Electricity

Questions the Minister about interim targets for upgrading homes to EPC band C, seeking definitions or criteria for practical, cost-effective and reasonable costs.

Welcomes the statutory instrument to extend the warm home discount for another year. Acknowledges the scheme's success over its 11-year history and mentions the £140 guaranteed rebate provided by the scheme. Expresses concern that the proposed legislation does not address longer-term plans outlined in the energy White Paper, such as an increase in funding to £150 and a targeted approach towards fuel poverty. Points out issues with the switching policy for suppliers above or below the 150,000 customer threshold and recommends reducing this threshold to ensure continuous entitlements. Supports continuation of industry initiatives under the warm home discount scheme and asks for clarity on whether individuals not qualifying under the new definition of fuel poverty will still receive support.

Rob Roberts supports the motion to tackle fuel poverty and extend the Warm Home Discount Scheme. He notes that while fuel poverty rates have fallen in Wales, there is a need for a UK-wide agreement on the definition of fuel poverty to better understand disparities across different regions. Roberts criticises the Welsh Government's lack of action despite setting targets multiple times which were not met. He emphasises the importance of schemes like the Warm Home Discount and welcomes changes that increase consumer protection and flexibility for energy companies.

Welcomes moves to alleviate fuel poverty but criticises the Government for not providing enough direct investment. Points out failures of previous schemes such as the green deal and highlights the importance of long-term funding. Emphasises that 3.5 million homes were in fuel poverty in 2018, a number which has likely increased due to the pandemic. Questions the Minister about the increase in funding from £354 million to £475 million and requests clarification on how this additional funding will be used. Expresses concern over the impact of energy bills on bill payers who are struggling financially. Calls for investment in energy-efficiency measures and suggests that Westminster should follow Scotland's lead by setting up an independent advice body and a national fuel poverty scheme.

Welcomes improvements to the Warm Homes Discount Scheme, noting its importance during financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. Expresses concern about the potential impact on vulnerable households if the scheme were not extended. Supports extending the warm homes discount scheme for at least a year but preferably until 2026 as per the Government's energy White Paper. Emphasises the need for social housing policies that require properties to be brought up to EPC band C, and calls for further support for individuals living in older houses during the transition to net zero emissions by 2050.

The Minister of State thanked hon. Members for their contributions, reassured the Member for Southampton, Test about the reforms targeting those in fuel poverty and protecting vulnerable recipients, acknowledged the challenge of finding a UK-wide definition of fuel poverty raised by the Member for Delyn, responded to questions on interim milestones within the fuel poverty strategy, expanded on investment in local authority schemes under the green homes grant scheme, discussed the importance of continuing the warm home discount scheme during challenging times, and outlined plans to extend the scheme until at least 2025-26 with an increase in spending to £475 million.

The Member raised concerns about how the £475 million figure was derived, questioning the significant increase from the previous year's allocation of £354 million.

The Member inquired about thresholds and obligations, particularly regarding how they might work out over the next year with the new scheme coming forward after the proposed consultation period.