Written questions by Evans.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the compliance by energy companies with their standard licence conditions in the context of ensuring people understand the costs that constitute their energy bills.

The Supplier Licence Conditions (SLCs) were put in place by the industry regulator Ofgem, so it is for them to make any assessment of supplier compliance to these rules. However, this Government does take the issue of clear, accurate billing very seriously. According to the SLCs set by Ofgem, suppliers must take all reasonable steps to reflect accurate meter readings in bills or statements sent to customers where these have been provided by a customer or obtained by the supplier.

What progress he has made on considering the transfer the investment reserve to the members of the British Coal Superannuation Scheme.

The then Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones) met the BCSSS Trustees on 22 April, 11 June and 22 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the reserve and the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage 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 steps he is taking to ensure that decision making about the return of the BCSSS investment reserve can be made as swiftly as possible.

I met the BCSSS Trustees on 22 April, 11 June and 22 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the reserve and the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. I am aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What discussions he is having with retailers on fuel prices for drivers, the context of progress on (a) implementing Fuel Finder and (b) the Competition and Markets Authority's monitoring of that market.

The Government aims to implement Fuel Finder by the end of 2025, subject to passage of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which will provide the legislative basis to set up the scheme. Fuel Finder will increase price transparency and drive down prices by encouraging greater retailer competition. Following an in-depth procurement process, we have appointed VE3 Global as the aggregator of Fuel Finder. Appointing the aggregator is an important milestone to launching by the end of 2025, and we will work closely with VE3 as it engages with retailers throughout Fuel Finder’s development. The CMA continues to monitor and scrutinise fuel prices using the statutory information gathering powers it received on 1 January 2025 through the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his officials on the potential merits of transferring the British Coal Superannuation Scheme to its members.

I have asked my officials to consider the impacts of proposals put forward by the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees.

What recent assessment he has made of trends in petrol and diesel prices.

UK government statistics show average retail prices of petrol and diesel were approximately 134 and 138 pence per litre respectively on 7th October. These are 58 and 61 pence per litre lower than the all-time peak of 4th July 2022.

With reference to the meeting between the Minister for Energy and energy firms on Wednesday 28 August 2024, what assessment he has made of the [a] potential impact of the costs of energy on pensioners who will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in Winter 2024-25 and [ii] adequacy of the steps taken by energy firms to support pensioners in advance of the eligibility changes for the payment.

The Government has not made this specific assessment. However, the most recent statistical projections of rates of fuel poverty can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fuel-poverty-and-winter-fuel-payment-in-england-ad-hoc-statistics-2023-and-2024. This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring pensioners are supported. Everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. The Government expects energy suppliers to do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with bills, especially vulnerable customers. It is important that anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills contact their supplier. I am working closely with Ofgem and energy suppliers to ensure they are doing everything they can to support all vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills.