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Written question asked by Markus Campbell-Savours (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Electricity: Standing Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of recent increases in electricity standing charges for business customers in Cumbria on businesses; and what steps he is taking to ensure charges are proportionate.

Answer

Levels of standing charges in the non-domestic market are a commercial decision for suppliers, who typically set their prices based on network charge differences, leading to regional variations in electricity standing charges.

Nonetheless, the Government understands that for too many consumers, too much of the burden of the bill is placed on standing charges and is committed to lowering the cost of standing charges. Ofgem have recently launched a Cost Allocation Recovery Review to review how ‘fixed’ costs should be recovered in the future energy system. This includes whether costs could be recovered from consumers, including businesses in more progressive and fairer ways.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5840
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Business Cumbria Electricity Standing charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk