Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2026 announcement on the abolition of domestic gas standing charges, what assessment her Department has made of the merits of introducing equivalent reforms to domestic electricity standing charges; what steps she is taking to address regional disparities in those charges, particularly in the Merseyside and North Wales electricity distribution region; and what timetable she has established for bringing forward proposals.

The Government knows that many people are concerned with the proportion of their bill that is made up of standing charges. That is why, at the Autumn Budget on 28 October, the Chancellor announced that the Government has asked Ofgem to abolish gas standing charges on domestic energy bills, aiming for delivery by the end of 2027 or as soon as possible after then.

This change will be implemented fairly, including considering how targeted mitigation can help the most vulnerable households.

The Government is also committed to reforming electricity standing charges and will set out details next year. The Government has been working closely with Ofgem on the Cost Allocation and Recovery Review to consider wider reform of electricity standing charges and how electricity-system costs should be recovered in future, including geographically.