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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to place a legal obligation on energy suppliers automatically to transfer pensioner households to their lowest possible tariff.

Energy supply companies are required to ensure customers are on the cheapest tariff in line with their preferences: specifically, as to their chosen payment method and to the type of tariff (fixed term or variable) they prefer.

All pensioners receive help with energy bills each winter through the Winter Fuel Payment, receiving £200-£300 depending on circumstances. Pensioners on Pension Credit may also receive assistance under the Cold Weather Payment and Warm Home Discount.