Written questions by Evans.

What steps he is taking to promote the Fuel Finder scheme to Motorists.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a national advertising strategy to promote the Fuel Finder scheme to Motorists.

Awaiting answer.

What is the frequency of the updates that he is receiving from the Fuel Distribution Association about challenges in the supply chain of heating oil for [i] domestic and [ii] business customers.

The Government is in frequent communication with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distribution Association (UKIFDA) to monitor heating oil supply and pricing. We are aware that some customers are experiencing delays or difficulties in receiving heating oil deliveries; this was due to an increase in demand. This has now reduced, and industry are reporting that demand has returned to the normal level expected for this time of year. The Prime Minister confirmed £53 million of immediate support for those most exposed to changing heating oil prices on Monday 16 March.

When will he receive the next update from the Fuel Distribution Association about the work of heating oil providers to ensure that customers have flexibility on delivery size.

The Energy Minister has been in contact with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) and continues to work with them and other suppliers to ensure vulnerable households are treated fairly, including in relation to delivery sizes. DESNZ has held regular discussions with UKIFDA to emphasise that members should follow the industry Code of Practice to provide their customers with flexibility on delivery size. On Monday 16 March the Government announced the intention to regulate the heating oil sector to introduce new customer protections along-side securing agreements with industry to quickly improve customer experience and ensure households are better protected. In this context the Energy Secretary welcomes the Competition and Market Authority’s comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry.

What steps he plans to take to publicise the Fuel Finder Website to motorists.

Fuel Finder data will be made freely available and third party services such as navigation apps and price comparison websites who will integrate the data into their consumer-facing tools, meaning drivers can access accurate, up-to-date fuel prices without needing to visit the website directly. The Government will publicise Fuel Finder through its usual communications channels to raise awareness of the new system.

What steps he plans to take to monitor the take up of the Fuel Finder Website by motorists.

Motorists will primarily access Fuel Finder data indirectly through third-party navigation apps and price comparison websites. Fuel Finder will track who is accessing the data as an indicator of overall usage. The service will also undergo a statutory evaluation which will as a minimum assess the likely effects for existing and future customers.

What steps he is taking to quality assure information on the Fuel Finder Website.

Under the Motor Fuel Price (Open Data) regulations 2025, the appointed aggregator is responsible for managing the registration information and providing real-time fuel price information. The Department also requires the aggregator to implement data quality assurance processes to ensure all information published through the Fuel Finder service meets agreed standards. This includes validating price submissions at the point of entry and implementing continuous data quality monitoring to maintain accuracy and reliability.

When his Department plans to publish the Fuel Finder Website.

The Fuel Finder scheme is now live, with registration open to petrol stations. From 2 February, petrol stations will be required to report their fuel prices within 30 minutes of a change. This data will be made freely available on the Fuel Finder website and integrated into mapping software and price comparison apps, enabling consumers to compare prices easily and make informed decisions on where to buy their fuel.

With reference to the CMA's First Annual Road Fuel Monitoring Report, what assessment he has made about the extent of competition in the road fuel retail market.

The Government notes the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) annual road fuel monitoring report, which found that fuel margins remain high and are not explained by operating costs. Addressing the CMA’s findings, the Government is implementing Fuel Finder, a statutory open data scheme for road fuel prices to improve price transparency and incentivise competition in the market from both supermarket and non-supermarket retailers. The CMA also has statutory powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 to monitor the market and advise on any further action.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of opportunities for installing solar panels on commercial properties.

We are aware of the significant potential that commercial rooftops have in supporting our Clean Power mission, and we are working closely with industry to unlock this potential. Commercial rooftop solar has been a key agenda item at both Solar Council meetings this year as we continue to monitor delivery of the Solar Roadmap actions.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Net Zero during Energy and Net Zero questions on 18 November 2025, on what date he plans to launch the fuel finder service.

The government is committed to launching Fuel Finder as quickly as possible. The Motor Fuel Price (Open Data) Regulations 2025 were debated in the House of Lords on 4 December 2025 and should be in place from 18 December 2025.

What plans he has to provide clarity to the trustees of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme on the possibilities of return of the £2.3 billion investment reserve of the British Coal superannuation scheme back to its members.

The Department is engaging with HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What recent conversations he has with the Treasury regarding the return of the £2.3 billion investment reserve of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme.

The Department is engaging with HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What recent conversations he has had with Treasury about the potential impact of the return of the £2.3 billion investment reserve of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme on the economy.

As at 30 October 2024, there were 39,251 members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. Any transfer of the reserve would be used to enhance member benefits.

What steps he is taking to ensure transparency of fuel prices at petrol stations.

The government is launching Fuel Finder, an open data scheme to increase fuel price transparency, drive up competition, drive down prices, and help drivers find the best deal. This is real action to help tackle the cost of living.

Whether he has had recent discussions with (a) representatives of rural communities and (b) third party bodies on including the energy needs of canal boat owning communities within the Warm Homes Plan.

The then Minister for Energy Consumers (Miatta Fahnbulleh) had discussions with industry, local government and devolved governments in the development of the Warm Homes Plan. Boat dwellers will not qualify for government energy efficiency schemes as a valid domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is required to access this support. The Reduced data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) method does not support the creation of domestic EPCs for houseboats. However, the Warm Homes Plan will help households, including off-gas grid rural households, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating.

Whether he has had recent discussions with (a) representatives of rural communities and (b) third party bodies on including the energy needs of off grid communities within the Warm Homes Plan.

The then Minister for Energy Consumers (Miatta Fahnbulleh) had discussions with industry, local government and devolved governments in the development of the Warm Homes Plan. The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including rural off-gas grid households, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating. The Department has partnered with combined authorities and local and devolved governments to roll out this plan. The plan will be published by October and will set out our strategy for decarbonising homes, including in rural settings, in more detail.

Whether he has had recent discussions with (a) representatives of rural communities and (b) third party bodies on including the energy needs of rural communities within the Warm Homes Plan.

The then Minister for Energy Consumers (Miatta Fahnbulleh) had discussions with industry, local government and devolved governments in the development of the Warm Homes Plan. The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including rural off-gas grid households, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating. The Department has partnered with combined authorities and local and devolved governments to roll out this plan. The plan will be published by October and will set out our strategy for decarbonising homes, including in rural settings, in more detail.

What assessment he has made of the feasibility of introducing solar canopies in public car parks.

Solar canopies on outdoor carparks provide clean electricity, the potential for electric vehicle charging and shelter for cars. A comprehensive assessment of the carbon savings, deployment feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of different intervention options, including mandates and incentives, in both the public and private sector, requires input from stakeholders, including local authorities and commercial owners. The Secretary of State published a call for evidence earlier this year to assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor car parks. A government response will be published this year.

If he will (a) raise the progress of OFGEM's Consumer Confidence Review and (b) determine a clear timetable for the Review to conclude with published findings and recommendations at his next meeting with OFGEM.

Ofgem have kept the Government updated on the progress of the review and the timetable for publication, and the findings of the review are due to be published shortly. DESNZ Ministers regularly meet with Ofgem, including to discuss progress on key Ofgem initiatives such as its Consumer Confidence programme.