Preparing for winter: ESNZ Committee publishes Government response to report

15 December 2023

The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has today published the Government response to its report from the autumn which called for urgent action from Ministers, Ofgem and the energy industry to help households facing an apparently inevitable new winter crisis.

In response to a Committee recommendation that the Government should engage with Ofgem to revise the standing charge model, the energy regulator has launched a call for input from bill-payers, businesses and charities on what could replace it.

Among other wins for the Committee, the Government response also highlights the new rules implemented by Ofgem aimed at improving customer support from energy suppliers.

The response however makes no mention of any intention by Ministers to consult on the introduction of a social tariff or updating rules around eligibility for the Cold Weather Payment.

Chair's comment

Angus Brendan MacNeil MP, Chair of the ESNZ Committee, said:

“We welcome the fact that the Government and Ofgem have listened to the Committee and have opened the door to the process of replacing the standing charge with a much fairer system. The introduction of new rules designed to boost the accessibility of support for customers is also a good first step. But rules are one thing and action is another. With no commitment to establishing a dedicated telephone line for trusted intermediaries, the Committee will be expecting energy companies to tell us exactly how they are prioritising access to consumer support for those acting on behalf of vulnerable customers.”

The Committee is currently seeking views on the standing charge and social tariff as part of its inquiry examining the process of billing customers for their gas and electricity, looking at whether the rules on charging for energy are fair for all.

Further information

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