Written questions by Reader.

Whether his Department plans to introduce transitional arrangements for landfill gas electricity generation following the closure of the Renewables Obligation in 2027; and what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of methane capture from landfill sites.

Government is aware that Renewables Obligation (RO) support for existing landfill gas generators will begin to end in 2027, and that this could affect their commercial viability. We have also considered the implications that the end of RO support will have on methane emissions. That is why, as set out in the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, Government is exploring the implementation of a long-term methane capture scheme, with suitable transitional arrangements. We will provide an update in due course.

What engagement his Department has had with institutional investors to identify barriers to investment in green infrastructure; and what steps his Department is taking to address those barriers through policy or regulatory reform.

The Department engages regularly with institutional investors and industry associations through bilateral meetings, roundtables and targeted events to better understand and address investment barriers. Insights from these interactions inform policy and regulatory reform to best mobilise private investment into the Clean Energy Mission. For example, investors were actively engaged in the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. Engagement also informs planning reform, and changes to investment mechanisms such as recent Contracts for Difference reform. The Department works alongside public finance institutions to develop targeted interventions that crowd in private investment.

What steps his Department plans to take with local authorities to encourage consumer-led flexibility in the energy market in Northampton South constituency.

This Government supports significant growth in consumer-led flexibility, as set out in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. In our Action Plan, Government committed to publishing a Flexibility Roadmap in 2025. The Roadmap will set out further detail on how the benefits of clean flexibility can be unlocked for consumers across all parliamentary constituencies in Great Britain, including Northampton South. The government will continue to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including with local authorities to support greater uptake of public on-street EV charging.

With reference to p. 82 of the document entitled The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, published on 23 June 2025, what his Department's planned timetable is for launching a call for evidence on the expansion of permitted development rights for electricity distribution network infrastructure.

On 8 July 2025, DESNZ launched a public consultation on consents, land access, and rights for electricity network infrastructure. This consultation includes proposals related to the expansion of permitted development rights for electricity infrastructure, as referenced on page 82 of ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.’ This consultation also addresses a range of related matters such as land access rights, tree lopping, permitted development for substations, Section 37 consents, and thresholds for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. These broader reforms are intended to streamline the system, reduce burdens, and accelerate network deployment while ensuring appropriate protections for landowners, communities, and the environment.

What steps his Department plans to take to support the expansion of consumer options for low-carbon heating systems for households that are unable to install a heat pump.

The Warm Homes Plan will help 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 government expect most properties will switch to heat pumps.The government is analysing responses to the consultation on potential changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which included proposals to support air-to-air heat pumps and alternative electric heating technologies. The government will continue to review their position on alternative electric heating technologies as the supporting evidence base develops.Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.

If he will hold discussions with Ofgem on reducing the time taken to implement reforms to the electricity distribution network.

The National Infrastructure Commission published recommendations on 21 February on making the electricity distribution network fit for net zero. The Government published a formal response on 7th July, which agrees with the study’s view that investment in the distribution network is required ahead of need to accommodate expected growth in electricity demand. In developing the response, we have engaged with Ofgem and other delivery partners.

What recent discussions his Department has had with industry representatives on the development of consumer-led flexibility in electricity markets.

Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.