Preparing for the winter

Energy Security and Net Zero Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 7 Jul 2023 Closed: 5 Mar 2024 Parliament page
This inquiry will seek to get a quick update on the lessons learned by the Ofgem, the Government and energy companies last winter on how to support people through the coldest part of the year. It will also examine the crucial element of customer service by energy companies in helping … Read more
9 Recommendations
3 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
2 Events
Activity timeline 6 events
15 Dec
2023
Report published
23 Sep
2023
Report published
13 Sep
2023
Oral evidence
13 Sep
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
6 Sep
2023
Oral evidence
6 Sep
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
13 Sep 2023
View on parliament.uk
Oral evidence
Cathryn Scott · Ofgem Jonathan Brearley · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Jonathan Brearley · Ofgem Neil Kenward · Ofgem Rohan Churm · Ofgem
6 Sep 2023
View on parliament.uk
Oral evidence
Adam Scorer · National Energy Action Chris Norbury · E.ON UK Chris O'Shea · Centrica (British Gas) Gillian Cooper · Citizens Advice Matthew Cole · Fuel Bank Foundation Mr Simon Oscroft · So Energy Philippe Commaret · EDF Rachel Fletcher · Octopus Energy Roni Marsh · South West London Law Centres (Member of End Fuel Poverty Coalition) Simon Francis · End Fuel Poverty Coalition
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Preparing for the winter HC 1720 23 Sep 2023 12 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
Clear
2 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Warm Home Discount scheme suffers from limited availability and first-come, first-served allocation.
We were disappointed to learn that not all energy providers are required to offer this discount and that providers who do offer it have a limited number of discounts which are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Government Response
The government details that it reformed the Warm Home Discount scheme in England and Wales from winter 2022 onwards to remove the 'first come first served aspect' and ensure all but the smallest suppliers must participate, expanding the scheme and increasing the rebate value.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details
3 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Extend Warm Home Discount to all low-income and fuel-poor households without first-come, first-served limits.
We recommend that, this winter, the Government works to extend the Warm Home Discount to low-income and fuel-poor households, especially giving consideration to those with disabilities and medical conditions. Discounts should not be based on a first come, first served … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it had already reformed the Warm Home Discount scheme from winter 2022/23 to provide automatic rebates, remove 'first come, first served' aspects, and target low-income households. It also noted the scheme's extension to 2025/26 and continues to explore options for greater flexibility.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details
6 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Facilitate local authorities to share best practice in Household Support Fund delivery.
We recommend that the Government facilitate local authorities to share best practice in delivering the Household Support Fund so that all local authorities, especially those that are smaller and more rural, may learn from those who have delivered this funding … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that the Department for Work and Pensions has already delivered a programme of knowledge-sharing and engagement events with Local Authorities for the Household Support Fund, including informational drop-in sessions and conference calls.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details
9 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Require energy companies to use contact empathy as a measure of customer service success.
We recommend that contact empathy be used as a measure of success in customer service provision by energy companies. This would help to rebuild trust in the sector.
Government Response
The government highlighted Ofgem's Market Compliance Reviews (MCRs) as demonstrating a proactive approach to improving industry consumer standards, covering aspects like customer service and supporting vulnerable customers. It committed to continue working closely with Ofgem to ensure necessary changes are implemented.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details
13 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Accelerate smart meter rollout by energy companies, prioritising fuel poor households with incentives.
Smart meters are an important way of incentivising good energy use, providing consumers and companies with information that can help to lower a household’s consumption. Energy companies must accelerate the rollout of smart meters, possibly by offering financial incentives to … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it has already implemented a four-year framework of minimum smart meter installation targets until 2025 and requires smart meter advice for households receiving energy efficiency funding. It also committed to consult on potential options to further incentivise or require smart meter installation for recipients of ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 12 of 9 classified
Accepted 5
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 3
Rejected 1
Total 9 recs + 3 conclusions