Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate has he made of the cost to energy-intensive businesses that are no longer entitled to receive support through the (a) Energy and Trade Intensive Industries and (b) Energy Bill Discount schemes after signing a blend and extend contract with their supplier.

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) will continue to provide support to eligible non-domestic energy users from April 2023 until March 2024.

Contract negotiations are ultimately a matter for suppliers and their customers who should make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances. We continue to work with Ofgem and energy suppliers to ensure they are doing all they can to address price pressures and support their customers.