Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Industrial Electricity Prices

Tuesday 15 July 2025 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Industrial energy prices have risen under the Conservative government.
  • Ofgem is developing blend-and-extend contracts to lower electricity costs.
  • Consultation is underway to regulate third-party intermediaries in the energy sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The UK’s industrial electricity prices are among the highest in Europe, impacting manufacturing businesses such as those in Wendy Morton's constituency.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to reduce electricity costs immediately

How: I Gently Remind The Right Hon. Member That Industrial Energy Prices Rocketed On The Conservatives’ Watch.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Energy Business & Trade
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.

Question

Visited a small manufacturing company where electricity represents the biggest cost. What measures are being taken to listen to and support such businesses?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to reduce electricity costs for SMEs

How: We Are Listening To Businesses

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Mike Reader Lab Northampton South
Brexit Energy
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.

Question

Industry voices call for closer alignment with the EU on emissions trading scheme. What more is the Department doing to bring this forward quickly?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or concrete steps

How: We Believe That Those Stronger Linkages Are The Right Thing To Do

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Science & Technology Energy Business & Trade
Context

Curtailment costs and optimal location of data centres are seen as ways to reduce energy bills for energy-intensive industries.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan or timeline

How: We Are Working Across Government

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)