Every parliamentary written question tabled by Lola McEvoy this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–4 of 4 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
What steps his Department is taking to ensure access to (a) traditional incandescent and (b) halogen lightbulbs for individuals able to provide medical evidence of photosensitivity.
The previous government consulted on amending an exemption within the ecodesign requirements for lighting products, which would enable individuals with photosensitivity to access light sources suitable for their condition. We will set out our position in the Government Response in due course.
What steps his Department is taking to help support small businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their premises.
The Government is working in partnership with small businesses to make them more energy efficient including through the Net Zero Council. The Council’s work includes supporting sectors to develop transition plans and supporting SMEs to innovate, save energy, grow and decarbonise.To reduce energy bills the Government consulted on strengthening the non-domestic PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 1 April 2030. We are currently reviewing the policy to ensure it meets the needs of landlords and tenants and remains fair and proportionate. The Business Energy Advice Service pilot scheme has already supported nearly 3000 SMEs in the West Midlands with expert energy efficiency and decarbonisation advice, with a value of £8.7 million to date. We continue to look at other policy options to help small businesses save on their energy usage.
Whether his Department is taking steps to strengthen fire safety regulations for battery energy storage systems.
In GB, fires at battery sites are rare and are mitigated by a regulatory framework overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. The latest available 5-year annual average fire incidence rate for GB batteries is 0.7% (2020/21 to 2024 to 2025)[1], lower than for wider non-domestic building fires in England at 0.8% (2019/20 to 2023/24)[2]. To complement this regulation, DEFRA is consulting on including batteries within the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR). EPR requires sites to demonstrate to the Environment Agency that harms are avoided or controlled and provides for ongoing regulatory inspections. [1] https://modoenergy.com/indices/industry-metrics?r=gb&m=operationalSites [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-statistics-monitor
How many projects are waiting to be connected to the National Grid in Darlington constituency.
The Government does not hold data on projects awaiting a grid connection on a constituency basis. The latest national register for transmission connections is available at https://www.neso.energy/data-portal/transmission-entry-capacity-tec-register/tec_register_-_25_february_2025 and for distribution connections in the North-East at https://northernpowergrid.opendatasoft.com/explore/dataset/embedded-capacity-register/information/?disjunctive.local_authority&disjunctive.point_of_connection_poc_voltage_kv