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Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 19 December 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 January 2024. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 January 2024 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Energy: Prices

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the electricity and gas tariffs for both residential and business customers throughout the UK; and whether these respective tariffs are contributing to a lack of competitiveness of the UK against its major international competitors.

Answer

Gas prices for UK industrial users are among the cheapest in Europe. However, the UK’s industrial electricity prices are higher than those of comparable countries because the UK has spread electricity infrastructure costs more evenly between industry and households compared to other European countries.

Some energy and trade intensive industries that are particularly exposed receive energy price support.

For household customers, the price cap ensures that default tariffs in GB reflect the reasonable costs of supply.

Government also provided unprecedented levels of support to households and businesses across the UK last winter in response to global energy price spikes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1331
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Energy Prices Trade competitiveness
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk