Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Sutton Decentralised Energy Network

04 February 2022 · 0 other contributors

Opened by Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

EnergyEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Elliot Colburn raised concerns about sutton decentralised energy network in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raised concerns about frequent blackouts and high pricing in the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network since 2019.
  • Minister acknowledged residents' issues and outlined the Government's commitment to regulate heat networks for better consumer protections.
  • Government aims to introduce quality service standards, independent redress schemes, and price transparency measures for heat networks.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

The MP raised significant concerns about the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN), an energy project providing heating and hot water to properties in Hackbridge, New Mill Quarter. He detailed frequent blackouts impacting residents' daily lives since 2019, excessive pricing compared to market rates, lack of consumer protection due to monopolistic contracts, financial instability as revealed by a review, and environmental contradictions with SDEN's reliance on an incinerator. The MP urged the Government to regulate heat networks urgently for better consumer protections.

Government Response

Paul Scully

The Minister acknowledged residents' issues with SDEN, including frequent outages and high costs. He outlined the Government's commitment to regulating heat networks by this Parliament to ensure consumer protections, as part of net zero ambitions. This includes quality service standards, independent redress schemes, price transparency measures, and investment projects like the green heat network fund (GHNF). The Minister also noted that SDEN's reliability has improved since switching to a permanent heat source but expressed concern about vehicle movements and waste management issues. He emphasised the importance of local accountability for councillors serving residents' needs.

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