Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
First Report - Preparing for the winter
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
HC 1720
Published 23 September 2023
Recommendations
3
Accepted
Para 20
Extend Warm Home Discount to all low-income and fuel-poor households without first-come, first-served limits.
Recommendation
We recommend that, this winter, the Government works to extend the Warm Home Discount to low-income and fuel-poor households, especially giving consideration to those with disabilities and medical conditions. Discounts should not be based on a first come, first served …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated it had already reformed the Warm Home Discount scheme from winter 2022/23 to provide automatic rebates, remove 'first come, first served' aspects, and target low-income households. It also noted the scheme's extension to 2025/26 and continues to explore options for greater flexibility.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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6
Accepted
Para 30
Facilitate local authorities to share best practice in Household Support Fund delivery.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government facilitate local authorities to share best practice in delivering the Household Support Fund so that all local authorities, especially those that are smaller and more rural, may learn from those who have delivered this funding …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that the Department for Work and Pensions has already delivered a programme of knowledge-sharing and engagement events with Local Authorities for the Household Support Fund, including informational drop-in sessions and conference calls.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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9
Accepted
Para 37
Require energy companies to use contact empathy as a measure of customer service success.
Recommendation
We recommend that contact empathy be used as a measure of success in customer service provision by energy companies. This would help to rebuild trust in the sector.
Government Response Summary
The government highlighted Ofgem's Market Compliance Reviews (MCRs) as demonstrating a proactive approach to improving industry consumer standards, covering aspects like customer service and supporting vulnerable customers. It committed to continue working closely with Ofgem to ensure necessary changes are implemented.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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Conclusions (2)
2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 19
We were disappointed to learn that not all energy providers are required to offer this discount and that providers who do offer it have a limited number of discounts which are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Government Response Summary
The government details that it reformed the Warm Home Discount scheme in England and Wales from winter 2022 onwards to remove the 'first come first served aspect' and ensure all but the smallest suppliers must participate, expanding the scheme and increasing the rebate value.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
Smart meters are an important way of incentivising good energy use, providing consumers and companies with information that can help to lower a household’s consumption. Energy companies must accelerate the rollout of smart meters, possibly by offering financial incentives to customers or tying energy efficiency support with installation of a …
Government Response Summary
The government stated it has already implemented a four-year framework of minimum smart meter installation targets until 2025 and requires smart meter advice for households receiving energy efficiency funding. It also committed to consult on potential options to further incentivise or require smart meter installation for recipients of ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.