Select committee: Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Conclusion 10
3rd Report - The cost of energy
Published 21 Oct 2026
Addressed to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee The cost of energy All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
Demand-side, or consumer-led, flexibility is key to keeping the expected rise in investment in the distribution network reasonable. However, the regulatory frameworks and systems needed to facilitate that are not yet in place, nor is the necessary deployment of automation, interoperability and smart meters. We are concerned that relying on voluntary participation will not deliver the necessary change and that the Government is not focussing on the heaviest users who could make the biggest difference. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
From: Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, 3rd Report - The cost of energy (HC 416), 21 October 2026
Government response
Government response awaited: deadline 21 December 2026.