Asked by: Tahir Ali (Labour - Birmingham, Hall Green)
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 SMEs with utility costs.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Eligible Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are supported with their energy costs through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme which provides a baseline discount on high energy bills for 12 months from April 2023 until 31 March 2024. A higher level of support is also provided to some Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) that are particularly exposed to energy cost increases due to their energy and trade intensity and are therefore less able to pass these costs through to their customers due to international competition.
Asked by: Tahir Ali (Labour - Birmingham, Hall Green)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will have discussions with energy regulators on reducing standing charges.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
I regularly meet with Ofgem to discuss the energy retail market, including standing charges. On 16th November, Ofgem announced a call for input on standing charges. Government welcomes this and looks forward to Ofgem’s conclusions.