Written questions by Aquarone.

What discussions he has had with cabinet colleagues about the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on the energy transition and net-zero.

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications. Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of Clean Power 2030.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of signal issues on smart meters on reducing energy bills.

The Government is working closely with the Data Communications Company (DCC) - the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain - to ensure that connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties as soon as possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN which involves using customers’ broadband connections (with consent) to carry smart metering communications. Smart Meters are helping millions of consumers save money (households saved an estimated £700 million on bills in 2025 by managing energy usage using smart meters), whilst also supporting the delivery of Clean Power 2030.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of electricity connection charges on investment in renewable energy (a) small businesses and (b) farms.

Ofgem is responsible for the connection charging regulatory framework, which strikes a balance between recovering costs from connecting customers and electricity bill payers. In recent years Ofgem has reduced the connection costs that customers face, for example demand customers are typically not now required to contribute towards distribution network reinforcement costs of accommodating their connection.

What support his Department provides to the baking industry to decarbonise.

Businesses in the baking industry can benefit from the Climate Change Agreements scheme, which provides Climate Change Levy discounts of up to 92% in return for improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions. More broadly, our Clean Power by 2030 mission is working to reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuels and lower electricity costs for businesses. We are also continuing to develop policies to bring down electricity costs relative to gas and intend to consult on options to make electrification an economically rational choice for a wide range of businesses.In due course, we will also set out a clear plan for industrial decarbonisation to support a competitive low‑carbon industrial base and to ensure growth opportunities are realised alongside emissions reductions.

By what route installers can access funding under the extended ECO4 scheme.

Installers participate in the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and access funding only by delivering measures on behalf of obligated energy suppliers. ECO4 is not government‑funded, rather suppliers pay for installations and recover costs through their customers’ bills. To work under ECO4, installers must be TrustMark‑registered and comply with relevant standards for installing energy efficiency measures. Suppliers decide with which installers they contract.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues attending the UK-EU summit on 19 May 2025 on access to a cross-border carbon storage market.

As part of the EU Reset we are working with the EU to identify areas to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit including on energy. We are aligned with the EU ambition to support industry to deploy CCUS at scale and we both see CCUS as essential to meeting our respective net zero emissions.We see a strong opportunity to collaborate with the EU on CCUS; our global early mover status, comparative regulatory regimes such as similar CO2 storage licensing and safety standards and our extensive offshore experience mean we can be a valuable partner to the EU. This includes establishing cross-border CO2 transport and storage networks across the continent.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the use of lower layer super output areas to define eligible postcodes for the Warm Homes Local Grant; and whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of that criteria in supporting households in poverty.

Lower layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) have been used to identify Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Income Decile 1-2 eligible postcodes for the Warm Homes: Local Grant. The IMD Income Deprivation domain measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income. Income Decile 1 represents the most economically deprived areas of the country and 10 the least. I am therefore confident that use of IMD Income Deciles 1-2 to establish income eligibility for Warm Homes: Local Grant maintains a focus on low-income households. It will also support area-based delivery by Local Authorities – who have welcomed this eligibility route.

Whether he plans to publish an updated Community Benefits Protocol for England.

The Government is planning to publish updated community benefits guidance for onshore wind in England in due course.