The impacts of Storm Arwen were very unusual. All customers that lost their electricity supply were restored by the 8^th December.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has commissioned a post-incident review into Storm Arwen to identify lessons and best practice for communications, resourcing and system resilience. This will include a review of communications between Government, power distribution companies and the public.

As the independent regulator for energy, Ofgem has also announced it will undertake a review into the impact of Storm Arwen. This will focus on the role of the network companies in maintaining the resilience of the system and their emergency response, including their communications with customers.

The Government believes competition is the best driver of value and innovation in the energy market, giving households and businesses the best deals.

Together with Ofgem, the Government is considering what reforms are needed to improve competition and resilience in the energy retail market. In considering these reforms, the Government will take account of the lessons learned from the current market.

The Government is also working with the energy industry to put it on a more stable footing in the longer-term. This includes continuing to build a robust domestic renewable energy sector so that Government is less exposed to global volatility in natural gas supply and demand.

A specific assessment of this sort has not been carried out by Government, as far as can be established. Compensation in this type of circumstance is likely to be a civil matter between the relevant parties.

The utilities are taking measures to support customers whose ability to pay their bills is being impacted.

In energy, all domestic energy suppliers have agreed to a set of principles to support energy customers impacted by Covid-19. These principles include the suspension of energy credit meter disconnections and support for prepayment meter customers to stay on supply.

All of the UK's major internet service and mobile providers have committed to working with customers who find it difficult to pay their bill as a result of Covid-19 to ensure that they are treated fairly and are appropriately supported.

In the water sector, existing legislation means water companies cannot disconnect household water supply if consumers are unable to pay their bills.

Government is liaising closely with energy suppliers and relevant trade bodies about support to all of their customers, and in particular vulnerable customers, during this period. Businesses in the hospitality sector that have concerns about being able to pay their utility bills should speak to their energy supplier about payment terms.

The Government wants to deliver better journeys for drivers. Utility works are essential, but they should not be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Whilst we are satisfied that the regulatory arrangements are working well, we continue to keep them under review to modernise and update legislation and statutory guidance where necessary, and where it will lead to improvements in the way that these works are managed.

Recent examples include a consultation on lane rental powers published on 2^nd September. Lane rental allows local authorities to charge utility companies for works on the busiest roads at the busiest times. We will shortly be publishing updated statutory guidance relating to inspections. In 2015, we updated regulations and guidance on permit schemes that are now in place in almost 60% of local authority areas and which are resulting in more effective management of street works and reductions in their duration. We continue to work with stakeholders to encourage more local authorities take up and adopt permit schemes.