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Select Committee · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee

Preparing for the winter

Status: Closed Opened: 7 Jul 2023 Closed: 5 Mar 2024 9 recommendations 3 conclusions 1 report

This inquiry will seek to get a quick update on the lessons learned by the Ofgem, the Government and energy companies last winter on how to support people through the coldest part of the year. It will also examine the crucial element of customer service by energy companies in helping customers in need to navigate … Show more

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Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Preparing for the winter HC 1720 23 Sep 2023 12 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

3 items
7 Recommendation First Report - Preparing for the winter Deferred

Mandate energy suppliers provide enhanced support, time, and attention to all customers, especially vulnerable groups.

We recommend that Ofgem consider how it should mandate that all customers, and particularly vulnerable groups, get more time, better attention and continuity of support from their energy supplier.

Government response AI summary
The government provided no specific response to this recommendation, addressing it as part of a grouped response with subsequent recommendations.
Read full response →
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
8 Recommendation First Report - Preparing for the winter Deferred

Require energy companies to provide priority phonelines for intermediaries supporting vulnerable clients.

We recommend that energy companies be required to provide, on request, a priority phoneline for trusted intermediaries, charities and consumer organisations to access support for their clients over the winter months. This should be implemented ahead of this winter. Read more

Government response AI summary
The government provided no specific response to this recommendation, addressing it as part of a grouped response with subsequent recommendations.
Read full response →
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
12 Recommendation First Report - Preparing for the winter Deferred

Require Government to revise unfair standing charge structure with a consumption-based tariff model.

The current standing charge structure is unfair and regressive and penalises those on lower incomes or who are actively reducing their energy usage. The Government should engage with Ofgem to: • revise the standing charge model and replace it with a rising block tariff (also known as a consumption-based tariff) … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government stated it had already acted to level prepayment and direct debit standing charges until March 2024, and welcomed Ofgem's commitment to find a permanent solution. It largely deflected the core recommendations on revising the standing charge structure to Ofgem, noting Ofgem's ongoing call …
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Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
13 Sep 2023 Cathryn Scott · Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley · Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Neil Kenward · Ofgem, Rohan Churm · Ofgem View ↗
6 Sep 2023 Adam Scorer · National Energy Action, Chris Norbury · E.ON UK, Chris O'Shea · Centrica (British Gas), Gillian Cooper · Citizens Advice, Matthew Cole · Fuel Bank Foundation, Mr Simon Oscroft · So Energy, Philippe Commaret · EDF, Rachel Fletcher · Octopus Energy, Roni Marsh · South West London Law Centres (Member of End Fuel Poverty Coalition), Simon Francis · End Fuel Poverty Coalition View ↗

Who gave evidence

15 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Adam Scorer · Chief Executive National Energy Action 1
Cathryn Scott · Director of Enforcement and Emerging issues Ofgem 1
Chris Norbury · Chief Executive Officer E.ON UK 1
Chris O'Shea · Chief Executive Centrica (British Gas) 1
Gillian Cooper · Head of Energy Policy Citizens Advice 1
Jonathan Brearley · Chief Executive Ofgem 1
Jonathan Brearley · Permanent Secretary Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 1
Matthew Cole · Head Fuel Bank Foundation 1
Mr Simon Oscroft · Co-founder So Energy 1
Neil Kenward · Director for Strategy and Interim Director for Ma… Ofgem 1
Philippe Commaret · Managing Director, Customers EDF 1
Rachel Fletcher · Director of Regulation and Economics Octopus Energy 1
Rohan Churm · Interim Director of Financial Resilience and Cont… Ofgem 1
Roni Marsh · Money and Cost of Living Team Manager South West London Law Centres (Member of End Fuel Poverty Coalition) 1
Simon Francis · Co-ordinator End Fuel Poverty Coalition 1