UK Gas market - BEIS Committee questions Kwasi Kwarteng
21 September 2021
On Wednesday morning from 10.30am, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee will be holding an evidence hearing examining the current issues affecting the UK gas market and Government measures to support the energy industry and protect consumers.
The BEIS Committee will be questioning witnesses from the regulator Ofgem, trade body Energy UK, and fuel poverty charity National Energy Action.
From 11.30am, the BEIS Committee will be questioning Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State.
Purpose of the session
The session will examine a selection of the issues raised by rising gas prices, including potential measures to protect consumers, the role of the regulator, support for British energy companies, and the effects on industry and consumers of recent gas price hikes.
Chair's comment
Ahead of the session, Darren Jones, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said:
“Gas price hikes are already having a significant impact on industry, raising major concerns for millions of households who face rising bills, and posing serious questions about the resilience of the UK energy market.
Given these pressures, and the range of measures which Ministers are considering to support the energy industry, it’s important we hear directly from the Secretary of State on the detail of the Government’s approach and what financial measures have been approved by the Chancellor.
We will also want to question Ofgem on their role, hear directly from the energy industry, and understand what low-income households need to help them from the fall-out of these energy price rises.”
Witnesses
Wednesday 22 September 2021
10.30am:
- Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK
- Jonathan Brearley, CEO, Ofgem
- Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action – witnesses giving evidence virtually
11.30am:
- Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – giving evidence in person
- Joanna Whittington, Director General for Energy and Security, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Further information
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