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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to ensure that Ofgem’s Sector Specific Methodology enables energy networks to deliver (a) net zero emissions and (b) the Government policies set out in the (i) Industrial Strategy and (ii) Clean Growth Strategy.

Network regulation, including the sector specific methodology for gas and electricity network price controls, is a matter for Ofgem as the independent energy regulator and, by law, must be set independently of Government. Government expects network companies and regulators to act in the best interests of consumers including in relation to Government’s net zero and clean growth ambitions, and taking into account the industrial strategy. As an independent arm’s length body, whose objectives are set out in statute, Ofgem is directly accountable to Parliament.