Written questions by Coyle.

What discussions he has had with Ofgem on extending the current regulatory framework for heat networks to include price protections in addition to consumer standards.

Awaiting answer.

What legislative timetable he has set for introducing further regulation of heat networks, including any provisions relating to price protections for consumers.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to ensure that households connected to heat networks are not disadvantaged compared to those using individual gas boilers as part of the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a price protection mechanism for domestic consumers connected to heat networks, comparable to that provided by the Price Cap for domestic gas and electricity customers.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department is considering regulating the non-domestic gas and electricity tariffs charged to heat network operators, in order to reduce costs passed on to their domestic consumers.

Awaiting answer.

When he expects to launch the proposed call for evidence on heat network price protections; and what the intended scope of that review will include.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate his Department has made of the average annual cost increase for households connected to heat networks as a result of recent increases in commercial gas prices.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he is considering reintroducing or adapting the Energy Bills Discount Scheme for households supplied via heat networks; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of previous support schemes for such consumers.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the extent to which current regulation of heat networks provides equivalent protections to those available to domestic gas and electricity consumers, including guaranteed standards of supply and price protection.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to mitigate the exposure of heat network consumers to volatility in wholesale gas markets, given they are not protected by a domestic price cap.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate his department makes of the number of retrofits underway.

In 2025-2026 alone, we will be upgrading up to 300,000 homes, using around £1 billion of Warm Homes Plan money, and further support through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). This is more than double the number of home upgrades delivered in 2023/24.

On what date he will publish the Warm Homes Plan.

We are working across government on a comprehensive Warm Homes Plan to cut energy bills for good. We will publish more details soon.

What plans his Department has to include grants for replacement windows in the upcoming Warm Homes Plan.

The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future. We are investing £13.2 billion in the Warm Homes Plan over the Spending Review period (up to 2029/30). The government does not recommend specific measures for a household. Under the Warm Homes: Local Grant it is possible to install any RdSAP eligible measures that are non-fossil fuel and covered under the required standards. This includes energy performance and low carbon heating measures such as windows. Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.

How many heat pumps have been removed from homes in the last 12 months.

Schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offer a one-off, upfront grant payment to help property owners transition to low carbon heating. The scheme’s independent evaluation follows up with a sample of participants and the interim report published in January, found that 79% of property owners were satisfied with their low carbon heating system overall. Building regulations on the energy efficiency of buildings restrict the replacement of a heating system with a less efficient or higher emission system. There are currently no data available on heat pump systems which have been removed, including those which have reached the end of their lifecycle.

What steps his Department plans to take to support households with district heating with increases in energy costs.

The Government is introducing regulation in January 2026 which aims to provide district heating consumers with comparable protections to existing gas and electricity regulations. The heat network regulator, Ofgem, will have powers to investigate and intervene where heat network prices charged to consumers appear to be disproportionate or unfair. Ofgem’s regulatory oversight will be supplemented by statutory redress through the Energy Ombudsman who, from April 2025, will have the same powers to hear complaints and make legally binding decisions as they do in gas and electricity markets. Consumers will also be able to seek advice and advocacy assistance through Citizens Advice.