Industrial Electricity Prices 2025-07-15
2025-07-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK’s industrial electricity prices are among the highest in Europe, impacting manufacturing businesses such as those in Wendy Morton's constituency.
UK’s industrial electricity prices are among the highest in Europe. The Government’s current policies fail to reduce costs for manufacturers, putting local jobs at risk. Will the Minister commit to introducing support that genuinely reduces electricity costs?
Industrial energy prices increased under the Conservatives, but the Government supports businesses through clean power initiatives and the British industrial competitiveness scheme. Measures include blend-and-extend contracts for lower prices and expanding ombudsman services to 99% of businesses with financial awards up to £20,000.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to reduce electricity costs immediately
I Gently Remind The Right Hon. Member That Industrial Energy Prices Rocketed On The Conservatives’ Watch.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Small manufacturing company C&M Precision Ltd in Sir John Whittingdale's constituency faces high electricity costs. The voice of SMEs is not being heard.
Visited a small manufacturing company where electricity represents the biggest cost. What measures are being taken to listen to and support such businesses?
Listening to business complaints, Ofgem is working on blend-and-extend contracts. Expanding the ombudsman service to 99% of businesses with awards up to £20,000. Consulted on regulation of third-party intermediaries to address broker issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to reduce electricity costs for SMEs
We Are Listening To Businesses
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee heard from industry that closer alignment with the EU is critical to reducing energy bills, recognised in the Government’s industrial strategy.
Industry voices call for closer alignment with the EU on emissions trading scheme. What more is the Department doing to bring this forward quickly?
Industry voices have called for closer alignment, particularly on the emissions trading scheme. Strong linkages will cut red tape at the border, protect consumers from higher costs, and boost trade and growth.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or concrete steps
We Believe That Those Stronger Linkages Are The Right Thing To Do
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Curtailment costs and optimal location of data centres are seen as ways to reduce energy bills for energy-intensive industries.
How can the co-location of new energy-intensive industry sectors with renewable sectors help reduce curtailment costs? What conversations have Ministers had about optimally locating data centres?
Collaboration across Government, including the AI Council and Department for Business and Trade, is ensuring co-ordination to support businesses on the ground in optimally locating data centres.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific plan or timeline
We Are Working Across Government
Response accuracy