The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has responded to an online petition calling on the UK Government to require all energy firms to offer a fixed monthly rate for older people and those with a disability. More than 13,300 people showed support for the proposal, posted by William Conway on the official petitions-parliament website.
In its response on Thursday, the department said that options are being considered to be put in place from April 2024. It added that as part of the process, it is working with disability organisations, “assessing the need for specific support for vulnerable people”.
It added that its objectives will be to “deliver a fair deal for consumers, ensure the energy market is resilient and investable over the long-term, and support an efficient and flexible energy system”. It also said that the UK Government intends to open a consultation on the new approach this summer.
The official response on petitions-parliament said: “Although the Government does not determine the market price of energy, which is set by global market conditions, we are fully aware of the continued impact that high energy prices are having on all consumers.
“As part of its commitment to prioritising vulnerable people in response to these rises, the Government committed to providing support for families across the UK last winter through the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), which places a limit on the price households pay per unit of gas and electricity. This was pledged in the Government’s Autumn Statement published in November 2022.”
It highlighted how the £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee has been extended until the end of June, when prices are forecast to fall. And also the new raft of cost of living payments due to be made to millions of households across the country over the 2023/24 financial year to help with rising costs.
It also recognised that “some households include vulnerable people who may be elderly, be disabled or have a medical condition that leads to higher energy costs.”
It encouraged people to sign up to their energy providers Priority Services Register, which offers extra free services, such as help if there is a power cut.
The response continued: “Government officials are considering potential options, including discounted tariffs, for a new approach to consumer protection in energy markets that will apply from April 2024 as part of wider retail market reforms. As part of this work, the Government is working with disability organisations, assessing the need for specific support for vulnerable people.
“The objectives of this new approach will be to deliver a fair deal for consumers, ensure the energy market is resilient and investable over the long-term, and support an efficient and flexible energy system.
“As set out in the Energy Security Plan, the Government intends to consult in summer 2023 on options for this new approach that better targets support for those most in need (exact timing to be confirmed). This will give the public an opportunity to give feedback on proposed plans.”
You can read the full response from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero here.
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