1-20 of 317 results for subject:Prices
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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the effect of electricity market reforms on competition in the energy retail market.
[118420]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the effect of electricity market reforms on competition in the energy retail market.
[118420]
The existing large energy companies will have a critical role in delivering the UK's security of supply and decarbonisation objectives. However, they cannot deliver all the investment we need—one of the key aims of electricity market reform is, therefore, to encourage new entrants to the wholesale market and new sources of finance. Wider participation and more diversity are key to a competitive market and we are also keen to see new players in the energy retail market. The Government will act where necessary to tackle any structural barriers to market entry that are not addressed through the actions taken by Ofgem.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from energy companies on the likely increase in costs to non-domestic energy customers arising from the prohibition of roll-over contracts.
[118120]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from energy companies on the likely increase in costs to non-domestic energy customers arising from the prohibition of roll-over contracts.
[118120]
DECC Ministers and officials receive a number of representations from energy companies about a range of issues.
Ofgem is responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity supply, including supply to the non-domestic sector. The use of a roll-over contract for non-domestic customers ensures there is no disruption to their electricity or gas supplies should they fail to notify their existing supplier that they wish to agree a new contract or switch to another supplier within the time limit set out in the terms of the contract. From January 2010, new rules introduced by Ofgem limit the period of rolled-over contract to 12 months.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of households likely to be net (a) gainers and (b) losers under current energy policies in 2020.
[117653]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of households likely to be net (a) gainers and (b) losers under current energy policies in 2020.
[117653]
DECC is transparent about the cost and expected impact of its policies on households. All policies are subject to Impact Assessments which are publicly available on the DECC website. DECC also publishes analysis of the estimated cumulative impact of policies on household energy bills each year alongside the Annual Energy Statement. The Estimated impacts of energy and climate change policies on energy prices and bills was last published in November 2011. This analysis includes information on the distributional bill impacts of policies across the household distribution.
Some policies—like those requiring products to be more efficient—are likely to bring benefits to the vast majority of households over the next decade.
By 2020, DECC also estimates that around 35% of households will benefit from one or more of the following: an insulation measure (partly or fully subsidised), small-scale renewable electricity measure in receipt of tariff payments or the warm home discount.
Policies such as cold weather payments and winter fuel allowance provide income benefits which are not reflected in bills and therefore additional to these.
The Government's energy policies also deliver important benefits to households through increased comfort, emissions reductions and benefits of security of energy supply, which cannot be captured in estimates which look only at bills.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the cost of domestic fuel bills at constant prices in (a) 2012, (b) 2013, (c) 2014, (d) 2015 and (e) 2016.
[117654]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the cost of domestic fuel bills at constant prices in (a) 2012, (b) 2013, (c) 2014, (d) 2015 and (e) 2016.
[117654]
DECC published estimates of average annual household energy (gas and electricity) bills in 2011, 2020 and 2030 alongside the Annual Energy Statement (AES) in November 2011. This analysis is available online at:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/aes/impacts/impacts.aspx
DECC has committed to updating these estimates annually as part of the AES.
The main driver of movements in energy bills over the next few years is likely to remain fossil fuel prices, which are volatile. The estimated changes in energy bills over time presented in this report are a reasonable assessment of the trends over the period given the assumptions about future fossil fuel prices and the estimated impact of climate change and energy policies on prices and consumption. In reality, however, other factors will also drive changes in energy bills (largely through consumption), most notably annual changes in weather and consumer tastes. For the purpose of this analysis, the impacts of these other factors have not been captured in our energy bills estimates.
The following table presents a time series of estimated average household energy bills (in real 2010 prices) in each year from 2012 to 2016 consistent with the published analysis and based on DECC's central scenario for fossil fuel prices. These figures also include the estimated impact of Government policies consistent with this scenario:
| Estimated
average household energy (gas and electricity) bills (real 2010
prices) | |
| Average
household energy (gas + electricity) bills (real 2010 prices)
(£) | |
| 2012 | 1,320 |
| 2013 | 1,363 |
| 2014 | 1,408 |
| 2015 | 1,402 |
| 2016 | 1,402 |
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to reform the differential cost of electricity rates between English regions; and if he will make a statement.
[117922]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to reform the differential cost of electricity rates between English regions; and if he will make a statement.
[117922]
Several factors drive the differential cost of electricity rates between English regions. The most significant is the different levels of investment in, and operation, of the local distribution and high voltage transmission networks in each region which can affect costs and hence network charges.
Network charges are a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator of the gas and electricity markets. All network companies are incentivised by Ofgem to operate efficiently. These incentives and the performance of network companies against them are regularly monitored by Ofgem.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish an index of (a) domestic energy prices, (b) domestic gas prices and (c) domestic electricity prices for each year since 2007.
[116868]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish an index of (a) domestic energy prices, (b) domestic gas prices and (c) domestic electricity prices for each year since 2007.
[116868]
DECC publishes annual and quarterly indices for domestic energy, gas and electricity in Table 2.1.1 of the publication Quarterly Energy Prices, available on the DECC website:
http://www.decc.gov.uk/media/viewfile.ashx?filepath=statistics/source/prices/qep211.xls&filetype=4&minwidth=true
A summary table is provided for reference:
| Indices
for domestic gas, electricity and energy on 2005=100 base year, current
terms | |||
| Gas | Electricity | Energy
(fuel and
light) | |
| 2007 | 142.1 | 131.4 | 133.4 |
| 2008 | 170.1 | 151.9 | 158.7 |
| 2009 | 193.5 | 158.8 | 168.6 |
| 2010 | 182.0 | 154.9 | 164.0 |
| 20
J1 | 201.4 | 166.1 | 181.4 |
Real terms data are available in Table 2.1.2 of the above publication, with monthly data in Table 2.1.3 on the DECC website.
DECC publishes low, central and high projections for long-term trends in world oil and gas prices. In 2011 prices, our central scenario is for oil to rise to $130 per barrel by 2030 and for gas to rise to a high of over 80p per therm in the middle of this decade, before falling back to settle at about 70p per therm.
DECC publishes low, central and high projections for long-term trends in world oil and gas prices. In 2011 prices, our central scenario is for oil to rise to $130 per barrel by 2030 and for gas to rise to a high of over 80p per therm in the middle of this decade, before falling back to settle at about 70p per therm.
We are already seeing some decoupling. We have seen a decoupling of the oil price from the gas price. We are expecting to see that gas will be an important source of generation in its own right, but that it will also have a very important future in providing back-up to renewable generation, which will inevitably be intermittent in most areas.
We are already seeing some decoupling. We have seen a decoupling of the oil price from the gas price. We are expecting to see that gas will be an important source of generation in its own right, but that it will also have a very important future in providing back-up to renewable generation, which will inevitably be intermittent in most areas.
Does the Minister see a time coming when we can decouple fossil fuel prices from low-carbon production prices?
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on the regulatory response to recent changes in the cost of energy for domestic use; and if he will make a statement.
[116871]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on the regulatory response to recent changes in the cost of energy for domestic use; and if he will make a statement.
[116871]
DECC Ministers meet with Ofgem officials on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues.
Electricity and gas pricing for domestic households is a commercial matter for the companies concerned. It is for Ofgem, as the independent regulator of the gas and electricity markets, to consider whether further regulatory protection is required.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of non-domestic energy users whose contracts are rolled over at the point of renewal.
[114894]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of non-domestic energy users whose contracts are rolled over at the point of renewal.
[114894]
DECC does not hold the information requested.
Ofgem is responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity supply, including supply to the non-domestic sector. If a non-domestic customer does not notify their existing supplier that they wish to agree a new contract or switch to another supplier within the time limit set out in the terms of the contract, the supplier will roll over the contract for a further 12 months. This ensures that the non-domestic customer continues to receive their energy supply.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure that more business customers are made aware of (a) the contract end dates for their energy contracts and (b) the difference in price between their current and proposed renewal rates.
[114895]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure that more business customers are made aware of (a) the contract end dates for their energy contracts and (b) the difference in price between their current and proposed renewal rates.
[114895]
Ofgem is responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity supply, including supply to the non-domestic sector.
Existing rules, which protect micro-business customers, require suppliers to provide clear and transparent contract terms and conditions, including sending the customer a reminder at least 30 calendar days before their existing contract is due to end and details of renewal prices.
Earlier this year, Ofgem consulted on proposals to extend the existing protection on contractual terms and conditions to larger small business customers. Ofgem is considering consultation responses and plans to bring forward further proposals early next year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the number of consumers switching energy providers following the launch of his Department's Check, Switch, Insulate and Save campaign.
[114280]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the number of consumers switching energy providers following the launch of his Department's Check, Switch, Insulate and Save campaign.
[114280]
Ofgem is responsible for collecting data on switching.
The average number of customers who switched from one supplier to another during each quarter of 2011 (latest data to be published) is shown in the following table:
| 2011 | Electricity | Gas |
| Quarter
1 | 331,000 | 266,000 |
| Quarter
2 | 370,000 | 271,000 |
| Quarter
3 | 396,000 | 318,000 |
| Quarter
4 | 305,000 | 235,000 |
The Check, Switch and Insulate to Save campaign was launched in October 2011, but between July and December 2011 five of the large energy suppliers suspended their doorstep sales activities which is likely to have had a significant negative impact on switching levels.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer of 16 May 2012, Official Report, column 563, on energy bills, what protection in addition to that provided by the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 consumers will have following the deal secured with the big...
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer of 16 May 2012, Official Report, column 563, on energy bills, what protection in addition to that provided by the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 consumers will have following the deal secured with the big...
The agreements secured by the Deputy Prime Minister with each of the major energy suppliers are voluntary and do not affect statutory protections. One of the key aims of each agreement is to ensure suppliers are taking more proactive steps to help customers to be on the best tariff for them.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to paragraph three on his Department's consultation on a proposed new power for Ofgem to compel regulated energy businesses to provide redress to consumers, what estimate his Department has made of the number of consumers who have...
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to paragraph three on his Department's consultation on a proposed new power for Ofgem to compel regulated energy businesses to provide redress to consumers, what estimate his Department has made of the number of consumers who have...
Consumers who are dissatisfied with their energy company's response to their complaint can refer the matter to the energy ombudsman. The ombudsman received 7,201 complaints about energy suppliers and distributors in 2011-12. This figure is likely to be significantly higher than the number of court actions brought by individuals against their energy supplier, given the greater cost and complexity of pursuing such matters in the courts.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, when he plans to make an assessment of the effect of commitments by energy suppliers to help their customers identify best tariff...
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, when he plans to make an assessment of the effect of commitments by energy suppliers to help their customers identify best tariff...
DECC is discussing the details of the implementation of the agreement that the Deputy Prime Minister reached with energy suppliers, including how best to measure the impact of the commitments.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April on energy bills, whether the annual communication from energy suppliers to help their customers identify the new best tariff options will quote pounds saved depending...
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April on energy bills, whether the annual communication from energy suppliers to help their customers identify the new best tariff options will quote pounds saved depending...
DECC is discussing the details of the implementation of the agreement that the Deputy Prime Minister reached with energy suppliers. The agreement does not specify the detail of the agreed annual communication to help customers identify the best tariff option for them. Ofgem are also considering a number of proposals relating to information on energy bills as part of their retail market reforms.
(2) whether the second communication each year from energy suppliers for the most vulnerable customers assisted by the Warm Home Discount helping them on to the best tariff for them will quote pounds saved depending on payment method and tariff based on the customer's actual usage over a 12-month period...
(2) whether the second communication each year from energy suppliers for the most vulnerable customers assisted by the Warm Home Discount helping them on to the best tariff for them will quote pounds saved depending on payment method and tariff based on the customer's actual usage over a 12-month period...
DECC is discussing the details of the implementation of the agreement that the Deputy Prime Minister reached with energy suppliers. The agreement does not specify the detail of the agreed annual communication to help customers identify the best tariff option for them. Ofgem are also considering a number of proposals relating to information on energy bills as part of their retail market reforms.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, whether he has agreed a definition with energy suppliers of what constitutes a best tariff.
[112385]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, whether he has agreed a definition with energy suppliers of what constitutes a best tariff.
[112385]
DECC is discussing the details of the implementation of the agreement that the Deputy Prime Minister reached with energy suppliers. The use of the term ‘best tariff’ rather than cheapest tariff recognises that while wanting the best possible deal, consumers may have different preferences, (for example around payment method, fixed, variable or capped rate or green tariffs) which may mean their preferred tariff is not the cheapest.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, when he will make an assessment of energy suppliers' implementation of commitments to help customers identify the best tariff options.
[112386]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of 11 April 2012 on energy bills, when he will make an assessment of energy suppliers' implementation of commitments to help customers identify the best tariff options.
[112386]
DECC is discussing the details of the implementation of the agreement that the Deputy Prime Minister reached with energy suppliers, including the agreements relating to helping customers identify best tariff options.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that energy tariffs are clear and comparable with each other.
[111490]
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that energy tariffs are clear and comparable with each other.
[111490]
Ofgem, the independent regulator of the gas and electricity markets, has consulted on proposals to simplify energy tariffs so that consumers can compare tariffs more easily. Ofgem is considering consultation responses and plans to bring forward further proposals before winter.