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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how his Department defines a vulnerable customer in the domestic energy market.

Ofgem is subject to a duty under the Gas Act (1986) and Electricity Act (1989), to consider the interests of consumers who might be considered vulnerable in the domestic energy market. These include those who are disabled, chronically sick, elderly, on low income or live in rural areas.

Ofgem are also able to take into account the needs of other groups of consumers who may be vulnerable.

Ofgem’s Consumer Vulnerability Strategy is available online at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/75550/consumer-vulnerability-strategy-pdf