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Sutton Decentralised Energy Network
04 February 2022
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ClimateStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about sutton decentralised energy network in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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
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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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.