5th Report - Tackling the energy cost crisis
Select Committee
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
HC 736
29 October 2025
Government response
4th Special Report – Tackling the energy cost crisis: Government Response · published 21 Jan 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
2 results
10
Conclusion
Rejected
Cold Weather Payment criteria are too high and payments inadequate for vulnerable households.
Conclusion
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 Summary
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
Introduce caps on business energy out-of-contract rates, deposits, and a 14-day cooling-off period.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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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