Preparing for the winter
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Closed
Inquiry
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 …
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9
Recommendations
3
Conclusions
1
Report
2
Oral sessions
2
Events
Activity timeline 6 events
15 Dec
2023
2023
23 Sep
2023
2023
Report published
13 Sep
2023
2023
Oral evidence
13 Sep
2023
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
6 Sep
2023
2023
Oral evidence
6 Sep
2023
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
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Report - Preparing for the winter | HC 1720 | 23 Sep 2023 | 12 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
4
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Implement a social tariff and efficiency measures for vulnerable households, streamlining existing schemes.
We urge the Government and energy suppliers to consider implementing a form of social tariff and other measures to protect vulnerable households from being cut off from their energy supplies. We note the challenges vulnerable households can face in benefiting …
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Government Response
The government stated it is exploring options for consumer protection and that there is no consensus on what a social tariff entails. It highlighted existing cost-of-living payments and energy efficiency schemes, and committed to a consultation on the Fuel Poverty Strategy for England in early 2024.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Ofgem and energy companies failed to proactively improve consumer standards for winter.
While we welcome the forthcoming set of consumer standards, we are disappointed that Ofgem did not anticipate the need for significant improvements ahead of this winter. Introducing them from December 2023 will likely be too late to see significant 12 …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges its focus on improving consumer standards and states that Ministers have engaged with energy suppliers and Ofgem to foster a proactive culture, while highlighting Ofgem's past Market Compliance Reviews which led to improvement plans and fines for underperforming suppliers.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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11
Recommendation
Acknowledged
First Report - Preparing for the w…
Mandate Ofgem and energy companies to adopt a proactive culture improving consumer standards.
Ofgem and energy companies need to adopt a more proactive culture in improving industry consumer standards. Energy companies should not wait to be enforced to certain standards by Ofgem but should be innovating to improve customer satisfaction and attract more …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges its focus on improving consumer standards and states that Ministers have engaged with energy suppliers and Ofgem to foster a proactive culture, while highlighting Ofgem's past Market Compliance Reviews which led to improvement plans and fines for underperforming suppliers.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
View details