The cost of energy
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Open
Inquiry
Opened: 18 Feb 2025
Parliament page
In October last year the Committee published its i nterim report on the high costs of energy in the UK making recommendations on how costs fall on consumers in the retail side of the sector. In the second part of this inquiry, the Committee is looking at where costs arise …
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9
Recommendations
26
Conclusions
1
Report
8
Oral sessions
8
Events
Activity timeline 19 events
19 Mar
2026
2026
Report published
17 Mar
2026
2026
Oral evidence
17 Mar
2026
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
4 Mar
2026
2026
Oral evidence
4 Mar
2026
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
21 Jan
2026
2026
21 Jan
2026
2026
Oral evidence
21 Jan
2026
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
10 Dec
2025
2025
Oral evidence
10 Dec
2025
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
29 Oct
2025
2025
Report published
15 Oct
2025
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 8 sessions
17 Mar 2026
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Oral evidence
Jonathan Mills CB · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Michael Shanks MP · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
4 Mar 2026
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Oral evidence
Akshay Kaul · Ofgem
Claire Dykta · National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO)
Fintan Slye · National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Jonathan Brearley · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Jonathan Brearley · Ofgem
21 Jan 2026
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Oral evidence
Dr Alastair Martin · Flexitricity
Dr Waqquas Bukhsh · University of Strathclyde
Katrina Young · Energy Systems Catapult
Lawrence Slade · Energy Networks Association (ENA)
Professor Jacopo Torriti · University of Reading
Sarah Honan · The Association for Decentralised Energy
10 Dec 2025
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Oral evidence
Adam Bell · Stonehaven
Ana Musat · RenewableUK
Professor Michael Grubb · UCL
Susie Elks · E3G
Tom Edwards · Cornwall Insight
Tom Glover · RWE
15 Oct 2025
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Oral evidence
Andrew Ward · Scottish Power Customer Business
Chris Norbury · E.ON UK
Chris O'Shea · Centrica
David Buttress · OVO Energy
Rachel Fletcher · Octopus Energy
Simone Rossi · EDF
9 Jul 2025
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Oral evidence
Arjan Geveke · Energy Intensive Users Group
Beth Barker · Aldersgate Group
David Mitchell · Chemical Industries Association
David Wigham · Admiral Taverns; and representing British Beer and Pub Association
Paul Wilson · Federation of Small Business
Verity Davidge · Make UK
25 Jun 2025
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Oral evidence
Alex Belsham-Harris · Citizens Advice
Beth Martin · Ofgem
Dr Raj Roy · Centrica
Ed Dodman · Ombudsman Services
Jonathan Brearley · Ofgem
Jonathan Lenton · Energy Ombudsman
Katie Watts · MoneySavingExpert
4 Jun 2025
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Oral evidence
Angus McCarey · Uswitch
Caroline Abrahams · Age UK
Dhara Vyas · Energy UK
Maria Booker · Fair By Design
Matt Copeland · National Energy Action
Merlin Hyman · Regen
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Report - Tackling the energy cost crisis | HC 736 | 29 Oct 2025 | 35 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
2 results
10
Conclusion
Rejected
5th Report - Tackling the energy c…
Cold Weather Payment criteria are too high and payments inadequate for vulnerable households.
The criteria for triggering the Cold Weather Payment is set too high and does not reflect the impact that extreme cold can have on vulnerable households. Inadequate and unpredictable payments, sometimes made weeks after a period of cold weather, do …
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Government Response
The government states it keeps policies under review but defends the current Cold Weather Payment criteria, explaining that the seven consecutive day period for below-freezing temperatures is considered a clear and reasonable measure of sustained cold.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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34
Recommendation
Rejected
5th Report - Tackling the energy c…
Introduce caps on business energy out-of-contract rates, deposits, and a 14-day cooling-off period.
We recommend that Ofgem introduce a cap on out-of-contract rates and deposits that can be charged by suppliers to agree or renew business energy contracts. It should also introduce a mandatory 14-day cooling off period following a business energy bill …
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Government Response
The government supports Ofgem exploring options for caps on out-of-contract rates and deposits. However, it effectively rejects the mandatory 14-day cooling-off period, citing its complexity and potential for increased costs, suggesting dispute resolution as the appropriate alternative.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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