Energy Security and Net Zero Committee to question Ofgem and Chair of Committee on Fuel Poverty – Wednesday 13 September
MPs are to question Ofgem as part of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s inquiry into preparing for the winter.
Meeting details
The Committee will hear from Ofgem Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley and other officials from the energy regulator on Wednesday morning before questioning Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty Caroline Flint in the afternoon.
The Committee will however no longer be hearing from a Government minister after newly-appointed ESNZ Secretary Claire Coutinho pulled out of a session scheduled with the previous Secretary of State.
Last week the Committee questioned consumer organisations and energy companies on the lessons that can be learnt from how the Government and industry reacted to the high cost of energy last winter and how bill payers can best be supported in the coming months.
The Committee heard of people facing increasing levels of debt and mental health issues, with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition warning that last winter there were 4,706 excess winter deaths caused by living in a cold damp home in England, Scotland and Wales, an increase from 3,186 excess winter deaths the year before.
Angus Brendan MacNeil MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, said:
“The harrowing stories from our witnesses last week of people disconnecting from energy supplies, forgoing hot water and turning to ovens to heat their homes, painted a stark picture of the impact of last winter’s sky-high energy bills. With a warning that the vulnerable have even less financial resilience to cope this time around, there could be even worse to come this year.
While we heard ideas from both support organisations and energy companies to support bill payers in the coming months - such as standing charge holidays, mandating smart meters and more targeted support through a social tariff - it would seem only so much can be done without intervention from those in charge.
We will be seeking answers from Ofgem but it is disappointing that the Government can find nobody from the ESNZ department to answer our questions and demonstrate that they do have a plan to help the many facing up to an incredibly harsh time this winter.”