient in the manufacture of solar panels, supply chain development is a government priority.

Government encourages renewable developers accessing its Contracts for Difference scheme to grow the supply chain through the Supply Chain Plan process and supports supply chain innovation through the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund and initiatives funded by UK Research and Innovation.

Further actions needed to develop resilient, sustainable and innovative supply chains, as identified by the UK Solar Taskforce, will be outlined in the forthcoming Solar Roadmap.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2024 to Question 18876 on Offshore Industry: Employment, on what date OEUK shared the underlying data with her Department; and if she will place a copy of that data in the House of Commons Library.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) have shared underlying data pertaining to their workforce estimates at various points in time. Most recently, in December 2023, OEUK has shared a workbook listing regional breakdowns of the oil and gas sector workforce compiled by Experian. The underlying data is commercially sensitive and owned by Experian. Sharing of this data is a matter for them.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department takes to (a) help ensure that imported (i) solar panels and (ii) related components are not produced using forced labour and (b) enforce that standard.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to tackling forced labour in solar supply chains. The UK’s approach is focused on transparency. Over the last two years we have introduced enhanced export controls, new guidance on the risks of doing business in Xinjiang and announced the introduction of financial penalties under the Modern Slavery Act.

The Government also supports voluntary due diligence approaches by UK businesses.

The UK’s main solar trade association is leading industry’s response by developing and piloting the Solar Stewardship Initiative to further develop a responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain. We will continue to keep our policy response under review.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department has taken to ensure that people living in residential properties with third party energy supplies can be covered by the energy price cap.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The price cap was applied to domestic default tariffs to address a specific issue identified by the CMA in how suppliers priced these tariffs. No such issue was identified for commercial contracts, such as those procured by landlords to serve tenants. Consumers supplied via landlords are protected under Ofgem’s Maximum Resale Price Provisions.

On 5 April, Government published a summary of responses to the domestic customers on non-domestic tariffs CfE, summarising the issues identified and the actions being taken to address the issues. Government will consider whether any further actions are required once the current measures being undertaken have embedded.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has had discussions with Ofgem to ensure that heat pump installation companies under the Energy Company Obligation scheme provide (a) a suitable service for customers to assist with problems and (b) provide advice on the optimal use of the new heating system.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

All installations under the Energy Company Obligation scheme must be carried out by a TrustMark registered business. Installations of low carbon measures, such as heat pumps, must be carried out in accordance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) requirements.

TrustMark’s Customer Charter sets out the responsibilities of any TrustMark registered installer which includes the registered business ensuring there is a proper testing and hand-over process to ensure the customer knows how installations work and should be maintained.

Ofgem has set out a route to redress for any issues arising from measures installed under the scheme, which can be found at: www.ofgem.gov.uk/eco4-complaints-process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help support low-income households to transition to net zero in Suffolk Coastal constituency.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government is allocating around £20 billion over this Parliament and next improving energy efficiency and low carbon heating of homes, reducing reliance on fossil fuel heating and reducing household energy bills for low income households in Suffolk Coastal constituency as well as other constituencies.

The Government will deliver upgrades to over half a million homes in the coming years through Social Housing Decarbonisation, Home Upgrade Grant Schemes and Energy Company Obligation Schemes.

The Government has spent over £2 billion to support transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), focusing on reducing barriers to adopting ZEVs, including offsetting higher upfront cost, and accelerating rollout of chargepoint infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Heads of terms agreement with Eni regarding the North-West Hynet project, signed in October 2023, whether she consulted with (a) public bodies, (b) affected communities and (c) other stakeholders on the terms of this agreement; and if she will make it her policy to conduct a public consultation prior to a commercial contract being signed in relation to this project.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Heads of Terms agreement was primarily commercial. No formal consultation was required or undertaken. Before granting an economic licence to authorise the implementation of carbon dioxide transport and storage activities, the Secretary of State is required to give notice of the proposal to do so in accordance with Section 9 of the Energy Act 2023, as well as consider any representations or objections which are duly made.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to publish the (a) nature and (b) content of concerns raised by the Ministry of Defence once they have been raised formally through appropriate channels.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Ministry of Defence has indicated its concerns relate to national security. It is therefore unlikely the content of the concerns will be published.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2024 to Question 12098 on Aquind: Electricity Interconnectors, whether she has received the representations required for the re-determination of the application.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The relevant representations have not yet been finalised or submitted.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will review the (a) surplus sharing and (b) other arrangements of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has been consistent in its willingness to consider any proposals that the Trustees bring forward. Ministers have previously been willing to discuss proposals including those which would alter the surplus sharing arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department is taking steps to maintain energy security in the context of the availability of electricity supplies from (a) central and (b) western Europe.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. The market has successfully delivered sufficient electricity supplies amidst a recent period characterised by high energy prices and increased uncertainties caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) Summer Outlook expects sufficient supply to meet demand at all times this summer; net imports into Great Britain from mainland Europe; and to be able to support exports if needed.

We continue to work with Ofgem and ESO to monitor energy security and ensure ESO can deploy all tools at its disposal if needed to secure supply.

ESO Summer Outlook weblink: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/316126/download

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department has made representations to HM Treasury on the inclusion of imported electricity in Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism taxation.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Electricity generation was not included within the initial sectoral scope of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), announced in December 2023. The approach aligns with free allowance allocations, under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which are not provided to electricity generators.

In making the decision, the government looked primarily at three factors: inclusion in the UK ETS, carbon leakage risk, and feasibility and effectiveness.

The sectoral scope of a UK CBAM will remain under review. The design and delivery of a CBAM is subject to consultation, closing on 13 June 2024.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many staff have left her Department since its creation.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The number of employees that have left the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) since Department records began is 389.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what proportion of electricity is forecast to be imported via interconnector by (a) 2030 and (b) 2040.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As set out in our net zero and power sector scenarios,^[1] the UK could become a net electricity exporter in future. In 2030, net exports are 2.4% of gross generation supplied in the higher electricity demand scenario. The UK remains a net importer in the lower electricity demand scenario with net imports providing an additional 2.3% to gross generation supplied. In 2040, net exports are 8.2% of gross generation supplied in the higher electricity demand scenario and 6.6% in the lower demand scenario.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-and-emissions-projections-2021-to-2040

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she has taken to ensure the UK's energy security, in the context of ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Global energy markets continue to function normally and we have not seen any significant impact to the energy market in light of Iran’s attack on Israel. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

Retail prices of petrol and diesel are primarily driven by the underlying prices in global oil markets and exchange rates. These are currently well within normal ranges of volatility and the market is functioning normally.

We continue to work with Ofgem, system operators and industry to monitor our energy security and ensure these organisations can deploy all tools at their disposal if needed to secure our supply.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will take steps to reform the capacity market to ensure that new gas power plants have parity with interconnectors.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The technology-neutral Capacity Market (CM) provides all forms of capacity, including new and existing gas generation and interconnectors, with the right incentives to be on the system to deliver when needed.

All capacity in the CM is derated by technology type, to account for expected contributions to electricity security of supply during times of system stress. Derating factors for all technology types are determined annually and are set out in the Electricity System Operator’s Electricity Capacity Report and Secretary of State’s decision on CM auction parameters each year and are published online.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when her Department last made an assessment of the potential impact of trends in the level of imported electricity through interconnectors on energy security.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government consider that interconnectors will play a key role in enabling greater security of supply by providing access to a more diverse electricity generation mix, responding to shocks in the GB system by importing electricity.

The Capacity Market (CM) is our main tool for ensuring security of electricity supply. CM auction targets are set based on advice from the Electricity System Operator’s Electricity Capacity Report which considers the contribution interconnectors make to security of supply.

With the exception of 2022, GB has historically been a net importer of electricity, though ESO forecasts suggest that GB will likely become a net exporter in future.

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 the use of electricity interconnectors on energy (a) security and (b) supply.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government consider that interconnectors will play a key role in enabling greater security of supply by providing access to a more diverse electricity generation mix, responding to shocks in the GB system by importing electricity.

The Capacity Market (CM) is our main tool for ensuring security of electricity supply. CM auction targets are set based on advice from the Electricity System Operator’s Electricity Capacity Report which considers the contribution interconnectors make to security of supply.

With the exception of 2022, GB has historically been a net importer of electricity, though ESO forecasts suggest that GB will likely become a net exporter in future.

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 (a) environmental and (b) commercial impact of proposals for a high voltage direct current transmission line from Morocco to the UK.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is interested in the Xlinks UK-Morocco Power Project which is a proposed large scale onshore wind, solar and battery storage site in Morocco that would exclusively supply power to the GB grid via high voltage direct current subsea cables.

The Government is currently evaluating – without commitment – how this complex project could contribute to the UK’s energy security. Our evaluation is considering a range of issues, including environmental and commercial impacts, to ensure we are comprehensively assessing the viability and merits of the proposal.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions she has had with the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Trustees on the surplus sharing arrangements of that scheme.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Ministers and Trustees last discussed the surplus sharing arrangements in 2021. The Government has been consistent that it would consider any proposals that the Trustees bring forward.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 75 of her Department’s consultation entitled Review of Electricity Market Arrangements: second consultation, published on 12 March 2024, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on the power system if there was no role for unabated gas in 2035.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We will need unabated gas in 2035 to play a small but important role when the wind does not blow or the sun does not shine. Our published Net Zero scenarios envisage a small but important role for unabated gas in 2035. Without a role for unabated gas, we would likely run an increased risk of blackouts.

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 increasing the use of imported electricity on (a) industrial and (b) domestic energy prices.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Interconnectors are built to share energy with some of our closest European allies, who are also generating renewable, clean energy at affordable prices, enabling access to lower-cost electricity for GB consumers. Analysis supporting the Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan ^[1] showed that increasing the level of interconnection could reduce system costs by over £1bn annually (based on 2012 prices).

New interconnectors are subject to an independent and robust regulatory process run by Ofgem, ensuring that only projects which bring benefits to GB consumers are built.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transitioning-to-a-net-zero-energy-system-smart-systems-and-flexibility-plan-2021

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to launch a consultation on the renewable liquid heating fuel obligation before 23 July 2024.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government intends to issue the consultation by September this year, in line with commitments made by ministers during Parliamentary debates on the Energy Act.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the (a) scope and (b) terms of reference of the consultation on the renewable liquid heating fuel obligation will be.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government will consult on the potential role of renewable liquid fuels in heat by September, in line with commitments made during the passage of the Energy Act. The Department is developing the consultation at pace and its final scope and terms of reference will be confirmed in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to help encourage the development of onshore wind projects.

Answered by Andrew Bowie - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Since 2010 there has been an almost fourfold increase in the volume of onshore wind, and the Government continues to incentivise and promote deployment. We have announced that there will be up to £120 million of funding available to support established renewable technologies such as onshore wind in the next Contracts for Difference auction. In England, the Government has also made changes to national planning policy to ensure local authorities can respond more flexibly to suitable opportunities for onshore wind while respecting the views of their local communities.

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 levels of energy (a) poverty and (b) security in (i) Newport West constituency and (ii) Wales.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Fuel poverty is devolved.

The UK has a secure and diverse energy system – including through access to our own North Sea gas reserves, the second largest Liquefied Natural Gas port infrastructure in Europe, investment in renewable energy sources and steady pipeline gas imports from reliable partners like Norway.

The annual Statutory Security of Supply Report 2023 (December 2023) concluded that Great Britain is anticipated to maintain adequate supplies of electricity and gas to meet consumers’ demands over the short- and long-term.

Weblink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6574ae1a33b7f2000db72144/statutory-security-supply-report-2023.pdf

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many households have taken part in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in South Holland and the Deepings constituency since January 2022.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme opened to applications in May 2022. Up to the end of February 2024, there were 65 grants paid for installations in properties in the constituency of South Holland and the Deepings.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many households have participated in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in Suffolk Coastal constituency since January 2022.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme opened to applications in May 2022. Up to the end of February 2024, there were 106 grants paid for installations in properties in the constituency of Suffolk Coastal.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking with OFGEM to reduce daily standing charges for gas and electricity in Suffolk.

Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

In November, Ofgem announced a review into standing charges, exploring how it is applied to energy bills and potential alternatives. The review had now closed and Ofgem is currently analysing the input it has received. Ofgem will publish its response in due course.

The variance in standing charge is mainly due to regional differences in energy distribution costs. These costs reflect the expenses of maintaining a live supply in a specific area, and the number of consumers those costs are spread across.

On 30 March, I wrote to Ofgem, highlighting the importance of keeping standing charges as low as possible.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what proportion of her Department’s (a) advertising and (b) marketing expenditure was on (i) local newspapers in print and online, (ii) national newspapers in print and online, (iii) social media, (iv) search engines, (v) broadcast and on-demand television and (vi) other channels in the most recent year for which data is available.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not yet have final figures for its 2023/24 advertising and marketing expenditure, the first full year since the Department was created. This information will be published in the Department’s annual accounts on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people receive fuel under the National Concessionary Fuel Scheme in Rother Valley constituency.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

There are 45 individuals in receipt of solid fuel in Rother Valley constituency postcode areas as of 15^th April 2024. There are an additional 517 individuals that have selected the cash-in-lieu of fuel alternative available under National Concessionary Fuel Scheme arrangements.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many people are recipients of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme in (a) Rother Valley constituency and (b) the rest of the UK as of 16 April 2024.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As at June 2023, there were 1,778 Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS) members living in the Rother Valley constituency. As at 29 February 2024, there were 116,143 MPS members. These are the latest available figures.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 21 March 2024 to Question 18572: Marine Protected Areas, whether she received advice from the (a) Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning and (b) Joint Nature Conservancy Council that any of the first 27 licences from the 33rd Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round would result in adverse impacts on marine protected areas.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) undertook a screening assessment under the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001. This assessment included consultation with appropriate nature conservation bodies, including Joint Nature Conservation Committee. OPRED also undertook a Marine Conservation Zone / Marine Protected Area assessment in accordance with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

OPRED’s assessments concluded that award of the first 27 licences would not result in adverse impacts on the relevant protected areas. The SoS received advice from OPRED on the outcome of these assessments throughout the 33^rd Round process. Assessment reports were published in July 2023: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64be43579c2df00012940285/33rd_Round_HRA_Screening_Report.pdf; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64c77b5ff92186000d8667b6/33R_Round_MCZ_MPA_Assessment_Report.pdf.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2023 to Question 1544 on Renewable Energy: Community Development, when she expects discussions with the Community Energy Contact Group to conclude.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the role community groups play in our efforts to tackle climate change. We have met our commitment to consult on the barriers to community energy projects as this Call for Evidence was published on 8 April 2024. It will remain open for 12 weeks until 30 June 2024.

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 seismic airgun surveys on cetacean species in the East Faroe Shetland Channel Marine Protected Area.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The UK has a comprehensive legal framework of environmental protection measures for offshore oil and gas activities. This covers the entire oil and gas life cycle, from the initial licence application to decommissioning activities. All exploration activities, including seismic surveys, which could impact the environment are subject to rigorous environmental assessment, and offshore activities are controlled through an environmental permitting process.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when her Department plans to publish the next National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan was a requirement under the Renewable Energy Directive which no longer applies to the UK. The Government publishes its proposals and policies to enable carbon budgets to be met, including the role of renewable energy in reducing emissions, in the Carbon Budget Delivery Plan. The last plan was published in March 2023. The next will be published as soon as reasonably practicable after setting the level of Carbon Budget 7. The statutory deadline for setting the level of Carbon Budget 7 is the end of June 2026.

Found: primarily the responsibility of the Government, through the Department of Net Zero and Energy Security (DESNZ

Found: As noted in the DESNZ LCP & Grant Thornton study for REMA, many of the mooted benefits of locational

Found: Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP Secretary of State Department for Energy Security & Net Zero 55 Whitehall

Found: Andrew Bowie MP Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Department

Found: Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP Secretary of State Department for Energy Security & Net Zero 55 Whitehall

Found: Lord Callanan Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Department

Found: Andrew Bowie MP Minister for Nuclear and Networks Department

Found: Andrew Bowie MP Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Department

Found: Justin Tom linson MP Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Department for Energy

Found: reported to the House as legally and/or politically important 1 DEFRA Windsor Framework: Bananas 3 2 DESNZ

Found: ○Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA);

Found: Secretary of State Home Office Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department

Found: Andrew Bowie MP Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Department

Found: Andrew Bowie MP Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Department

Found: suppliers and 4 Non-Executive Directors representing consumer interests, with Citizens Advice, Ofgem and DESNZ

Found: capacity to support this vision with the formation of an International Forest Unit that sits across DESNZ

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to help ensure (a) energy companies and (b) network operators can contact consumers on the Energy Priority Services Register during a power cut once the digital switchover is complete.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is engaging with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to ensure robust measures are in place to mitigate any risks arising from the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN) switchover in the energy sector. The details regarding contingency plans and consumer prioritisation in the energy sector falls within DESNZ’s remit.

DSIT works closely on a range of resilience issues in partnership with industry, through the Electronic Communications Resilience & Response Group (EC-RRG), who engage in regular dialogue with the Energy Networks Association across a range of issues to help strengthen resilience between the telecoms and energy sectors.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also recently consulted on proposals to establish a multi-sector Priority Services Register to enable better data sharing between providers of gas, water, electricity, and telecoms providers, and allow consumers to be registered as vulnerable across sectors. The consultation closed in January 2024, with a response expected in due course.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce levels of incineration of plastic.

Answered by Robbie Moore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We are clear that we want to see less residual waste being generated in the first instance. To this end, in addition to our Collection and Packaging Reforms, we have set a statutory target under The Environmental Targets (Residual Waste) (England) Regulations 2023 to ensure that the total mass of residual waste (excluding major mineral wastes) for 2042 does not exceed 287 kg per person. This is the equivalent of a 50% reduction from 2019 levels. This is supported by an interim, non-statutory target set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan to ensure that residual municipal plastic waste for 2027 does not exceed 42 kg per person.

We are also working closely with DESNZ on the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to cover fossil carbon emissions from waste incineration and EfW from 2028. This will provide an incentive for the development and uptake of decarbonisation technologies or waste management practices to reduce emissions from incineration of residual waste plastic.

Found: Training COPS – Canadian Occupational Projection System DBT – Department for Business and Trade DESNZ

Found: 5 10 2 11 3 8 10 1 7 3 5 2 5 7 7 1 5 1 4 2 2 2 1 1IMG Meeting Non-IMG Meeting *BEIS was replaced by DESNZ

Found: Department for Transport (DfT) and £500 ,000 funding for the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ

Found: The DESNZ Annual Fuel Poverty Statistics regarding 2023 have recently been published (15th February

Found: ABBREVIATIONS BS British Standard CEN European Committee for Standardization CO Carbon Monoxide DESNZ

Found: Background Concentratio n BEIS Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now known as DESNZ

Found: Rt Hon MP Secretary of State Department for Energy Security & Net Zero 55

Found: the Energy Act (2004), sponsored and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ