Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

If he will make an estimate of the number of households that are dependent on the Radio Teleswitch Service for energy meter connections in Poole constituency.

The Department does not hold constituency level data on remaining RTS meters, but we are regularly engaging with energy suppliers, Ofgem and the industry body Energy UK to review local plans for the switch-off. Energy suppliers have contacted all premises with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter ahead of the switch-off.

What assessment his Department has made with Ofgem of the potential impact of the RIIO2 price control on network company performance.

Through the price control, Ofgem regulates network company investments and sets a fair rate of return to ensure necessary investments can be made. Ofgem utilises a framework of incentives and penalties to drive up performance and is currently considering what changes may be required for future price controls to continue to improve network company performance.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by Citizens Advice entitled Debt to society: what the network companies should do with their windfall profits, published on 20 February 2025.

Ofgem recognised that recent higher than expected inflation increased equity value for network companies due to fixed-rate debt financing. In 2023, Ofgem consulted on options to address this and will change the way it regulates network company investment, deliverables and returns, to ensure this issue does not occur in the future. Ofgem considered reclaiming previous excess profits but decided against this to avoid raising the cost of capital and costs for consumers. Ofgem has made clear that it expects network companies to use any inflation benefit to accelerate network upgrades and find additional ways to support consumers struggling with bills.

What steps he is taking to prevent housing associations levying commercial rated energy costs onto residents for domestic usage.

Under the maximum resale price direction landlords cannot directly profit from re-selling energy to their tenants. There should therefore be no advantage to landlords for their tenants to have high bills. The previous Government ran a call for evidence on domestic consumers on non-domestic energy contracts. This showed that there is no single solution to address the multiple complex challenges faced by domestic consumers on non-domestic tariffs. The Government will continue to work with the regulator Ofgem and wider stakeholders on this issue.

What assessment he has made of the impact of hydrogen power plants as part of the UK's energy sector.

Hydrogen to power can play an important role in our electricity system at a range of scales. When connected to grid-scale hydrogen storage, it can provide low carbon inter-seasonal storage, whilst also providing a decarbonisation pathway for unabated gas.In December 2024 the government announced its intention to introduce a hydrogen to power business model to support accelerated deployment of hydrogen-fired power stations.This marks a key step in paving the way for Hydrogen to power to support delivery and maintenance of the Clean Power Mission and the UK’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Whether he plans to extend the Warm Home Discount beyond 2026.

The current Warm Home Discount scheme period comes to an end in March 2026. Since the scheme began in 2011, over £4 billion has been provided in support to eligible households. The Warm Home Discount is expected to support over 3 million households in Great Britain over winter 2024/25, funded through a levy on all domestic gas and electricity customers. It remains an important support mechanism as energy bills remain high. We will consult later this year on the future of the scheme beyond 2026.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Warm Home Discount to include all disabled members of an eligible household.

The Warm Home Discount currently focuses support towards those on lowest incomes who receive means-tested benefits and living in a property estimated to be relatively high cost to heat. The eligibility criteria are set to make best use of the data availab...

If he will make it his policy to introduce a permanent ban on the forced installation of prepayment meters.

Last year, Ofgem introduced stringent rules for the involuntary installation of prepayment meters. Under these new rules, energy suppliers are required to make at least 10 attempts to contact an indebted customer, carry out a site visit prior to involunta...

If he will make it his policy to abolish standing charges on energy bills.

Standing charges cover the costs energy suppliers take on to provide consumers with electricity. Although they are a commercial matter for suppliers, and are regulated by Ofgem, we know that too much of the burden of the bill is placed on standing charges...

How much funding he plans to provide for home insulation in each of the next three years; and if he will make it his policy (a) for all homes to have an efficiency rating of band C or higher

Funding announcements will be confirmed at the upcoming Spending Review.The government is considering options to ensure a fair, proportionate and affordable approach to improving the energy performance of owner-occupied homes. We will consult this year on...