Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help (a) ensure that energy consumers receive a reliable electricity supply and (b) reduce power cuts due to issues with the electricity distribution network.

Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for Government. DESNZ works closely with industry to continually improve and maintain the resilience the energy infrastructure, networks and assets to reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents.

Ownership of a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) requires appropriate levels of investment to ensure power flows reliably, safely and securely. All DNOs are regulated by Ofgem, which sets annual targets for customer interruptions and customer minutes lost; DNOs must report their performance against these measures to Ofgem which rewards or penalises operators appropriately.