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
4
Acknowledged
Para 24
Implement a social tariff and efficiency measures for vulnerable households, streamlining existing schemes.
Recommendation
We urge the Government and energy suppliers to consider implementing a form of social tariff and other measures to protect vulnerable households from being cut off from their energy supplies. We note the challenges vulnerable households can face in benefiting …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated it is exploring options for consumer protection and that there is no consensus on what a social tariff entails. It highlighted existing cost-of-living payments and energy efficiency schemes, and committed to a consultation on the Fuel Poverty Strategy for England in early 2024.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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11
Acknowledged
Para 39
Mandate Ofgem and energy companies to adopt a proactive culture improving consumer standards.
Recommendation
Ofgem and energy companies need to adopt a more proactive culture in improving industry consumer standards. Energy companies should not wait to be enforced to certain standards by Ofgem but should be innovating to improve customer satisfaction and attract more …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges its focus on improving consumer standards and states that Ministers have engaged with energy suppliers and Ofgem to foster a proactive culture, while highlighting Ofgem's past Market Compliance Reviews which led to improvement plans and fines for underperforming suppliers.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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Conclusions (1)
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 38
While we welcome the forthcoming set of consumer standards, we are disappointed that Ofgem did not anticipate the need for significant improvements ahead of this winter. Introducing them from December 2023 will likely be too late to see significant 12 Preparing for the winter differences made this winter. We also …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges its focus on improving consumer standards and states that Ministers have engaged with energy suppliers and Ofgem to foster a proactive culture, while highlighting Ofgem's past Market Compliance Reviews which led to improvement plans and fines for underperforming suppliers.