House of Commons · Bill Debate
17 October 2022 · 17 other contributors
Opened by Jacob Rees-Mogg Con North East Somerset
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about energy bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves the Bill, emphasising the urgency of addressing the global energy crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Proposes immediate support through an energy price guarantee to mitigate rising costs for families and businesses until March 2023, with average household bills capped at £2,500 per year.
Supports the Bill's provisions to mitigate energy costs for families and businesses affected by the global crisis.
Raises concerns about off-grid homes facing higher energy costs due to rising oil prices, questioning if equivalent support will be provided.
Questions the certainty of support after April and inquires about expected average household bills post-April, highlighting potential financial strain on families.
Highlights the uncertainty for large households with high energy usage and questions how to communicate energy conservation messages effectively across the country.
Expresses concern for working poor individuals facing cumulative financial burdens and seeks reassurance on their protection under the proposed measures.
The right hon. Member Sammy Wilson acknowledges the efforts of the Secretary of State in addressing energy issues, particularly in Northern Ireland. He seeks assurance that 60% of consumers who can benefit from the discount will not be delayed by companies unable to provide it immediately.
The hon. Member John Redwood inquires about long-term domestic capacity investment signals and incentives, ensuring temporary subsidies do not hinder the necessary investment for future energy security.
The hon. Member Caroline Lucas seeks to intervene on the Secretary of State regarding an unspecified issue but does not provide further details in the given text.
Miliband supports the Bill but criticises the Government's lack of clarity and direction. He raises concerns about off-grid households, delays in implementing a windfall tax on energy companies, and questions the fairness of the fossil fuel super-deduction policy compared to renewables.
[Intervention] Explained that energy companies have sold their electricity forward, hence the profit is not accruing on current prices.
Welcomes the Government's announcement but raises concerns about indefinite continuation of the scheme. He advocates for targeted support and more domestic energy production to reduce reliance on imports, while also expressing concern over long-term market distortions.
Critiques the rushed nature of the emergency legislation, highlighting that support is only for six months instead of two years. Raises concerns about misleading statements made by the Prime Minister regarding household energy costs. Emphasises the significant increase in bills compared to previous caps and expresses worry over future fuel poverty rates despite government support. Points out disparities between Scotland's renewables sector and oil/gas tax treatment, stressing the need for proper examination of revenue cap mechanisms to avoid disincentivising renewable investments. Criticises the level of power given to Ministers without parliamentary scrutiny.
Supports the measure as essential for affordability but expresses concerns over Henry VIII powers in clauses 13, 21 and 22. Argues these clauses give too much power to Ministers to intervene in Ofgem's operations and could discourage investment due to uncertain regulatory environment. Stresses the need for significant sunset clauses on these powers. Also criticises the continued existence of the energy price cap without a sunset clause.
Asserts that capping revenues for renewable and nuclear companies is effectively a windfall tax on these industries. Criticises government policy of allowing oil/gas companies to make excess profits without similar restrictions, highlighting lower UK taxes compared to global standards. Calls for explanation from the Minister regarding compensation given to oil/gas companies but not renewables. Points out the consequences of past failure in investing adequately in renewable energy.
Expresses concern over lack of support for rural off-grid households and on-grid users. Highlights that heating oil costs have nearly doubled, leading to an additional £1200 expense per household compared to last year. Criticises the scheme's complexity and questions its effectiveness in assisting those who need it most. Suggests extending windfall tax on energy companies for more responsible assistance.
Laments the Government's chaotic handling of finances and predicts dire fuel poverty this winter affecting 7 million homes. Cites expert opinion stating that children may die due to lack of heating during winter. Criticises the Government for supporting new oil and gas extraction rather than investing in cheaper renewables, emphasising the need for urgent action on climate change.
Critiques the Government's decision to cancel the two-year energy price guarantee despite warnings about pensioner suffering. Questions why working-class people must bear the burden of 'tough decisions' while the wealthiest remain unaffected. Advocates for a windfall tax on energy companies set to make £170 billion in excess profits and raises concerns over fossil fuel interests funding the Conservative party.