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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that disabled people are not penalised in the energy market because of their impairment or condition.

The Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989 require Ofgem to have particular regard to the interests of individuals who are disabled or chronically sick, when performing their principle duty to protect the interests of consumers.

Ofgem require energy suppliers and network operators to establish and maintain a Priority Service Register of their domestic customers, who, due to their personal characteristics or who are in a vulnerable situation need support to manage their energy. These customers are entitled to free, non-financial services related to access, safety and communication. Services can be tailored to customers’ individual needs – for example establishing a picture card system for customers with learning difficulties so that representatives can enter the house.

Low income households in receipt of qualifying benefits are entitled to receive Warm Home Discount - £140 rebate on their electricity bills each year. Households on disability allowance are eligible for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) support if a Local Authority declares them as fuel poor or on a low income and vulnerable to cold, via a flexible eligibility declaration.